by Pastor Mark Jordan
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” (Ephesians 1:5-6, NLT)
This week we are looking at the vision for Church at the Well. So far we’ve explored how vision is critical for us to survive; how we are to relish our beginnings in God, even when they seem small; and believe that Jesus wants to usher in an era of God’s forgiveness in our lives from now to eternity. Today, we look at the need to belong.
The need to belong is an essential need for human beings; in fact, it ranks just below the need for water, food, and shelter. We need the power of community to support us and hold us accountable in our journeys with God. This is where the power of connection comes in to play. Our lives are different when we connect with God and others. Our changed lives then are able to help change the world.
You belong to God’s family thanks to the love of God. God wants you to help others know they belong, too. God planned this from the very beginning, and that’s something you can believe and stake your life upon!
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving me, and helping me I know I belong to you. I want to live my life in a way to help others know they belong, too. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.