Reading in the New Testament this morning really hit a nail. In Luke it starts off talking about “Watchfullness" or be ready because you don’t know the day, time or hour the master will come back. Reading about that really struck a chord with me today. It starts off, be dressed and ready for service, be ready when the master comes on, open the door for him, be ready because you don’t know when he’s going to be back. Then it goes on talking about if the owner of the house knew at what hour the thief was coming he’d totally be prepared but that’s not the case. Now it goes into saying if you’re not ready when the master comes he will cut the servant into pieces and put him out with the sinners? And it also goes and says those who know what to do and don’t do it will be beaten with severe blows. Here we go with the harsh punishment again except its in the New Testament. Reading that today sure makes me examine my life and want to make sure I am as ready as ready can be. Am I doing everything I am supposed to be doing? Am I pleasing to the Lord or am I just getting by? Man that sure gets me to searching out my life and hoping I am doing the right things and on the right track. Did you read what Psalms and Proverbs says? It goes right along with what we read this morning. Proverbs was short but to the point that’s for sure. “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor." There’s that word Diligent again, those d words sure come up quite often don’t they? Diligent, discipline? I tell ya what, As long as your busy and being diligent about your life you’ll be fine, if your lazy your going to end up working harder then you can even imagine. In the end if we really are “diligent and disciplined" we will end up with the “Inexpressible and Glorious" joy that the devotional talks about, now that’s some kind of joy and we can surely have it.
Today’s Reading
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Luke 12:35-59
Psalm 78:56-64
Proverbs 12:24
Daily Devotional
"Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains"
(Colossians 4:3, NLT)
Did you know Paul was writing these words while he was in chains in prison? He was arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted "limitations," but instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next.
No matter what "chains" you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who's in the business of setting people free. He has equipped you with His power, and He has promised to walk with you all the days of your life. When doors look closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you're in chains, remember, God is still at work in your life. Like Paul, keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Keep looking for His favor and pray for opportunities to be opened to you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I choose to take my eyes off my surroundings and focus on You. I choose to focus on the passion and dream You've planted in my heart. I trust that You are working behind the scenes and opening doors of opportunity. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
