Founder’s Reflections #13 | Jesus24365 Ministry | Friday, November 15, 2024 | Building Strong Community Connections in Ministry

Building Strong Community Connections in Ministry

Founder’s Reflections #13

Jesus24365 Ministry | Friday, November 15, 2024

🌞 Good Afternoon, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ 🌞

This morning, as I meditated on Proverbs 15 and Psalm 50, I was reminded of the transformative power of starting each day with God’s Word. 📖 Rising early to seek His wisdom allows His truth to shape our thoughts and set the tone for the day ahead. 🌅 Yesterday, in Founder’s Reflection #12, I spoke about the importance of cultivating habits like this, and today, I see even more clearly how they impact my perspective, leadership, and ability to serve. As you reflect on this message, my prayer is that it encourages you to embrace a teachable spirit and inspires you to deepen connections in your own community. Together, let us grow in wisdom, authenticity, and unity, anchoring our hearts firmly in God’s love. ❤️

Fellowship and Authentic Connection

For the past three months, every Sunday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., I’ve had the joy of hosting one-on-one fellowship with my Christian brothers. These evenings are filled with delicious ribs and wings 🍖🍗, but more importantly, they are times of transparency and connection. We share our deepest struggles, discuss our journeys in walking with Christ, and simply enjoy each other’s company. This dedicated time reflects the wisdom of Aidan G., who observed:

These gatherings bring to life the call of Hebrews 10:24-25:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another."

It’s amazing how honest conversation, fellowship, and even good food can strengthen our faith and uplift our spirits. 🙌 Whether it’s a one-time gathering or a regular tradition, I encourage you to make time for such connections. These moments will sharpen your faith, deepen your bonds, and leave you with a full heart and a smile on your face. 😊

🤝 Strength in Fellowship: Overcoming Addiction Together in Christ 🤝

Addiction thrives in isolation, but healing begins in community. I’ve personally struggled with an addiction to pornography for much of my life—a burden I once thought I carried alone. Yet, through the grace of God and the power of Christian fellowship, I discovered I was not alone. During one of our fellowship meals—a gathering centered on faith, food, and honest conversation—I found the courage to share my struggles. What I encountered wasn’t judgment but solidarity. My Christian brothers and I are learning to lean on one another and, most importantly, on Christ, as we face the challenges of living in a hypersexualized society. 🙏

These fellowship gatherings are far more than just meals; they are lifelines of faith, hope, and encouragement. One of my trusted brothers in Christ has been an incredible source of inspiration. With over 11 years of sobriety, he now serves as the chairman for the upcoming 2025 conference of Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) in Milwaukee. His journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is achievable through God’s grace, accountability, and community. He has joined me for fellowship on several occasions, sharing both his wisdom and his love for my ribs and wings! 🍖🍗 His advice has been truly life-changing: seek accountability partners, engage with recovery programs like SAA, and place consistent trust in Christ for strength. 🙌

If you’re wrestling with addiction, hear this: you are not alone. 💬 Take the first step by reaching out to a trusted Christian friend, a pastor, or a support group like SAA. Visit SAA’s website for resources, meetings, and a supportive community that understands your journey. Above all, immerse yourself in God’s Word, prioritize fellowship, and embrace the promise of Galatians 6:2:

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." ✝️

Together, through the power of fellowship and faith, we can overcome addiction and experience the abundant life God has promised. 💪✨

🌟 The Power of Community 🌟

Community is one of God’s most profound gifts, a divine design woven into the very fabric of our lives. 🫶 Julian of Norwich, a medieval mystic, once wrote, "True worship springs not from the lips but from a heart in harmony with God’s love." This timeless truth calls us to come together in love, allowing God’s grace to shape our relationships and strengthen our bonds. 💞 From the beginning, God intended for us to live in fellowship—celebrating each other’s joys, bearing one another’s burdens, and growing together in faith. 🙏

In a world that often glorifies isolation and independence, the church shines as a powerful countercultural force, reminding us of the beauty and strength found in unity.

Romans 12:10 captures this perfectly: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." 💖

These words challenge us to cultivate relationships marked by love, respect, and selflessness, mirroring the grace of Christ.

Authentic community is not built overnight but requires intentionality, patience, and a heart devoted to following Christ’s example. 🛤️ It’s in the small acts of kindness, consistent gatherings, and honest conversations that we grow closer to one another and to God. 🤝 Community is not just for our benefit but for the glory of God—reflecting His love in how we serve, support, and uplift each other. ✝️

As we journey together, let us keep Christ at the center of our interactions, drawing inspiration from His life of compassion and grace. 🌿

Romans 12:5 reminds us: "So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

By walking this path hand in hand, we create not only friendships but a spiritual family rooted in love, united in faith, and devoted to glorifying God in all we do. 💪✨

💒 Community at the Heart of Jesus24365 💒

Community is at the very core of Jesus24365 Ministry, reflecting God’s divine design for us to live in connection and unity. We were created to walk alongside one another—encouraging, uplifting, and supporting as members of Christ’s body. Building a ministry grounded in community fosters unity and a shared purpose—essential foundations for spiritual growth. The power of shared worship 🙌, mutual accountability, and steadfast support is immeasurable. As Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, we are called to “not forsake meeting together” but to find strength and encouragement in fellowship. 💪 Fellowship isn’t an optional part of faith; it’s a transformative practice that renews our spirits and equips us to better serve others.

