Shine: Week 3 - Day 5

OPENING PRAYER:

Dear Lord, please help me to bring the peace of Christ to whomever you bring across my path.

READ: Ephesians 2:12-18 (NIV)

“…remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

REFLECT:

It’s been quite a few years now, but I still remember it to this day. I was in a dark place at the time, feeling lonely and out of place. I had recently been transferred at work and didn’t feel right about the move. I really felt low. It was at about my lowest point during that stretch that a colleague happened to walk into work at the same time as me. I didn’t really know him being new like I was, but he apparently knew about me and engaged me in conversation. That was something I didn’t want at all right then, but I’m so glad he did.  My work colleague shined the glory of God my way by expressing how glad he was that I had been transferred to his building, and that he had heard very positive things about my work from several people. His expression of gladness for me helped me feel accepted and that I was in the right place after all. I finally felt connected. My new friend was a wonderful example of what Jesus has done for all of us. Before Jesus came, there was a very real divide between humanity and God. His sacrifice became the bridge that connects anyone who believes, to God.

APPLY:

Here’s what you do: If you feel the tug to engage with someone, to share a positive truth with them whatever it may be, do it. Just do it.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Thank you Jesus for sacrificing your life for each of us. Because of you, eternity with God is possible.   Try our new YouTube Channel for your favorite Pathway Church Worship songs to add a musical component to your daily time with God. Subscribe here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXe2eV87mDOpuXtzZxaMOQQ/