Left out!

No matter what it is you're doing. Have fun! Let Jesus be your excitement, no matter where you are or what you are doing.  

Luke chapter 13 verse 28.

And there will be great weeping and gnashing of teeth as you stand outside and see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the other prophets within the Kingdom of God.

There was a television commercial that showed a dog leashed up out next to the cars at Christmas time, all the while he was looking inside the at cozy warmth of the house and the gathering of people having a good time. It was sad because he really would rather have been inside with them than outside in the cold. The next thing you see is his way of getting back at those who put him out. Looking in at the nice warm scene, he turned to the car next to him and bit a chunk out of it's tire. Unexpected but, he said take that for if I can't be in there than I'll be miserable out here.

   Can you remember how many times as a child you wanted to be involved in what your parents were doing but they said, "No" It was either time for bed, it's unsafe or it was adult stuff. And how did you react? Maybe you snuck back to listen from the top of the stairs, maybe you created a fuss and that led to discipline or maybe you just stood back hoping you wouldn't be noticed and they would let you stay.

   Even as adults we want to be involved in what is going on, we don't like to miss out on what might be a good time and the stories that come out of it. People are also very picky and quickly bored. If it suits them then they have interest otherwise they are trying to get out of it and go to where the action is.

   Some people find it hard to sit around. Some people have to move otherwise their bodies will get stiff making it difficult to move. Taking in the sunshine at a beach or in the backyard can be relaxing, yet  for others, they like to keep busy never allowing a moment to be idle. 

   There are many reasons as to why people live as they do. For some, time is money, for others it's just their way of doing things. Who are we to tell others how to live their lives? You are welcome to your own opinion, but don't try to install on others how you think they should live. It's the way you live your life that counts.

   Sometimes it can be frustrating when there is stuff going on and you seem to be the only one working at it. Some help would be nice, but that is your own opinion. Many hands make light work but if you're the only one doing things, than stuff gets done at your pace of doing them.

   In Luke chapter 10 we read about Martha and Mary and how they invited Jesus into their home. Martha went right away to prepare food for their guest while Mary sat and listened to Jesus speak. It says in verse 40; "Martha was the jittery type, and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing." What happened next was Martha going to their guest and saying; "Sir, doesn't it seem unfair to You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

   Jesus responded; "Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it---and I won't take it away from her!" 

   Now common courtesy would be to offer help to those who are working, as long as you feel it is the right thing to do. Patience and pride in your work is a virtue and that can be hard to find, but when you learn it than you are happy no matter what it is you are doing. 

   Are you left out? No! For you are at peace with what you are doing. It is always nice to have help and conversation but do not expect it. What you may think your missing out on, may be something that others think they are missing out on too. Mary and Martha had the privilege of being in the presence of Jesus, we don't, at least not His physical presence. 

   Our gift is living in the presence of God all the time, with Jesus, knowing that they are always with us in all we are doing. So if helping others or doing your own thing, whatever that may be, you are always in His presence, no longer being left out. Your personal time with God/ Jesus can be a simple conversation you have with Him, it can be time spent in study of His word, time spent in worship, song and praise or being taught as you gather with others at church or in study groups. 

   In life with God we are no longer left out because of what God has done for us through His Son Christ Jesus. There are many ways to fit in and get along. Sitting idle is not one of them. Complaining and whining doesn't do any good and if you must, do it in a humble way so that you are getting along, listening and observing. It's not always easy to do but it is fulfilling if you are reflecting Jesus. 

   The most amazing thing about Jesus is the love and happiness you feel with God. You are with Him now and no matter what you are doing, He is with you and seen by others in the words you speak and the joy in your life. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for any moment we get to spend time with You and any time we get to share You with others. 😊 

             

1 Corinthians chapter 13 verse 11.

It's like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things. 

Romans chapter 12 verse 2.

Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you. 

1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 33.

Paul said; "I try to please everyone in everything I do, not doing what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them, so that they may be saved."

Titus chapter 2 verse 14. 

Jesus died under God's judgement against our sins, so that He could rescue us from constant falling into sin and make us His very own people, with cleansed hearts and real enthusiasm for doing kind things for others. 

Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 and 9.

It is by grace that we are saved through faith, not that of ourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest we boast.