Who do you belong to?  Who has your affection?  If you’re married, it would be your spouse.  Whatever marital status you are in, the Lord longs for you.

An argument broke out among a couple of disciples that followed John the Baptist.  They came to John and told him, “That man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan–the one you testified about–well he is baptizing and everyone is going to him.”  (John 3: 26)  

They were referring to Jesus, who was the other man who was baptizing.  John the Baptist’s response was, “The bride belongs to the bridegroom,  the friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for Him and is full of joy when He hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater, and I must become less.”  (John 3: 29-30) 

John was not in any way envious or jealous of Jesus’s ministry.  He didn’t see Jesus as a threat, or as competition, but as the one who was sent!  He clearly says, “I am not the Christ, but I am sent ahead of Him.”  (John 3: 27)

He reminds his friend who Jesus is, “The one who comes from heaven is above all.”  (John 3: 31)  

• It’s ok to be second.  We don’t need to always be first.  
• You are always first-place in your Father’s eyes.

John testifies of Jesus and puts a stop to any divisiveness that wants to come in.  He reassures his friend that the one God sends, speaks the words of God, for the Spirit is given without limit.  God loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands.  

• Bless those who are working for the kingdom doing the same work.  
• See them as the ones called of God, as well.  

John knew he belonged to God, not to man.  (Shared from John 3: 22-36, Modified)  

As servants of God, we belong to Him, He doesn’t belong to us. Zechariah saw Joshua the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.  The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan!”  (Zechariah 3: 2)   

• When the enemy comes to accuse, the Lord rebukes him.  

In Zechariah’s vision, Joshua took off his filthy clothes and God put rich new garments on him.  He had a new head covering placed as well, and a new charge.

Here is that charge:  “If you walk in my ways and keep my commands, then you will govern my house, and have charge of my courts and I will give you a place among these standing here.”  (Zechariah 3: 7)

• When you belong to the Lord He places you, not displaces you.  

Peace and security are promised, “In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree, declares the Lord Almighty.”  (Zechariah 3: 10) 

• Belonging to God enables one to live in a state of contentment.  Everyone longs for this.  (Shared from Zechariah 3, Modified)  

Those who belong to God, carry the ark.  David gathered all the officers and commanders and asked them their opinion on bringing the ark back to David.  They all agreed, the entire assembly did.  

They went down to get the ark and they celebrated this transition with song and music.  As they were transporting the ark, it started to shift off the cart and Uzzah reached out to steady the ark.  When he did so, the Lord struck him down because he had touched the ark.  No one could touch the ark and live.  

• Let God’s presence carry you through any shift. He won’t let you fall or fail.   

David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”  (1 Chronicles 13: 12)  So he sent the ark into the house of Obed-Edom for three months and the Lord blessed his household and everything in it.  

• When you belong to God and house God’s presence, He blesses everything and everybody.  

David is now the appointed King and asks God if he should go attack the Philistines?  The Lord tells him, “Go, I will hand them over to you.”  (1 Chronicles 14: 10)  David pursues them and the Philistines abandon their gods.  David then gives orders to burn them in the fire.  

A second time, David inquired of the Lord to fight the Philistines.  He tells him, yes, to fight again, but, “Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.”  (1 Chronicles 14: 15)  David did as the Lord instructed, defeating them again.  

• Obedience to God, doing things His way, even if He changes the strategy, will bring you victory.  
• God often changes the way we used to go.  Trust Him in the shift or new direction.  He still has your outcome at heart. 

Belonging to God will fulfill any longing we have.  He is longing for us to belong.

“I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.”  (Psalm 73: 23-24)  

(Shared from 1 Chronicles 13-14, Modified)

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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com

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