Journeying with Jesus
Journeying with Jesus Thursday, April 27, 2023 Thankful Thursday
Yesterday, I mentioned the traveling disciples in Luke 24:13-15 who were likely bonded for a lifetime, and how they made each other's journey better by being together rather than alone. And don’t you know they were thankful for that. I just have to assume that they were filled with gratitude because they weren’t facing the turns and twists of the trip by themselves.
I try to start each morning’s prayer with gratitude. And more times than not, the subject of my thankfulness is about people. I love people…I always have. God just hardwired me that way I suppose.
From the time I was a small girl I have been able to connect with people fairly quickly and feel a bond that is meaningful, at least to me, in that moment. For example - I cried to go home with the TV Repairman when I was 3 years old. And as crazy as that story sounds - I have to tell you that it wasn’t the last of it’s kind. I could share many brief encounters with strangers that God used to bless me and hopefully them as well. When God is in the middle of a meeting, no matter how brief - He can surely show up. And I’m thankful for all of the short, almost insignificant connections that I’ve had over my lifetime.
And speaking of a lifetime - I’m beyond grateful for the people who God put along my path for the long haul - for this journey we call life. And although I do love some “me” time - it’s the relationships with these lifelong companions - family and friends - that give my life the most meaning.
So if you’re reading this post today and we’ve never met - get ready - because when we do, I may just want to pack by bags and “go home with you” for a while and get to know you better. If I’ve met you briefly - I can promise you that those seconds were significant to me. So thank you! And If you’re reading this post and we are a part of each other’s lives on an ongoing basis - please know that you are one of the absolute greatest blessings of my life. My life is more fulfilled and happy because you’re in it. Having a relationship with you and knowing you is what I am most thankful for on this Thursday! And right now…at this very moment, I am lifting you up in prayer and praying this scripture over you.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother (SISTER) is born for a time of adversity." - Proverbs 17:17
"Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8
I encourage you today to think about those people on your journey. Let them know what their relationship means to you. Pick up the phone, send them a text, or heck, stop by and give them a big hug if you can. - It’s important to remember what the relationships in our life really mean to us and tell them, and God how thankful we are for them.
And, of course, we want to end today and take a moment to thank Jesus for the relationship we have with Him, which ensures that we are never alone on our journey, thanks to His sacrifice that led to our salvation.
Jesus, thank you for journeying with us. Sometimes we don't recognize You, but we believe You are here. There are times when we are sad, disappointed, and even a little lost in this world, because the expectations of our humanity get in the way. When You make yourself very evident, though, our hearts burn within us. Will you help us to recognize that and trust it. Your presence can make us brave. Today, we commit ourselves to You. We want to be transformed by Your presence in our lives and Your power in our bodies. We belong to You, and that Truth makes us glad. Amen.
