In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of welcoming Jesus into our lives and the importance of prioritizing His presence over our productivity. We began by reflecting on Psalm 100, which calls us to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging His goodness and everlasting faithfulness. This sets the tone for our worship and our lives, reminding us that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
I shared a personal story about my daughter, who gave me a note to remember her while I was away. This simple act served as a spiritual reminder of the importance of remembering Jesus and His sacrifice for us. As we partake in communion, we are called to remember not just what Jesus has done, but why He did it—out of love and to meet our deepest need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
We then turned to the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. This narrative illustrates the contrast between Martha's focus on production and Mary's focus on presence. While Martha was busy with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, prioritizing His presence and teachings. This story challenges us to refocus our lives around knowing Jesus, emphasizing that a life shaped by His presence is more fulfilling than one driven by productivity.
As we enter a new year, we are invited to make space for Jesus in our lives, to welcome Him fully, and to practice abiding in His presence. This involves setting aside distractions and choosing to be with God, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply being still in His presence. We are encouraged to practice this regularly, recognizing that Jesus goes where He is welcomed and that His presence is transformative.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Welcoming Jesus: Jesus goes where He is welcomed. Like Martha, we must open our hearts and homes to Him, giving Him full access to our lives. This openness allows us to experience His transformative presence. [44:03]
- 2. Presence Over Production: Mary chose to focus on Jesus' presence rather than being consumed by tasks. A refocused faith prioritizes being with God over merely doing for God, recognizing that His presence is more important than our productivity. [51:24]
- 3. Abiding in God's Presence: A Jesus-shaped life regularly practices abiding in God's presence. This means intentionally setting aside time to be with Him, allowing His presence to shape and guide us in all aspects of life. [54:11]
- 4. Invitation to Refocus: As we enter a new year, we are invited to refocus our lives on Jesus, setting aside distractions and choosing to abide in His presence. This involves welcoming Him into every area of our lives and allowing His presence to transform us. [56:20]
- 5. Practicing the Presence of God: Inspired by Brother Lawrence, we are encouraged to practice the presence of God in every moment, whether in worship or daily tasks. This practice helps us remain connected to God and aware of His presence in all we do. [57:17]
** [57:17]
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