John 4:4 ” Now He had to go through Samaria.”

Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans,  and any self-respecting Jewish man surely wouldn’t make a point of traveling through Samaria…but Jesus did.  He didn’t have to plan the trip that way…most would have gone around Samaria…but Jesus didn’t.  You see, Jesus had a divine appointment arranged for a woman at Jacob’s well…a meeting that would not only change her,  but many of her fellow towns-people. The Lord  is ever reaching His saving hand  into places we’d probably never go…into prisons, crack houses, seedy motels, or dark alleyways…places where the forgotten, shunned, and hopeless live.  But no soul is beyond His reach…no life is beyond His grace and mercy.

John 6:44 “Jesus answered, ‘No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day.’ “

God sent Jesus on a mission of rescue…lovely drawing us to Him and saving our souls.  Psalm 91:14 says, ” ‘Because he loves Me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.’ ”  Jesus is still on that mission of rescue today…desiring  none to perish.

Luke 24:18 ” They stood still, their faces downcast, one of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, ‘Are You only a vistor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ “

It was still on the third day that these two followers of Christ  were trudging on the road to Emmaus.  Disheartened and disillusioned , they had put their hope in this man named Jesus only to see Him die on a Cross.  Yes, some crazy women had  tried to convince them that He had risen from the dead, but they weren’t believing any of it.  Suddenly,  a man was walking along side them, asking what they were talking about.  Cleopas was incredulous that this stranger didn’t know the events of the last few days.  In more modern language, Cleopas might have exclaimed to Him – “Have you been living under a rock?!”  And Jesus could have replied, “As a matter of fact, Yes, I have.”

Luke 2: 51-52 ” Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Even at twelve years old, Jesus had the plan and purpose for His life laid out in front of Him.  But He was also the young son of His parents, Mary and Joseph, and He honored them by His submission and obedience.  Many times in our own life we’ll encounter situations that we just don’t understand, but we know they’re of the Lord.  That’s when we submit anyway…we obey anyway…we honor anyway.

Matthew 26: 31 ” Then Jesus told them, ‘ This very night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ “

Jesus wasn’t chastising the Disciples, He was simply speaking the truth,  and fulfilling the  prophecy spoken of from Zechariah.  Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd…the one Who cares for, watches over,  and provides for the welfare of His flock…Christian Believers everywhere.

In Christ Jesus…You are a citizen of Heaven.

In this upwardly mobile society, we move about a lot.  Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes for pleasure…and there’s times we find ourselves in places that are different, strange, and unlike what we’re accustomed to…and we feel uncomfortable…longing for our home.  As Believers, we’re foreigners  here on Earth…for our citizenship is in Heaven. (Phil. 3:20)  It’s no wonder then that we feel conflicted, uneasy and awkward…we’re just visitors here!

In Christ Jesus…You are more than a conqueror.

” I can’t do it.”  Do you know that’s music to Satan’s ears?  All he has to do is whisper, “You can’t do that.” and we usually cave in.  For doubt is the biggest culprit of our  disobedience to the Lord.  If we could somehow not only realize, but allow the concept to settle deep into our souls, that it’s God doing the work and not us, we would become invincible.  So the next time Satan is spreading doubt, remind him…I can do all things with the help of Christ, for it is the Lord, not me, working out His plan and purpose in my life…so back off Satan, and watch what God and I can do!

In Christ Jesus…You are complete in Jesus Christ.

Many of us walk around with gaping holes in our heart…holes caused from personal loss, trauma, or at the hands of someone else.  We frantically  search for things to fill these holes, but find nothing that lasts or gives us peace of mind.  Jesus Christ is the only person or thing that can make your heart whole again. For in Him,  you are made perfectly complete…lacking nothing… able to fully realize who you are in Christ.