Jesus Calling - May 30th, 2024

Jesus Calling: May 30th

     Time with Me cannot be rushed. When you are in a hurry, your mind flitters back and forth between Me and the tasks ahead of you. Push back the demands pressing in on you; create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest with Me. I also desire this time of focused attention and I use it to bless you, strengthening and equipping you for the day ahead. Thus, spending time with Me is a wise investment.
     Bring Me the sacrifice of your precious time. This creates sacred space around you--space permeated with My Presence and My Peace.

RELATED BIBLE VERSES:

Psalm 119:27 NLT
27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

Additional insight regarding Psalm 119:27: Our lives are cluttered with rulebooks, but the authors never come with us to help us follow the rules. But God does. That is the uniqueness of our Bible. God not only provides the rules and guidelines but comes with us personally each day to strengthen us so that we can live according to those rules. All we must do is invite him and respond to his direction.

2nd Chronicles 16:9 NLT
9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”

Hebrews 13:15 NLT
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

Additional insight regarding Hebrews 13:15: Our lips should confess God's name in praise. Yet, in your typical day, how many times do you hear God's name used profanely? Christians should turn their frequency toward praise! Praise God early in the day before the rush, then again in the hurried middle, and at the end as business winds down. Offer Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise.

Additional insight regarding Hebrews 13:15,16: Since these Jewish Christians, because of their witness to the Messiah, no longer worshipped with other Jews, they should consider their praise and acts of service their sacrifices - ones they could offer anywhere, anytime. This must have reminded them of the prophet Hosea's words, "Forgive all of our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises" (Hosea 14:2). A "sacrifice of praise" today would include thanking Christ for his sacrifice on the cross and telling others about it. Acts of kindness and sharing are particularly pleasing to God, even when they go unnoticed by others.