Worth the Sacrifice

"...the life of Jesus was a call to SELF-SURRENDER, and to fellowship in SUFFERING."

Following Jesus means doing exactly that - surrender self to the Father's will and suffering for Christ's sake.

That doesn't sound appealing.

But when we remind ourselves of the eternal reward that we will receive for our temporary sacrifice, we will understand that following Christ, though difficult, is worth it.

Jesus gave up all. 

Love expects us to do the same.

But we don't give up all to get nothing in return. In God's kingdom, we are investing. Investing in eternity. We will get our reward, with interest! 

And, oh! What a reward it is! To sit at the right hand of the throne of God. To be heirs of His glorious kingdom. To be in the Heavenly courts one day alongside angels and loved ones! To spend time with Jesus for time and eternity!

It's a beautiful reward, isn't it?!

Challenge: Focus on the blessings of serving Christ. It will make your cross a lot easier to bear.

"...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:4

You Seek, You Find

Proverbs 21:21

"He who seeks to do righteousness and mercy, finds life, righteousness, and honor."

God's Word advises us to seek after those things that are eternal - life, righteousness, and honor. 

Temporal matters such as careers, materials, romance, money, (fill in the blank), fade away when the rubber meets the road.

I visited an old age home a few years ago. While there, I thought it would be cool to ask the well experienced human beings that have been on earth longer than most of us: "What truly matters in this life?"

Their answer: "Be kind. Be respectful. Manners go a long way. Trust in God's plan for your life. Smile. Choose happiness and harmony with others."

Those things mentioned above are not external, tangible, things. They are matters of the heart. Matters of eternal value. 

What are you placing your heart on? What is your heart pursuing after? Where do your priorities lie?

Challenge for Today:

List your top three Christ-like traits you know you lack in. Seek counsel from God's Word on how you can best focus on making the necessary changes in your life.

Promise:

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (temporal needs) shall be added to you." 

We Need Jesus

   "A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covering from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." - Isaiah 32:2

   Shelter, protection, water and shade are the things we need in life. Even though we may have those things physically, we have spiritual needs, too, and without those needs met, we will face spiritual storms that will ruin our lives.

   The man described above is none other than the Lord Jesus. He is the One Who gave us a great promise in Matthew 11:28-29,

   "COME UNTO ME ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29