Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

Called to be sent


Jason Thomas,
Epiphany MTC, NY

16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.
 
In 2002, the cover of a well-known sports magazine Sport Illustrated contained a picture of a high school basketball player called LeBron James with the title ‘Chosen One’ as the headline.  LeBron James was labeled as the next Michael Jordan, a player who would transcend the sport and win multiple NBA championships. Being the ‘Chosen One’ put a target on James’ back and a huge yoke on his shoulders before he even played one NBA game. In John 15:16, we read “You did not choose me, but I (God) chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit”. Not only are we chosen, but we are chosen with a purpose – to bear fruit.  But God doesn’t leave the yoke of bearing fruit on our shoulders alone; no, he acknowledges that anything we need we can “ask in My name the Father will give you”. Furthermore, He promises  to send us the “Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in [His] name, [and] will teach [us] all things and will remind [us]  of everything [He has] said to you” (John 14:26).  The title of John 15 is the “Vine and the Branches”.  As the branches, we are an extension of God to those that do not know Him in this world.  Christian’s read the Bible, non-Christians read Christians. In our work places, our schools or our neighborhoods, our interactions with others may be the very first experience they have with Christ.   Are we living our lives in a way that is worthy of being called Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20)?  Some might wonder, but I am just one person, what difference can I make?  One person can make a difference - Jesus did.

PRAYER

Father, we thank you for being our True Vine. Instill in us the wisdom and grace we need to be a true reflection of You.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
As Christians we are called to be different. God made us different because we can make a difference.




Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more