Your Identity in Christ
In Christ the great Shepherd, I’m a sheep of the One who gave His life for me and all people. In the faces of those people, I look to see my Lord Jesus and treat them as I would treat Him.
Pondering Point
Many of us can easily envision situations in life where supposedly needy people manipulate, mistreat, or take advantage of others. But as a general principle, it is a godly action to treat a person in need as if he or she were actually Jesus before us. Would you treat a needy Jesus poorly? If not, then don’t treat any needy person poorly. This is Jesus’ point.
Prayer
Lord, Lord, if You were standing in front of me in need, I would give You whatever I had at my disposal. At least I’d like to think I would. You know that I don't want to be taken advantage of. Develop in me a generous heart as well as a discerning spirit. I want to have Your Spirit Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of wanting to help others. That Spirit caused You to give up Your life. I want to have that kind of spirit too – in my life, in my lifestyle – not just in my words. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:1-8
- Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord. - Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart— - they do no wrong
but follow his ways. - You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed. - Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees! - Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands. - I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws. - I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commands.
The Promise
John 14:21
The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
Pondering Point
Per the dictionary, precepts (vs. 4) are general rules intended to regulate behavior or thought. Do you let God regulate your behavior and thoughts?