Week 5 | Day 1 | Beyond Fears and Feelings

Command:

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” Luke 14:35b (NIV)

Read:

Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches. Hebrews 10:24-25 (VOICE)

Reflect:

Living out the ways of Jesus is not always convenient nor comfortable for me. As a retiree, my life is full of family, gardening and other activities I enjoy at home. Especially as an introvert, I can easily talk myself into staying comfortably at home instead of ______ (fill in the blank: church, growth group, volunteering, serving). 

After a recent period where I actually did a lot of staying comfortable, the Holy Spirit and good friends nudged me to do better. In a time of prayer, the Lord put it on my heart to serve more both at church and in my community. Commitment beyond my convenience and comfort is the way of Jesus.

Billy Graham once said “When we come to Christ, we’re no longer the most important person in the world to us; Christ is. Instead of living only for ourselves, we have a higher goal: to live for Jesus.”

As I think back to times when I didn’t feel like attending my growth group, I’m reminded that every time I conquered my feelings, persevered and went, the Lord was faithful. The conversation was rich and full of encouragement and connection.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 (NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be committed to the ways of Jesus. God designed us to gather in worship, connection and service. As we persevere in following him, we honor God and can see the Lord at work both in our own lives and in the lives of others.

React:

How do your actions reflect your faith commitment? What is the Holy Spirit calling you to do beyond your comfort and convenience? Trust God. Persevere beyond your fears and feelings.

Pray:

Thank you, Lord, for the many times you have blessed me through the words and actions of those around me. Thank you for your faithfulness when I step beyond my fears and feelings. Help me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and trust you as I move forward towards connecting in community.