by George | Dec 21, 2020 | Community News
Abide
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Facebook memories are great, aren’t they?
If you’ve had a Facebook account for sometime, you probably know about Facebook memories. A whole section is devoted to the stuff you posted last year on this date.
So, the other day, Facebook reminded me of this post from a few years ago.
“My mind was preoccupied this morning thinking about the Christmas parties we are doing in the neighborhoods and about the Easter egg hunts coming up in March, when I heard this verse in my Spirit. “Abide in Me… Apart from Me you can do nothing.” It’s important to spend time at the Master’s feet… Abiding… Resting in Him. I felt a great peace come over me.”
For me, this was a timely reminder. We have crossed over into December and suddenly we are getting busier and busier.
We get so busy that we forget to start off our days with God. When this happens, I feel like I don’t have the energy and strength for the challenges ahead. I’ve become disconnected from the power source.
So, what does it mean to abide? Brad Baurain explains:
“Abide” is not a word we use much today, so translations often replace it with other words such as “remain,” “continue,” or even “reside.” Abide means to make a firm decision to “stay in place.” The key idea is that we “stick close” to Christ, understanding that our life and fruitfulness depend upon Him.”
So, let’s take a few moments with the Master, drawing on His strength. Carry on a conversation with God throughout the day. Keep abiding in Him!–
by George | Dec 18, 2020 | Community News
Set Apart
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 13:2
Set apart… If you’ve ever been to or participated in an ordination at church, you may have heard those words. “Brother Johnson has been set apart for the Gospel ministry.”
The Holy Spirit made it clear that Paul and Barnabas were called to do something for God. They were called to preach the Gospel but, they would have to do some traveling.
Paul and Barnabas didn’t get to stay in Jerusalem with the apostles.
The Bible seems to indicate that they didn’t waste any time.
“Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”
Acts 13:3-4
Notice that they prayed before and after the Holy Spirit’s calling. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s direction and power.
Paul and Barnabas could have said, “No fair! How come we don’t get to stay home like the other apostles? I wish I had their calling!”
Nope. They went. It was a hard journey, but they gave it their all, and God blessed their efforts.
Being set apart is not only for ordinations, but I think it can be applied to everyday life.
What is your “calling?”
God has something unique for you to do. You may already be doing it. You can thrive wherever He has planted you.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Walk in the path God has placed you in.
Don’t forget to seek His direction.
You have been “Set apart!”
by George | Dec 15, 2020 | Community News
One Thing
“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
What do you have to do today? Did you make a to do list? If so, I’ll bet it has a lot of tasks on there. Probably more than you can accomplish today.
That’s normal though. For some reason we push ourselves to get everything done. If there are items left on that list at the end of the day, we feel like we have failed.
I don’t think that pressure comes from God. It’s a man thing.
Martha seemed to have a long to do list. The Bible says she was “distracted with serving.”
She complained to Jesus that Mary was not doing her share of the work.
Can’t you hear the compassion in Jesus’ voice as He says:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Perhaps He is speaking to your busy, distracted soul today, reminding you that the most important THING is to spend time with the Lord.
Then, ask Him to prioritize your day. Don’t worry if you don’t get it all done!