✨ Jesus prioritized authentic relationships, teaching us to support, love, and uplift one another with grace and compassion. As we navigate life’s challenges, we are not solitary travelers but pilgrims on a divine journey, guided by our ultimate Mentor, Christ. 🛤️ He lived to lift others up—not for personal gain, but as a reflection of their precious value in God’s Kingdom. This mindset shapes how we treat everyone around us, from friends and family to ministry collaborators. For example, the artist behind our upcoming comic, launching on December 1st, is more than just a contractor—they are a beloved child of God, deserving grace and understanding. 💖

Proverbs 15:2 reminds us, “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” 🗣️ With wisdom, patience, and love, we can embody Christ’s kindness, building relationships that reflect His transformative grace. ✝️

📖 Staying Teachable 📖

Staying teachable begins with daily learning from God’s Word. 📚 Basil the Great once said, "The Creator has engraved His will into the heavens and earth, calling each of us to align with His divine harmony." 🌌 This profound truth reminds us to remain open and continually align ourselves with God’s purpose. Proverbs 15:31 tells us:

"The ear that listens to life-giving rebuke will dwell among the wise."

This verse challenges us to welcome correction and embrace growth, even in the face of adversity. A teachable spirit is a source of strength, granting us wisdom and resilience to navigate life’s challenges with grace. 🌱 Proverbs 15:30 beautifully adds,

"Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

When we live in alignment with God’s wisdom, we become messengers of hope and truth, spreading the restorative joy that flows from a life of integrity and purpose. ✨

🙌 Authentic Worship 🙌

Psalm 50 calls us to reflect deeply on the authenticity of our worship and the motivations behind it. Origen of Alexandria, an early Christian scholar, said, "God seeks not offerings, but hearts willing to be transformed." 💖 This reminds us that God desires sincerity above all else, inviting us to approach worship with a heart open to transformation. True worship goes beyond rituals or outward gestures; it flows from a life centered on God’s love and purpose. As Psalm 50:9-10 proclaims:

"I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine."

God isn’t interested in what we can give but in how we live. 🙏 Transformation and genuine connection—not transactional relationships—are the essence of true worship.

When we gather in fellowship, let us reflect on the words of Julian of Norwich:

"True worship springs not from the lips but from a heart in harmony with God’s love."

Let’s strive to remain in harmony with His love, showing up for one another with sincerity, compassion, and authenticity. ✝️ By living with the mindset of “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD), we build a foundation for strong, Christ-centered community connections. 🤝

🙏 Prayer for Our Jesus24365 Community 🙏

Before we conclude, let’s take a moment to come before God, asking Him to help us live out these lessons in our daily lives. 🌿 Prayer aligns our hearts with His will and invites His divine guidance in all we do. ✨

✨ O Sovereign God,You who speak through the heavens and the earth, draw us close to You in true worship—free from pretension and full of devotion. 🕊️Lead us, Lord, to live lives of thanksgiving, where every word and action brings honor to Your name. 💖May our hearts be attuned to Your justice, reflecting Your love and compassion in all that we do. 🌟In Jesus’ name, our Righteous Judge and Shepherd, Amen. 🙏

Let’s commit to praying throughout the week for these themes: authentic worship, community, and teachability. Prayer is more than an act; it’s a lifestyle that draws us closer to God and deepens our faith. 🙌

Looking ahead, don’t miss Jesus24365 Daily #7 tomorrow morning at 7 AM, where we’ll dive into the theme of Grace. 🌿 Grace is one of God’s most incredible gifts—transforming our hearts, renewing our spirits, and enriching our relationships. Join me as we explore how God’s grace impacts every part of our journey, bringing hope, peace, and renewal. I pray that tomorrow’s reflection blesses you as you grow deeper in your faith and embrace the fullness of God’s love for you. ❤️

👑 For His Kingdom, 👑

Jeff ❤️

P.S. 🌟 If you haven’t yet, subscribe to Jesus24365 Daily to receive uplifting reflections, scripture insights, and daily encouragement straight to your inbox. 📩 It’s my way of walking with you on your journey of faith, providing the inspiration and truth you need to stay connected to Jesus.

Let’s grow together in faith and fellowship! 🙏💖 May this reminder encourage you to continually align your heart with God, seeking His purpose in every aspect of your life and building a community rooted in love, authenticity, and grace. 🌿✨