Good morning Advent Family!
There’s something undeniable about a heart that has truly encountered Jesus. It doesn’t stay quiet and it doesn’t stay contained. When you’ve fallen in love with Him—really fallen in love—you don’t need to be forced to share; it spills out like laughter you can’t hold in or like sunshine breaking through clouds—sudden, warm, and impossible to miss
Jeremiah described having the word of God within as fire in his bones—a holy urgency that couldn’t be suppressed (Jeremiah 20:9). He couldn’t hold it in because he dealt with God’s word…He couldn’t because that word lived in his heart…He couldn’t because that word burned within him like fire…He couldn’t because that word pressed against his very being, as if it were shut up in his bones, requiring great energy to hold in.That same fire and urgency lives in us. Not as pressure, but as passion.
Here’s where we sometimes get it twisted: our role isn’t to convince, argue, or “fix” people. That’s never been the assignment. Our job is simple, but powerful—share the love and truth of Jesus, and trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. We often talk about “Jerusalem” as our immediate circle—our home, our neighborhood, our everyday spaces. But “Judea” stretches us just a bit further. It’s still familiar, still reachable—but it requires intention. It might look like your broader community, your city, or even your state.
And here’s the key: Judea isn’t just a place you go, it’s a way you live. It’s how you treat the server when the restaurant is slow. It’s your patience standing in a long line at Walt Disney World. It’s how you care for and steward the beauty of Florida—the beaches, the people, the moments you’re given. The call to “go” isn’t reserved for a single outreach event or a perfectly timed gospel conversation, it’s woven into your daily life. It’s in the tone of your voice, the generosity of your spirit, the way you see and value people.
Loving others well is the mission. When you live this way, you become a living testimony. Not forced. Not performative. Just real. And the beautiful part? You’re not carrying the weight of outcomes. You’re simply being faithful with the love you’ve been given.
Jesus, let my love for You overflow into every part of my life. Help me see the people around me the way You do. Teach me to live on mission—not just in big moments, but in the small, ordinary ones. Give me boldness to share Your truth and gentleness to reflect Your heart. And remind me that You are the one who changes lives—I just get to be a part of the story. Amen.
Loving Jesus and You,
Kimberly Jewell
Family Ministry Director