June 13, 2023 – Reflections on “Belonging!”
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work. Psalm 62:11-12.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I’m part of the family, The Family of God! (Bill & Gloria Gaither, 1970)
One of my memories happened in our church home in Rogers AR, when we made a circle and sang the lyrics, The Family of God. I looked at the familiar faces, realizing all these people believe in Jesus Christ and are my brothers and sisters in Jesus.
When we moved to Illinois, to be near one of our children, and attended the first service of my new church home. The first thought that came to me as I looked at all these people believe in Jesus seated around me. When I found these verses: After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:10-11.
I felt I belonged. What does the word ‘Belonging’ mean? I found this phrase, An Intimate Relationship. What are the components of an intimate relationship? I chose Harmony, Fellowship and Teamwork scriptures.
My son needs to see my computer occasionally for repairs, so he sent an app so he can get onto my computer. Suddenly, I realized Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts to teach and lead us in His Way.
There are three ways we can achieve that deep heartedness belonging: Harmony, Fellowship, and Teamwork. All three can only be found by believing in Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son.
The things God hates are found here: There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19. What God requires is found in Micah 6:8, He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
These are found in the 1st and 2nd commandments from the teachings of Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39. Loving takes our whole being, being aware, and realizing the foundation of God’s Love is in all He has created. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11. When we look into the eyes of others, we are seeing the creation of God. Can we see the beauty or only the perceived flaws in others?
Loving one another is not a suggestion, but the basis for fellowship in the name of Jesus. Whether in a marriage, family, or a fellowship of God’s Church, or a nation or world, that is necessary? Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25.
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son cleanses us from all sin. I John 1:7.
Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
How can we be sure God is God? For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the One who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13.
Even as we are different outwardly, inside, God has given us the work to be an ambassador for our Lord God. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20. Our every action, thought, and word will reflect God to show we believe and trust in His Leading.
And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Ephesians 4:11-14.
So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4.
I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens, You will establish Your faithfulness.” Psalm 89:1-2.