Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:14-16)
Raise a Thankful Heart
Let today be a reminder of this confounding thought that Jesus calls us friends. As you pray today, meditate on the thought that you know Jesus. Raise a thankful heart to God that someone took the time to tell you who Jesus is.
The relationship we have with Him is sometimes the thing we take for granted. It is a privilege and an undeserving gift to know Jesus, that God himself gave to us. Whether you grew up in church or just became a Christian, none of us chose Him. He chose us and thought of us first.
Being reminded of this and letting it seep into our hearts and minds, that our sweet Jesus calls us friends and loves us, brings such deep joy and an overwhelming feeling that bubbles in our hearts. I ask that whatever you are doing today, invite Jesus to be with you intentionally and make it a point to let Him join you in what you are doing.
Bearing Good Fruit
In this passage in John, it says that He appointed you to go and bear good fruit. We can only bear good fruit if we are abiding in Him. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Just as you would invite a good friend to accompany you, let Him be a part of all that you do. Likewise, just like you would never ignore a friend who is with you, be sure to acknowledge Him as often as you can. Remember today that Jesus calls us friends. When we have Him, we all can testify that what we do is blessed and does bear good fruit.
Devotional for Day 17
Scripture: “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” ~ Luke 9:48 Reflection: As Pro-Life Christians, this particular scripture rings at the heart of pro-life ministry. Who is more dependent, more helpless, more in need of care and protection, than a pre-born child in it’s mother’s womb? This is the message of truth that pro-lifers must embody. Yet pro-lifers don’t only care about the pre-born baby, but also care very much about the mother in crisis. That’s why in El Paso, we have Guiding Star and Pregnancy & Fatherhood Solutions, and in Southern NM, we have Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center and Turning Point, and and other ministries that provide real, tangible support for both baby AND mother, without judgment, but only LOVE. Prayer: Lord Jesus, today we lift up to you the pro-life ministries of Guiding Star, Pregnancy & Fatherhood Solutions, Care Net, Turning Point, Rachel’s Vineyard, and all of our other local life-affirming ministries, that you would bless them with the financial resources, and the volunteers to be able to be well equipped to assist in every way possible those moms that choose life instead of death for their baby. We pray this is Jesus’ name. Amen Gratefully in Christ, |
