THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Lord, everyone needs a sense of belonging. Feeling left out can be devastating. Probably most folks want to belong to a group with whom they share common interests. Who doesn’t want to belong to a certain someone who makes your heart skip a beat. Some believe I belong in an institution, but that’s another prayer.

Here is good news that should make you wanna shout.

“There is now no condemnation for those who BELONG to Christ Jesus,” —Romans 8:1 (NLT).

Belonging involves responsibility. Just as my wife belongs to me, her well-being is my responsibility. I take care of her, meet her needs, provide and protect her in all circumstances, faithfully nourish her spiritually, and take the trash out on a regular basis.

Likewise, being a Christ follower and belonging to Jesus, He has promised to protect my spiritual well-being and to provide my needs. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus laid out in my responsibility as a Christ follower.

“Seek the Kingdom of God first above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need,”—Matthew 6:33 (NLT).

First and foremost, don’t think for a moment we can seek God’s Kingdom by our human strength alone. Because we belong to Christ Jesus, the moment we believed, He sent the Holy Spirit to come live inside us. God’s Spirit helps us ‘seek the Kingdom of God first above all else.’ The Holy Spirit’s responsibility is to lead us into all truth, (John 14:17). Our responsibility is to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, because He will lead me to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Lord, I’m eternally thankful I belong to You and Your Kingdom. Amen.