Passion 2019 Reading Plan Sample

“The great theme of the Bible is ‘God with us.’”

-Matt Chandler, Passion 2019

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are the company you keep.” Our parents use it to encourage us to surround ourselves with healthy influences and eschew negative ones. Our professors use it to call us up as examples for our classmates and study groups. The adage is true: the people we choose to surround ourselves with will play a pivotal role in our lives.

But, Scripture promises us better company than any person or group of people can provide. If it’s true that we are the company we keep, what better company could we keep than God? The Message version of Psalm 37 puts this truth plainly: “Keep company with God, get in on the best. Open up before God, keep nothing back; He'll do whatever needs to be done” (Psalm 37:4-5 MSG).

Jesus is the way into the company of God. He doesn’t require us to clean ourselves up and appear acceptable to get into His company. Rather, Jesus comes to us. While we were trying to work our way up the ladder to Heaven, He came down it and offered to carry us up with Him. He offers true friendship and true family. He dwells with us - messes and all. 

If we truly thought of each day of our lives as a day that Jesus is dwelling with us, how would our priorities, decisions and activities look different? We should take advantage of His invitation and nearness! Lean into this God with Us reality and focus your time and energy on keeping company with Him. Dive into Scripture, spend time in prayer, live each moment as if you believe God is with you. Because, He is, and there is no greater comfort in life!