God
is not as interested in what we do for Him, as He is in who we are in Him. A
relationship is more important than a ministry (Matthew 22:36-40). It takes
more time and effort, but worth the price.
Our
human achievements do not impress Him and do not aid in our relationship or
walk with Him. If what we do is not motivated by God's Spirit and done with His
fruit-filled attitude, it is better left undone.
We
cannot control the thoughts and behavior of other people, although we often try
desperately to do so. The only one we have influence over by God's Spirit's
direction is our self.
It
is important to keep our focus and priorities spiritually minded and not blanketed
in carnality. This is only possible because Jesus purchased us by His blood and
God adopted us His children (1 John 3:1; John 8:44; Ephesians 2:3).
God, being a Trinity in nature
and function, is still one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). We are joint
heirs with Jesus of all that belongs to our Heavenly Father, which is hard to
completely comprehend (John 16:15).
Jesus has the same relationship
with our Father that we have with Jesus - He is in us and we are in Him, just
as God is in Jesus and Jesus is in God (John 10:38; John 14:10, 23).
Jesus loves us as much as the
Father loves Him (John 15:9). The Father loves us too, because we love Jesus
and believe that He came from God (John 16:27).
Prayer:
Father God, eternal life begins
when we come to know You and Jesus whom You sent (John 17:3). We are in Christ;
and therefore, in You (Romans 8:10-11). Jesus loves us even as You love Jesus (John
17:23). Jesus reveals You to whomever He chooses (Matthew 11:27). Through Jesus
we have access to You at any time or place (Ephesians 2:18).
Jesus was with You before the
world began (John 1:1-2). He made His appearance on the earth many times, even
before Abraham was born (John 8:58). You and Jesus are one. Once we see Jesus,
we have seen You (John 10:30, 14:5-14). We look forward in great anticipation
to living throughout eternity with You.
Thought for the Day:
Jesus is in us, and the Father is
in Jesus - so that we may be brought to complete unity as One Body; then the
world will know that God sent Jesus into the world.
- John 17:21; 1 Corinthians
1:30
