If we are commanded to “love God; love others” (Mt. 22:37), shouldn’t our neighborhoods look differently? Shouldn’t WE look different from the rest of the world and then share our love with the people closest to us? In many places throughout scripture, Jesus uses “celebration language" when people come into relationship with Him. Do you have a heart that is willing to “weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice?” ((Romans 12:15). Are you willing to enter the lives of others along life’s journey?
Pastor Adam told a story that was originally told by Tony Campolo about finding himself in a diner at 3 a.m. for coffee. He soon realized it was the same diner that prostitutes came to at the end of their shift. A rather uncomfortable situation - right? He overheard one of the gals talking about the fact the next day was her birthday and she had never had a birthday party before. Tony planned a party with the owners of the diner for the next night in order to celebrate with this “woman of ill repute.”
INVITATION: Jesus often dined and celebrated with notorious sinners - - such as prostitutes and tax collectors. Such actions made the “religious” folks angry and upset. What about you? Are you more focused on trying to be righteous and “right” than on loving well in the course of your daily life? Are you willing to look at all that in the context of scripture?
MONDAY: Matthew 9:10-12: Matthew was one of those “notorious sinners” in scripture as a tax collector, yet he became a disciple of Jesus. How does that make you feel about any sin in your life? How do you react to the verse that says Jesus came for the “sick” and not the healthy? Are you willing to allow the “sick” around you into your life?
TUESDAY: Luke 15:1-2: As you read these two verses, pray and ask God to show you any areas of your life where there may be “muttering” going on about another person or group of people. Who are you befriending in your life? Who are you offending?
WEDNESDAY: Luke 15:5-6: Jesus uses “party language” when a lost sheep is found. How might you pray and ask God for your heart to beat with His about “lost sheep” around you - maybe it's even in your own neighborhood?
THURSDAY: Luke 15:9-10: Are you grateful and thankful for God’s provisions in your life? Are there any gratitude practices you have in place during this season of Thanksgiving?
FRIDAY: Luke 15:20-22: This is the only place in scripture where God is depicted as running. This father runs to meet his wayward son who basically disowned the family and rejected his sonship. The father's reactions and ceremony re-establish his identity. Are you secure in your identity in Christ and in who God says you are?
SATURDAY: Luke 15:25-30: Are you guilty of wanting God’s mercy for yourself, but justice for others? How might you pray about that today and in the future?