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Women in Discipleship (sm)
Devotionals for 2005
Week 9
Heartfelt greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Whenever I read something in the Bible regarding marriage, my mind and heart begin to stir. I find it interesting to see how Jesus portrayed marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6 Jesus spoke about how He created male and female and that the two become one flesh when they marry. It's something that the world (for the most part) has embraced since the beginning of time. (Gen. 2:24) This brings me to the Scripture to ponder for this week.
Scripture to ponder: John 3:29 - "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made full."
Did you see it? John the Baptist is speaking these words just after the time when Jesus came to him and was baptized with the Holy Spirit. John knew that his ministry was decreasing. "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) John the Baptist knew who Jesus was. He also knew that Jesus' ministry was the promised fulfillment of all the prophecies before him. John recognized the voice of the Bridegroom of his heart, and he rejoiced. He also was filled with joy because of Jesus.
Later Jesus confirmed this joy that John had and that we who believe also have. John 15:11 says it all, "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." Isn't that the most delightful thought to ponder and fully realize in life today? :) Christ in us ... the hope of glory. Jesus is our Bridegroom, and we are His bride. He will come again! Until then, He wants us to continue the preparation process by abiding in Him. We can do this by focusing our lives continually on the joy of our salvation and the fruit of our labor, as we work diligently in the harvest of souls, one person at a time.
It's a privilege to be in partnership with each of you on this journey of the heart. May your week be fruitful in the spiritual realm. And as we prepare for His coming, may we each be joyful in the journey, whatever the circumstances.
Grace and peace to each of you,
Sandra Davis for the Women in Discipleship team
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