February 27 / Proverbs 27 / Luke 14

shepherd

Proverbs 27:18

Let’s do our part to care for our pastors in some way, according to the gifting YHWH has bestowed upon each of us.

Pastors receive plenty of critique. Let us balance those scales with a hefty load of prayer and encouragement. They have a tough task (see picture).

I read last week to take what you don’t like in your church, or church in general, and then pray to ask God how He sees it. A good centering practice to give proper perspective. Take everything to Him first. Then do whatever you want.

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.

Who you really are is what lies hidden in your heart.

You are not the mask(s) that others are allowed to see.

YHWH loves us anyway.

To be loved, truly and authentically loved, is to be fully known and fully accepted.

May we reflect our loving Maker if in no other way, in this regard. Imagine someone who is ALWAYS glad to see you, no matter what you’ve done or failed to do. They are open armed at every moment regardless of your actions, words, thoughts.  The only possible way you cannot be with them or enjoy their company is by your own rejection of it, your own pride, your own stubbornness, your anti-Christlike rejection of yourself. What if more people were totally accepting? Imagine someone who hugs you tighter the more you screw up and miss the mark.

You’re imagining Jesus of Nazareth.

May we be conformed to His image and heal the world.

Proverbs 27:23

Ministry involves loving and studying people in order to know their needs and how best to pray for them and serve them.

-Luke Mertes

Luke 14:25-33

Count the cost of discipleship.

Are you willing to give yourself to following Jesus?

To submit to Him as your teacher and guide on how to live this life well?

Rabbis’ followers would commit to memorizing and following their teachings.

All Jesus asks of you is your entire undivided heart, your inner eyes and ears.

Is He worth it?

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