Topic: Designed for Fellowship  [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 18 July 2021

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Above Only Devotional

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Designed for Fellowship

Genesis 1:26-27, John 15:4-5
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion …over every …thing …upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. *Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

A primary reason we were made in the image and likeness of God is so we can fellowship with him. Immediately after the Bible reveals our identity in the image and likeness of God, it speaks to our having dominion on the earth. However, that ability to manifest the dominion of God is born out of our union and fellowship to God. There is a great void in the heart of mankind that can only be fill by fellowship with God. God longs for a deep and intimate fellowship with us. He is our Heavenly Father and He loves us so much. God’s love for us far exceeds that which the father of the prodigal son had for his sons. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, man fall out of relationship and fellowship with God. But even then, God sent Jesus to die for our sins to afford us a chance to return back into relationship and fellowship with Him. God wants us to continually maximize this great privilege that we have to relate and fellowship with Him.

Our work for God does not come first. Rather, our relationship and fellowship with God. When Jesus chose His disciples, the Bible confirms that He chose them to ‘be with Him’ so He could send them forth to preach (Mark 3:14). The place of fellowship with God is the primary place where we can be all God wants us to be. While Martha was busy with some many activities, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, fellowshipping with Him. Jesus commended Mary for her choice (Luke 10:41-42). It is also in the place of fellowship with God that we focus on Christ. Until we focus on Christ, we cannot discover and fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. As we focus on Christ, we are transformed by the Spirit from glory to glory into the image of Christ (2Cor.3:18). We are also empowered to know and fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. Continually focus on and enjoy the sweet fellowship of the Spirit.

Prayer Focus:
Tell God you desire a deeper and closer relationship and fellowship with Him. Receive His strength to draw closer to Him in fellowship.

Bible in One Year Reading Plan
1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34, Romans 4:13-5:5, Psalm 14:1-7, Proverbs 19:17