Who Is My Brother?

Republished from February 23, 2009

In 3 of the 4 Gospels of the Bible, the story of Jesus valuing His spiritual family over His biological one is depicted:

"While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’ But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’” ~ Matthew 12:46-50

Clearly, this was an important message that God wanted to convey to us, His people.

No matter how close our blood bonds are, they are nothing compared with the bond we should have with God.

At the end of the day, there’s nobody who will love you better or stronger.

God bless,
J.W.

True Success (Part II)

"And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:41-42

In a society that's so focused on accumulating money, fame, and material things, it’s hard to measure success by any other means. However, my newborn son has convinced me.

When I die, I don’t want to be judged by how many houses I own, how many cars I purchased, or how many yachts I've rode on. I want to be judged by whether I led my household effectively, by how I raised my son, and by whether I made an impression on the generation to come.

That’s the measure of true success. That's the one, good part that will never be taken away.

God bless,
J.W.

Distractions

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" ~ Luke 10:40-42

Is there something in your life that is distracted you from God's purpose?

Does something have you off track?

If so, it's important to eliminate it.

You just may be missing out on the blessing that God has for you.

God bless,
J.W.

A Mother of Nations

“And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” ~ Genesis 17:16

Happy Mother’s Day!

God bless,

J.W.

My Father's Business

“So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.” ~ Luke 2:48-50

Often, when we develop new relationships, the people closest to us will start to feel alienated or left out. “You’ve changed,” they’ll say. “We don’t hear from you anymore.” “You don’t call like you used to.”

Like Jesus, we are to be about our father’s business and remain unapologetic for charting a new course in life.

Our new relationship with God should take precedent over all others.

God bless,
J.W.

Who Is My Brother?

“While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’ But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’” ~ Matthew 12:46-50

In 3 of the 4 synoptic gospels, the story of Jesus claiming His spiritual family over His biological one is depicted.

Clearly, this was an important message that God wanted to convey to us, His people.

No matter how close our blood bonds are, they are nothing compared with the bond we should have to God.

At the end of the day, there’s nobody who will love you better or stronger.

God bless,
J.W.