Tuesday, November 30, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 25-27 and Titus 2
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 25-27 and Titus 2
THE LONGING TO MAKE A DEEP AND LASTING IMPACT
SCRIPTURE READING
Matt 19:27-30 (ESV) Then Peter said in reply, "See,we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world,when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my Name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who and first will be last, and the last first.
As we make decisions in this life, we must keep in mind there implications in the age to come, things done in meekness and obedience now will result in greatness and impact then. Many people will find that the kingdoms that they built in this life will be taken from them, while those who have maintained meek hearts throughout their earthly lives will receive great authority and honour. When we truly begin to understand this we can invest all we can in what God values. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7), Jesus teaches us to give to our enemies, to fast, to pray and to bless others. These actions will result in lasting impact. We must determine the ultimate meaning of the work of our hands.
PRAYER & MEDITATION
1. Ask God to give you endurance and perseverance to build into His Kingdom instead of pursuing your own.
2. In listening prayer, ask God to show you where you are investing your resources (time, energy, money). Ask Him to help you invest all that you can in what He values, and to help you devalue things of the world.
3. Ask the Lord to empower you to live out the values in the Sermon on the Mount - to give to our enemies, to fast, to pray and to bless others.
