Jesus Christ speaks a word of belonging:

What does it mean to feel at home with others? Do you feel a sense of love and belonging? Could you stop by or call for help or prayer at any hour or for any need you have? Being in the family of God is where you will find that kind of love and care. We are knit together in love and kindness, and all we speak and share is from a heart of love for God and each other. Let’s lead with love now, my brethren, in all our conversations and actions and plans. Get filled up with God’s love by reading His love letters in the scriptures and by spending time in prayer, listening to Him encourage you. When you are full, love will overflow.

As a child grows in an earthly family, love is built over sharing many milestones. They feel loved when they are celebrated on birthdays, and for their victories in sports and academics, but they feel most loved when included and supported through heartaches and hard times. Failures and challenges can be the best opportunities to share God’s love and acceptance. When a dear one passes on, or a tragedy strikes, step forward in our Father’s love and be present to help. Offer prayers and hugs, yes, but also go beyond the surface and care for one another as families do. Ask your brothers and sisters in Christ- what do you need today and how can we really help you?

Some good ideas are to treat others in our family as you would your most beloved children or parents. If your earthly family was in need, you would extend yourselves in time, finances, labor and any resource to uplift and support them in their hour of need. Many in our church family do not feel a sense of belonging as they should. To truly walk in our Father’s love and do His will is to love one another as you love yourself. We can more easily find our place in God’s heavenly family as we serve Him in love and reach out to all with our hearts full and overflowing. Be longing for him and others will come to our family.

Today’s Written Word

Galatians 4:5 AMP So that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family.

Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Luke 15:20 NLT “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

Ephesians 5:2 NLT Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

I Corinthians 2:9 But as it as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye Love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

I Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Psalm 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

A Word of Encouragement

Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us to treat each other as the family of God we are. He encourages us to read about God’s love for us and each other so we are filled to overflowing with it. It is a new commandment to love one another AS CHRIST LOVED. So how did he love? He spent time with the least liked people. He healed the sick and set those bound by demons free. He listened to others express their frustration and sorrows. He was compassionate and self-less, and he walked in the power of God to welcome others into the family, so they could feel a sense of belonging. That’s love.

An Action Item

Christ said that many in our church family do not feel a sense of belonging. We can change that. Let’s take the time to listen to one another. Sit in prayer together, and really connect. People need to be seen and heard, like in any family. When kids are little, they shout to get our attention – “ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!” We learn over time that it is rude to raise our voice and demand attention, but we should if we are not being made to feel at home in our Christian family. Speak up and share any needs you have. God cares, and we can extend ourselves to better care for one another with the unconditional love God has given us.

Victories and Blessings

Please share some of your victories, blessings and prayer requests so others can rejoice and believe with you.

Email a brief message or victory sharing to:

livingword.contact@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please look for our new book at the following link on Amazon.com.

How To Be A Christian Who Hears God: Amazon.com: Books

Upcoming Meetings:

We welcome you to join us on Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am (PST) for Bible Fellowship, songs, praise, prayer, manifestations of the spirit, and teaching of the scriptures in person, or listen by phone. The fellowship is followed by a family style meal and joyful fellowship with God’s family. See the online calendar for details.

Our Tuesday morning Bible Study is at 10:00 am.  Enjoy great fellowship, with the saints, Tea & Coffee, Praise and Prayer, and an interactive study of the scriptures.

Please email us: livingword.contact@gmail.com