God Moved Into Our Neighborhood

I don’t usually gravitate to the paraphrased versions of the Bible. I feel that the original meaning may be distorted in the translation and I may be getting man’s ideas and not God’s word. However, in church a short time ago the worship leader read a verse from “The Message." It was John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” As I heard it, I thought WOW! I love the imagery. The God of the universe became human with all its limitations. As I was thinking about this, I was imagining God living next door to me; working where I work; shopping where I shop. Going to church where I go to church. Then God reminded me that he still lives in our neighborhood if he lives in us. That is an amazing idea. We are God’s voice, his hands, and his feet to those around us. I wonder if others see God in us, or do they see just another person who lives and acts and does the same things that they do? Do others know that God has come to their neighborhood? I pray that as others see us, they see God and they are encouraged to know God because of us. Has God come to your neighborhood? Don’t be afraid to live God in your workplace, where you eat, in your home, and everywhere. Someone else may be waiting for the news that God has come and that he loves him or her.

My Own Little World

Father,

As we go through our day help us to remember

that we are your hands, your feet.

Help us to love like you love,

to see the world as you see it.

May you be our example and may we model your life in ours.

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