Monday, November 22, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 4-6 and 1 Timothy 5
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 4-6 and 1 Timothy 5
THE LONGING FOR RELATIONSHIP
SCRIPTURE READING
Phil 3:8,10 (NKJV) I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ...that I may know Him...and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death
When we live in relationship with people, often their desires will be contrary to our own and we will be called to make sacrifices for the greater good. It’s easy to make sacrifices when you know that you are going to get something in return. Jesus’ sacrifice goes well beyond this type of sacrifice. His sacrifice is one that should make us marvel forever. Each time that we sacrifice something for Him, we have the opportunity to grow in deeper relationship with Him. The heart of Jesus is drawn near to those who have known sacrifice. From the martyrs to the homeschooling mom, His eye is attracted to those who have given without expecting to be noticed by other people. Paul understood this principle, how having a deep relationship with Jesus allows us to experience joy and intimacy with Him in the midst of sacrifice. Jesus wants to come alongside us in our moments of pain and in the moments when we wonder if anyone even realizes the sacrifices we are making. He wants to give us joy in those moments so that we can be glad and rejoice in Him.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. Do you struggle making sacrifices for the people in your life? Can you see the connection between sacrifice and intimacy with God?
2. Ask Jesus to show you an area of your life where He wants you to sacrifice something in order to deepen your relationship with Him. Ask Him specifically what He wants you to sacrifice.
3. Thank God for the joy of sharing in His sufferings, pray that you will be strengthened to endure hardship and sufferings for Him.
