Year: 2015

People who looked to Jesus as their political savior were constantly befuddled by his choice of companions. He became known as a friend of tax collectors, a group clearly identified with the foreign exploiters, not the exploited. Though he denounced the religious system of his day, he treated a leader like Nicodemus with respect, and though he spoke against the dangers of money and of violence, he showed love and compassion toward a rich young ruler and a Roman centurion. In short, Jesus honored the dignity of people, whether he agreed with them or not. He would not found his kingdom on the basis of race or class or other such divisions. Anyone, even a half-breed with five husbands or a thief dying on a cross, was welcome to join his kingdom. The person was more important than any category or label.
–Philip Yancey

Jesus honored the dignity of all people, whether He agreed with them or not.
I am to be like Jesus.
I am to do the same.
All men are created in the image of God, and therefore have dignity and worth. May I always remember that when I look at people who are different than me. And may I strive to love them with the love of Christ – with compassion and kindness, seeking to be a friend to them.

The cross should be the only stumbling block any “outsider” would ever face when entering our churches. God’s Word gives clear space for the cross to offend. The church is not.
–Ed Stetzer & Thom Rainer

What prejudices, biases, or preferences do you hold that would keep you from welcoming someone into your life? God calls us to “be all things to all people” in order to save some. He tells us to live at peace with all men, as far as it is possible. We, the servants of God, those who know His love and compassion though we did not deserve it, we are the ones who are to bend over backwards for others, so that they can experience God’s love through us. The only thing that should possibly cause them to be offended is the message of the cross and the Lordship of Jesus, these are the things that many people find too difficult to accept. But other than that, it is our role to lay aside every prejudice, bias, and preference so that we can by all means save some by bringing them to Jesus!

God, remove from my heart and mind all things that would hinder me from leading someone to You. Help me to be willing to befriend everyone in order to help lead them toward Your great grace.

Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a scepter but a hoe.
–Bernard of Clairvaux

To serve God, you do not need to aspire to hold a king’s scepter, but a servant’s hoe. God is the only King – the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We are called to servanthood. So grab a hoe and get to work for Him.

How will you serve Him today?

Believe God’s word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences.
—Samuel Rutherford

Sometimes we think about God based more on our feelings than on His Word. His promises are true and never failing. Don’t believe your feelings (which often lie) over the Word of God (which never does). Our feelings about God are wrong if they stand in opposition to God’s Word.

I have heard people tell me that they felt God leading them to do _________ (fill-in-the-blank), but the thing that they shared with me that they were doing was contrary to what God commands in His Word. We can’t rip out pages, portions, or passages of the Bible just because we feel they should say something else. God’s Word has stood the test of time. Hold firmly to it, over your feelings and experiences, if you wish to see His power and experience true abundant living.

Would you like full joy?
The natural and expected result of prayer, in the Presence of God, is that healing love shall touch us all as we sit in our places. After all, prayer is conversing with God, and to converse with someone we must be with that person. And in His presence is fullness of joy.
–Rosalind Rinker

Have you spent significant time with God today?
Have you conversed with Him?
Have you been in His presence?

In His Presence you will find Fullness of Joy!