Monday, August 28, 2023
As I sat down to write today, a memory from my childhood popped into my head. Do you remember the pop gospel song, “We Are The World”?
I remember listening to this charity single recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985, and I can still remember the feeling I had in my heart. I truly believed the movement was a miracle from God! Not only did all of my favorite artists come together to raise millions to fight famine in African nations, but the song lyrics were so deeply moving.
Forty-six high-profile vocalists showed up to record this song about togetherness and working to make a change in the lives of those who were being deprived of very basic needs. As the artists take turns singing their parts, one of the lyrics is, “We’re all a part of God’s great big family. And the truth, you know, love is all we need.”
As I listened to Pastor Ben’s message, I felt this was a perfect illustration of God bringing people together, using the artists’ common talents, to demonstrate his love. I wonder how many of the 46 musicians who were invited on that day considered themselves believers. I also wonder how many hearts were changed on and off the stage as God’s spirit flowed through this movement.
Jesus is called a friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19). He meets people exactly where they are—I pray that we can follow his lead and do the same. Jesus chose a very controversial group of sinners to be his disciples and work miracles, and it is so refreshing that he continues to do the same today.
2 Corinthians 5:20
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
What a joy that God wants us to partner with him to invite others into this amazing adventure that changes the world.
Questions:
Who are three people, other than your immediate family, you interact with every day?
Is there someone you avoid because of their lifestyle choices?
Next Steps:
Do something kind for a person on your list.
Make an effort to learn more about the person you have been avoiding to better understand them.
Prayer: Day 15 To Reflect God’s Heart (Luke 15:7)
Dear God, your heart and love for us shine through your deeds. You love us so much that you didn’t abandon us when we wandered away. Instead, you chased after us. You gave your Son, Jesus, to save us. Today, we pray that you increase our love for others and ignite our passion for reaching out to those who are lost. Help us see the chances we have to share who you are with the people you have put in our lives. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
1 John 4:10-11
10This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.