LOVE FOR ALL – WEEK 38

Galatians 2:20

Some things require a little reminder. Maybe it’s enough to just jot it down on a post it note. Maybe it’s something that gets added to your calendar, that you set an alarm for, or even you tell “Siri” to make sure you don’t forget (like which kid gets picked up at 3, 345, 5:30…).

Life brings along many things that we need reminding of – especially when you’re responsible for the lives of others.

For me, there is a piece of this life that requires not only a daily reminder, but a constant one. I found, too often, the distractions that daily life brings can pull me in a hundred different directions – if I allow them to. All of it is usually competing to pull me away from being centered in Jesus, the person of Peace, His constant provision, and His purpose and plan for me. “All the things” have aim to redirect me from His firm foundation, and try to convince me that God is far from me, in the midst of the moments I’m caught thinking that any of this is accomplished in my own power.

A few years ago, I received a bracelet along with a short devotion that reminded me of the freedom won for me by Christ. It woke me up to the fact that while in my head I knew I had freedom in Him, my belief of that didn’t show – I still let the chains (of things I thought I needed to carry) hold me down. I started wearing that bracelet every day – so when I put it on each morning and notice it throughout my day I am reminded of what Jesus already won for me and redirect from being held captive by things that keep me from Him. Refocusing on Jesus snaps me back into the reality that He’s not only present with me, He is also within me. It’s not by my own strength, but the power of Christ in me.

It’s just what it says in this week’s verse:

When we know Jesus, and understand and acknowledge what has already been done by Him for us, that changes everything. It means you and I – living by faith in Him – are changed both inside and out. We walk in the freedom won by Him. We live and love by the power of Christ inside of you and me.

More and more I realize, as a follower of Jesus, that it’s not just me who needs that reminder.  It’s my spouse and my kids – but also my coworkers, my friends, my neighbors…and even the person I don’t really know who crosses my path in my day.  I have to also be reminded to be His vessel, and as I connect with others, I have to be open to His love and power pouring out into the lives of others through me so that they, too, can be reminded of the power of Christ inside of them.

Daily Reminders

Christ lives in me.  He lives in you.

As you live in faith, it’s not by your own strength that you live.  Put little reminders everywhere to ensure you’re connecting to that incredible power source each day (and encouraging others to do the same).  I’ve got a whole collection of reminders now that I wear every day (freedom in Christ, praying for family, for our community & school, giving thanks for His Creation, and more).

Christ lives in you and in others – put little reminders everywhere.  Find the one that works for you so you can stay connected to the One at work in you.

As you consider this scripture and reflect this week, respond to the following questions:

1.  What tends to distract you from connecting with Jesus?  What do you need to do to begin to eliminate some of those distractions?  What kind of reminders can you use to reconnect with Him daily?

2. Who else in your life could benefit from being reminded of the truth in Galatians 2:20?  Ask Jesus to encourage you with His Spirit and seek an opportunity to share with another person about Jesus at work in your life.