"Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me."
~ John 15:4
Hello and Happy Monday, All!!
I was once encouraged to always win Monday. The idea is that if we start the week off well, there's no telling where it will take us. One thing we know for sure is, we've given ourselves a good foundation to begin.
So, I pray this Monday and all Mondays are yours in victory.
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American entrepreneur, business strategist, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn was (among other things) well known for saying that we are the average of the five people with whom we spend the most time.
This definitely matters in the physical world, but I would suggest it is perhaps even more relevant in the spiritual realm.
I don't suspect any of you would argue, given our shared perspective.
But, when I was reminded of that quote the other day, it begged the questions...
Who are the 5 people with whom I spend the most time?
Of those people, which of their characteristics do I appreciate growing into?
Which would I rather not?
Am I intentional about that growth and influence? Both, with curating a powerful circle of influence and with being cautious in how each of the characteristics of each of those people have sway in my be-ing and behavior?
And, perhaps most important of all, is Jesus one of the five people with whom I spend the most time?
I'd like to think so. But, as with any life journey, there are seasons of more and seasons of less.
We follow a Savior of relationship.
It is made clear to us in Scripture that we are to cultivate our relationship with Him as a vine to a branch.
It is also made clear that we are meant to be in community here on earth.
So, do we do that intentionally, or is it more of an accidental happenstance?
I also believe scripture is clear about how we are to love, honor, and cultivate relationship with people outside of our own belief system.
Do we do that?
My relationships tend to be a pretty even split between the faith family and not. There are plenty of times I think it would be easier to surround myself with only believers and joyfully revel in theological discussion, the Peace that passes all understanding, and hearts of praise ever after!
... Because that's the way the body of believers always is, right?!
:)
Hey, a girl can dream.
But, that's not where I've been called. Maybe it is where you have been called. That's something only you and the Father know.
No matter who makes up our individual communities, no matter who the five are for any of us, I pray Yeshua HaMashiach... Jesus the Messiah... is within that inner circle.
Who knows, perhaps even 3/5, depending on how you choose to embrace our loving Triune God.
May each of His children know Him and love Him and be ever-blessed in that communion.
May Jesus stand powerfully as one of the five most influential figures in your life and mine.
Abba Father,
Thank You for helping us to make You first in our lives.
Thank You for the gifts of Your Son, and for helping us to keep Him close so that when we become the average of the five people with whom we spend the most time, He blows the curve dramatically nearer to Himself and to who You created us to be.
Thank You that His influence is extreme.
Thank You for helping us to be Your love and light in this world as we walk the Way.
All these things we pray in the most holy names of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen
"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." ~ Galatians 2:20
"Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus..." ~ Romans 15:5
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." ~ Proverbs 27:17
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." ~ Revelation 3:20
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise, from the Queen of Soul... ♥
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