Good Morning,
Karen Bennett wrote "I'm Not Interested!"...today's writing. The theme is rejection. We all fear rejection, but everyone faces rejection at one time or another. We are in good company as Jesus, Himself, also had to deal with rejection. Karen wrote, "We know how broken our feelings get when we've been rejected. Try to imagine the broken heart of our Savior, the heart so full of love for all mankind, He was more than willing to die for us, to redeem us, saving us for a future of bliss with Him in heaven for all eternity."
Karen and Corinne
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Today's Devotional
Written by
Karen Bennett
"I'm Not Interested!"
Three words we've heard often in our lives and three words that mean the same as some others we often hear. They're three words we've used regularly ourselves, maybe to a salesperson on the phone or at the door. Maybe it's someone you know attempting to involve you in something you want no part of. Many times it's taken as a personal rejection. There can be occasions where we are left off a guest list, or not invited to partake in an event covering something we have great expertise in. Then, there are those who reject our friendship, as they don't feel any connection to build from. Those are the personal rejections. Our feelings become hurt and we walk away, but these are things we do ourselves at times.
Far more importantly than these and a great many others, is the rejection Jesus experienced from a world He came to save. Oh yes, there were those who embraced Him and His teachings, but there were so very many who rejected Him.
Even many who had greeted Him with loud cheers, spreading palm branches on the road before Him upon His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, had turned on Him by Friday and shouted for His death.
We know how broken our feelings get when we've been rejected. Try to imagine the broken heart of our Savior, the heart so full of love for all mankind, He was more than willing to die for us, to redeem us, saving us for a future of bliss with Him in heaven for all eternity.
Christ went ahead despite the rejection and paid in full for the sins of the world with His death on Calvary. He told us to teach all nations of His sacrifice. It was not a request - it was a command. We need to be bold in our witness for Him. We will face rejection, but we must go on, following faithfully the example Jesus placed before us.
Jesus said,
"Blessed are you when men hate you,
and when they exclude you, and revile you,
and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake."
Luke 6:22.
We will not suffer rejection from our wonderful Savior. He will never leave us or forsake us.
The Lord said,
"I will make my dwelling among you,
and my soul will not reject you."
Leviticus 26:11.
While we suffer rejection in our personal lives, habits, and associations with others, we must be prepared to suffer them for our Lord's sake as well. There is a cost to discipleship and we should love even those who reject us and hate us, just as Jesus did. Consciously forgive them and continue to share your faith at every opportunity that arises. Remember all the while, it is far more important to please God than man.
Also remember:
"We know that all things work together
for good to those who Love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28
.
We are called to share the good and saving news of Christ Jesus!
Loving Lord, It is our wish to serve, and please You! Please give us the courage we need to go out and teach people about You. Let us have no fear of rejection. You, Lord Jesus, will strengthen us and give us the will to do so, thereby obeying Your command. Let everything work together according to Your promise. In Your saving name we pray. Amen.
Passion singing
"In Christ Alone"
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Here is an uplifting graphic
for you to think about.
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Here is an uplifting graphic
for you to think about.
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you
by the Staff Writers of
by the Staff Writers of
Women's Focus Ministry
Jan Andersen, Cathy Friberg, Sandy Billingham, Beverley Napier, Shelly Keith,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Carol Steficek, Amie Spruiell, and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns
Glenna Williamson, Lisabeth Lipp, Nandita Bhatnagar
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