#JESUS2019 - Daily DevotionalsSample

Jesus says that we are part of his flock. That doesn’t only mean that we no longer wander around aimlessly and alone, but also that we are now part of a community. It is so wonderful to know that you have people around you, who are there for you, who will listen to you, encourage you, comfort you, build you up, and go through life with you. But do you know what it takes for this to be the case? It takes you. It requires you to take the time to listen to others, to encourage them, to comfort them, to build them up, to go through life with them. It requires you to be willing to make yourself approachable and vulnerable to others. It requires you to become part of this flock. And not just any part, but an active part.

This community is the church. Are you part of a community or are you still trying to do everything on your own? It’s difficult to live out your faith in everyday life if you feel like you’re standing alone. For exactly this reason, Paul compares Christians to a body made up of many body parts. We need each other. Are you ready? Do you have a church? Are you part of a consistent group or team in your church? It is only through this, that church becomes small and personal. Are you ready for the adventure with the ‘flock’? Yes, it is an adventure. It’s not always easy. People will always be people, inside the flock just as much as outside. This means that it’s sometimes tough and challenging, just like in every biological family. But the past few days we have learned that there is forgiveness in the new room through Jesus. Hold onto this. 

ACTION STEPS: 

1. Are you already part of a church or group? Where can you talk with others about your faith, your successes, and your challenges? Find a place where you can be rooted in a community.
2. Ask God who you can encourage this week. Maybe God will put a specific person on your heart or you encounter someone who needs help. Be sensitive to the people in your surroundings and let them experience sincere community. What does that look like? Anytime you think of something positive, say it.
3. Maybe you have been hurt by someone in the flock. Open yourself up to forgiveness and seek peace. Bring the person to Jesus in prayer and surrender the situation to God. Seek a conversation with that person and if needed, seek help from one of your leaders.

René Wagner - ICF Leipzig