Remember, Jesus is with you

In the busy, almost chaotic, world of today, focusing on Jesus can be difficult.

Our lives are consumed by so many distractions that we can easily lose sight of our purpose as believers.

We must remember, Jesus is with us.

Matthew 28:20 (CSB) – “… And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

He provides us with the One who will comfort and guide us, the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 (CSB) – “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”

This is your assurance as you walk through this world, encountering those who need the truth about Jesus.

No matter the situation you face or the personality of someone you’re engaging with, you have Jesus right alongside you.

His physical presence on this earth is gone, but the Holy Spirit is with us.

1 John 4:13 (CSB) – “This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.”

Now, disciple, remember that you never have to walk alone in this world.

When the Spirit prompts you to speak with someone about Jesus, know that you are empowered through the Spirit to share with them what you know of Jesus. You have the One you need, guiding you.

John 14:16-17 (CSB) – “16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of truth.”

Jesus is with you, always in Spirit and Truth.

Walk with Him today.

3 Questions for now

If you ever want to spark a “spirited” conversation, ask a pastor or two about how to approach people about Jesus – indirectly or directly?

You’ll quickly open up a passionate conversation. Which is all good!

Today the questions are a bit more direct.

Ask, and you’ll get an answer:

• Have you ever been curious about prayer or talking to God? What would you want to say to Him?

• If you could experience one thing with God, what would it be?

• Is there anything holding you back from exploring faith in Christ more deeply?

Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you and be the one to share Jesus.

Be kind. Love others. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

An apology is a freeing experience

My nature is not one who is apologetic.

For those who know me, stubbornness is a personal trait. Not a brag, just a reality.

I think all believers, because of our human nature, fall into this “stubborn” category at least a little bit.

But an apology goes a long way.

For the one who did the not-nice deed, the apology is demanded by God. This is in obedience to God’s will and instruction for us as believers. No excuses, just accept the wrong committed and apologize.

Matthew 5:23-24 (CSB) – “23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”

We may not be placing an offering on an altar like under the Old Testament, but we are offering ourselves as servants of God. Jesus was instructing us on how to make things right with others.

For the person harmed by that not-nice deed, it helps them heal and know that they are not in the wrong.

James 5:16 (CSB) – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.”

That apology helps both parties grow stronger in their spiritual wellness and can lead to regaining trust and rebuilding a damaged relationship.

An apology is freeing – like a weight lifted off your shoulders that is keeping you back from living the fullness of God’s will in your life.

Ask me how I know.

I made an apology this week that had been simmering for some time.

I swallowed my pride, set aside my stubbornness and humbly obeyed God’s command to go apologize to the person.

We all make mistakes. It is how we handle the aftermath of that mistake that reveals our character, our heart, our intent in moving forward.

Now, disciple, is there an apology needed in your life today?