Invitations of Jesus Series: Episdode 10 The Picnic

Hello, my walking friend! It’s another day to adventure with Jesus! Today we are going to be considering how Jesus wants us to partner with him in his kingdom work. So let’s get our bodies moving and our hearts and minds focused on him.

Today is the 10th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to work with him.

Our verse to meditate on today is Colossians 3:23 NIV:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to be an apostle? To be taught by Jesus directly. To watch him do miracles? Or maybe even do a miracle yourself on his behalf? I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to be part of that entourage. But, here’s the thing, I am part of his entourage. And, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, so are you! 

No, we are not apostles, but as followers of Jesus, he has work for us to do – kingdom work. 

Kingdom work doesn’t mean being a missionary and being sent to faraway places. It means being willing to let Jesus use us right where we are. It means giving him access to our time, talent, and treasures. It feels easier, at least to me, to give from my treasure. No one rejects you when you give them money. No way! They thank you, send you pretty calendars, make you feel good about yourself. But what about giving from your talent? Yikes! Could be some rejection there. Or your time? I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have very little to spare. 

But what if we looked at what we have – our time, talent, and treasure – and filtered it through Colossians 3:23 by asking, how can I do this or use this as though I am doing it for the Lord? If I consider that first, would I be more likely to risk my ego and share my God-given talent with the world? Would I be more willing to pause in my busy day to give a word of encouragement to someone? Would I be willing to share my treasure, knowing that Jesus will supply all my needs? 

Kingdom work is holy work and Jesus can do amazing things with what we give him. Faith like a mustard seed can become an oak with him. Five loaves and two fish become a banquet. If we do all with our whole hearts, as though we are doing it for the Lord, just think what he could do through us. We don’t have to wonder what it was like to be an apostle if we let Jesus use us for his glory. 

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on Colossians 3:23:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on the story of a boy who accepted Jesus’ invitation to work with him.  The poem is called The Picnic and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

This poem was inspired by one line in scripture – John 6:8 – and wondering what it must have been life for that boy, whose fish and bread, by the power of Jesus, fed more than 5,000 people.  

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to work with him, and what that means to us. 

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,

Help me to live each day ready to give you whatever is in my hands to use for your glory. Remind me that, in your hands, what little I have can be miraculously made into so much more. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the one who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Can you think of a time when Jesus took something you had and turned it into so much more? Try to remember a time now.

Have you ever witnessed Jesus do a miracle? Could Jesus be inviting you to be someone’s miracle today? Take some time to consider your answer now.

Were you ever surprised to find out something you did that you thought was insignificant turned out to be important? Think of your answer now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time Colossians 3:23:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! Isn’t it exciting to think that Jesus wants us to be a part of his kingdom work? And I know that Jesus will bless this time you are walking with him by preparing you for that work. So, way to go! 

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com.  You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.