COME LET US HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS!

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NRSV)
Do not neglect so great a salvation

Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.

DEVOTION

My Lord and my God, how I love you today!

In today’s scripture reading, the author of Hebrews reminds us that, “we must pay greater attention to what we have heard…” He goes on to explain that our salvation has been declared in the life of Jesus, the words of Jesus’ disciples, and even through signs and wonders sent by God and accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit!

On yesterday, we were reminded that the truth of a matter is always established in the mouths of two or three witnesses. In the case of salvation, all of creation bears witness to the GOOD NEWS that God really, truly loves us and God proved it when Jesus died on the cross.

Here are the facts as I see them. We were sinking deep in sin, but God threw us a rope!

Oh how I love to say, but God! I was lost, but God found me. I was sick, but God healed me. I was hateful, but God taught me to love. I could go on and on, and I’m sure you could share your testimonies as well, but don’t you just love the words…BUT GOD?!

Now listen, here’s my favorite “but God.” The wages of sin are death…BUT GOD offers us salvation, relationship, and eternal life!

In response to such GOOD NEWS how could we neglect to give God praise! From the time we were babies to the present moment the love of God revealed to us in the life of Jesus has been an ever present, though sometimes unseen and/or ignored reality in our lives.

Dear friends, let me invite you to take the time to get still and listen to the quiet voice of God whispering to your heart. God whispers to all of us. God continually affirms in millions of ways that we are loved. Today, I invite you to “have a little talk with Jesus.”

Take yourself, your Bible, a journal and a pen to a quiet spot and make time to be in relationship with God. Read your bible, sing a song, or just sit quietly in the presence of God….

I know that life is not easy. It wasn’t easy for Jesus whilst he was on the Earth and it isn’t easy for us either. But, let me tell you the truth. Jesus is rightly called—Immanuel—God with us. No matter what we are going through God will never leave us, nor forsake us. God will stay right by our side!

Please, no matter what happens today, don’t take your eyes off of Jesus. Don’t neglect your salvation. Don’t give up on your relationship with God because you are suffering in your body, mind, or spirit and definitely don’t forget about Jesus because you are too busy!

God is with you and God loves you more than you could ever hope, dream, or imagine! Be steadfast in your faith my friends and continue to share your GOOD NEWS testimonies with others. As you share, you will encourage your friends and encourage yourself too!

Have you been neglecting the free gift of salvation? How can you attend to your relationship with Christ today?

Holy God, I know you love me. I love you too. Please help me not to leave your gift up on the shelf of my heart collecting dust. Today, I want to recommit myself to being your friend and to sharing our friendship with others! Please forgive me for not investing my time, talent, and treasure in our relationship. In Jesus Name, Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like to purchase the song, "Glory to Glory" by Fred Hammond it is now in the Good News Living Store under "Pastor Yolanda's Favorite Music."

Would you please be kind enough to answer the one question survey to the right?

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EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.

Pastor Yolanda says, "Hello to all of the Sisters Standing in the Gap!

Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.

From Pastor Yolanda's blog, http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/

Why'd ya kick down my door!?

Acts 14:1-7 (NRSV)
Resistance to the message of the apostles

Well, Paul and Barnabus learned an important lesson in today’s scripture…GOOD NEWS is meant to be freely received! As long as there were folks in Iconium who were willing to hear the GOOD NEWS, scripture teaches us that Paul and Barnabus “spoke boldly for the Lord.” It was during that season of the open door that “a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.”

Doesn’t it feel great when we share the GOOD NEWS with others and they joyfully receive it? You can really tell when God has prepared the heart of a person to receive GOOD NEWS. It seems that s/he is really open, receptive, and excited to learn what you have to share. She might have a million questions or he might just pop up in unexpected places, all in an effort to get around you and to get a little bit of what you’ve got.

It is one of my greatest honors that many non-Christians say that I am one of the most joyful people they have ever met. Lots of “unbelievers” just love to be in my presence, to ask me questions, to seek out God’s wisdom for their lives. If asked, they wouldn’t be able to tell you what attracts them to me; but I can! It’s the Holy Spirit of God working in me and through me to touch their heart with God’s Never-Give-Up Love and Amazing-Kind-of-Grace!

Now, as long as people want to hear the word and are receptive to it, I’ll share with wild abandon. But, I have learned, like Paul and Barnabus, that when the season of the open door is over, it is time to move on! Paul and Barnabus realized it was time to go when they were threatened with death and run out of the city! But, the invitation to move on to other more fertile fields is not always this blunt.

Sometimes resistance is more subtle; but, when you notice that a person or a people group is not ready to hear the GOOD NEWS, don’t despair! Your call to go to the “next city” does not necessarily mean that God has given up on them. It just means that your season of service is complete for the time being. Remember, scripture teaches us that sometimes one plants seed and another waters it, but it is God, and God alone, who gives the harvest!

Don’t attempt to kick down the door when someone is not ready. Wait for the season of the open door when God’s Holy Spirit is at work in the person, people, or city preparing them to believe GOOD NEWS! But while you wait, don’t sit on your hands! Remember, there are always other people, in other locations, who need—and want—to hear GOOD NEWS!

Every day I am stunned to tears that God allows us to partner with God to love the whole world! We are God’s open arms outstretched, running feet spreading glad tiding to all people, and gentle words of love and encouragement spoken at the time of greatest need.

Who have you noticed might be open to hearing GOOD NEWS today?

Loving God, you are better to us than we are to ourselves. Please forgive us for trying to kick the door down, when you have shown us by your example that you expect us to stand at the door and knock. Help us to be sensitive to the season of the open door and to share as you lead us. We really want to share GOOD NEWS with those who will receive it. You are the preparer of hearts; help us to wait on you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

*The entire scripture reading for today can be found by clicking the ELCA Daily Bible Reading Tab to the right.

*from Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/

*EACH ONE--REACH ONE! To share GOOD NEWS with a friend please click the "Share With Friends" button to the right! Thanks for reading and please come again.

*Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.

*Check out the map to the right! Do you know anyone in Canada, Alaska, Greenland, South America, Australia, Africa, Western Europe, or Asia that you can share GOOD NEWS with today?