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Thoughts in Worship 8.15.2016
Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, August 15, 2016
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” (John 4:9).
God with us. What came to your mind when you read the previous three words? Did you think of God’s love? Did you think of the many times you felt lonely, and the only One who seemed to be interested in your wellbeing was Jesus? Did you think of the blessing His friendship is?
When you have an opportunity, please read the entire story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. You will soon discover that He orchestrated His encounter with the unsuspecting woman for the sole purpose of connecting her with eternity with His Father through the Holy Spirit.
You see, during Jesus’ time the Jews had so separated themselves from others that it was nigh impossible to fathom a Jewish leader to associate with Gentiles, eunuchs, or women. They would not eat with tax collectors or sinners. To them, having these kinds of close associations signified agreement with their practices. But Jesus was a paradigm changer. He magnified the principle in Isaiah 56 and other places that anyone could be saved if they surrendered their will to God. The only way a person could move from a life of darkness into God’s marvelous light is through the influence His people bring to the table. If a murderer is to be saved from his destructive lifestyle, somebody who loves God must carry the message to him. If a prostitute or wife beater is to be saved from their sordid lifestyles, it is likely going to be effected through the living testimony of those who are themselves being delivered from bondage to sin. So Jesus’ meeting with this woman was a way to shine a light on her path to holiness. It was Jesus’ way of coming alongside someone with a deep need to be elevated and providing the impetus for that change. He said that if any person imbibed His essence, they would never hunger or thirst again!
How is it with you? Do you live the God with us principle? Do you hitch yourself to God’s wagon so you can be of service to others? This is the question with which we all must contend. God has been so good to us all that surrendering our lives to Him and helping others do the same is the best thanks we can give. God is building a massive kingdom of people who know what it is to have been lost, with no hope, who have become ambassadors to those in that same situation. He is building His kingdom so large that it has room for anybody willing to accept the invitation by faith. Do not let others go in without you. Or, better yet, do not go in without bringing many others with you.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)
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Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, August 15, 2016
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” (John 4:9).
God with us. What came to your mind when you read the previous three words? Did you think of God’s love? Did you think of the many times you felt lonely, and the only One who seemed to be interested in your wellbeing was Jesus? Did you think of the blessing His friendship is?
When you have an opportunity, please read the entire story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. You will soon discover that He orchestrated His encounter with the unsuspecting woman for the sole purpose of connecting her with eternity with His Father through the Holy Spirit.
You see, during Jesus’ time the Jews had so separated themselves from others that it was nigh impossible to fathom a Jewish leader to associate with Gentiles, eunuchs, or women. They would not eat with tax collectors or sinners. To them, having these kinds of close associations signified agreement with their practices. But Jesus was a paradigm changer. He magnified the principle in Isaiah 56 and other places that anyone could be saved if they surrendered their will to God. The only way a person could move from a life of darkness into God’s marvelous light is through the influence His people bring to the table. If a murderer is to be saved from his destructive lifestyle, somebody who loves God must carry the message to him. If a prostitute or wife beater is to be saved from their sordid lifestyles, it is likely going to be effected through the living testimony of those who are themselves being delivered from bondage to sin. So Jesus’ meeting with this woman was a way to shine a light on her path to holiness. It was Jesus’ way of coming alongside someone with a deep need to be elevated and providing the impetus for that change. He said that if any person imbibed His essence, they would never hunger or thirst again!
How is it with you? Do you live the God with us principle? Do you hitch yourself to God’s wagon so you can be of service to others? This is the question with which we all must contend. God has been so good to us all that surrendering our lives to Him and helping others do the same is the best thanks we can give. God is building a massive kingdom of people who know what it is to have been lost, with no hope, who have become ambassadors to those in that same situation. He is building His kingdom so large that it has room for anybody willing to accept the invitation by faith. Do not let others go in without you. Or, better yet, do not go in without bringing many others with you.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)