How can one add quality to their faith? By planting the seeds of God’s principles into their willing soul so they grow to produce spiritual fruit. That’s what we strive to do as followers of Christ. Over the last few weeks, hopefully this devotional has been a part of planting a few seeds that will grow into spiritual fruit.
This day with God, think of what good things are going your way, build momentum, and focus on one task at a time. Most of all give thanks to the Lord! Sometimes we may think there is no hope but over time with persistent prayer, God will make sure that what needs to happen in our life happens.
Even under dire consequences, we can look forward to a brighter future because God cares for us. Let us be prepared, confident, and feel the inner peace because the Kingdom of God is within each of our hearts. Every day has a lesson or a piece of history that can be used to learn and share with others.
We may not feel good at times, we may feel lonely, we may feel inferior or just physically worn out but these are the things that create resistance and ultimately make us stronger. In Luke 18, we received a lesson from the parable of the persistent widow to always pray and never give up. Persistence like a stream of water will eventually cut into rock and so it will also cut through the obstacles in our path.
Resistance makes us stronger just like the resistance of lifting weights builds muscle or the resistance of the water as we swim laps or the resistance of the hill as we run to the top. Without resistance, the wings of a plane can’t produce lift and fly through the air. Without resistance to fear, there is no courage. Next time your day is filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and press on.
The world tells us to promote how good we are like the Pharisee in Luke 18; to be someone we are not but Jesus explains that we should just be ourselves. We all need mercy every day so let us come to God in prayer each day in a humble way; be teachable and enthusiastic about a better future where God lifts us higher.
God sees the big picture and if we put our attention on Him and what He can do, then we will receive a greater perspective that desires to build treasure in heaven. If we are worried so much about what we need to do and not aware of what God can do, our true potential will not be realized. Worry takes away our freedom but confidence in God gives a lift as if on eagle’s wings.
Let us therefore believe that every doubt or fear will be overcome and replaced by a deep abiding trust in Him with a bold faith like the blind beggar in Luke 18 who believed that Jesus could heal his blindness. He immediately set out to make his life better by asking Jesus for help. The story of each of our lives has potential for a great future if we plan out time for prayer in order to ask for His guidance. Then our lives will be made better too.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll continue to share about thoughts or ideas for adding quality to our faith. The studies are designed to help apply our faith in the work place, at school, or at home. You can keep up with my spiritual journey by clicking http://wp.me/1ar6D. As the journey through God’s Word continues, below are questions for reflection for the study of Luke 19-20 which will help focus some thoughts to share in posts over the next few weeks.
Luke 19:1-10
What is Zacchaeus’ attitude toward Jesus? What is the people’s attitude toward the event? What about Jesus’ life prompts Zacchaeus’ change?
Luke 19:11-28
Describe the situation which prompts this parable. What kind of concept does the servant that kept the mina hid away have of the master? Reflecting on your obedience and service, what is your concept of God?
Luke 19:29-48
What is the significance of getting the colt (See Zech. 9:9)? Why do you think the Pharisees want Jesus to rebuke his disciples? What is your purpose in the world in relation to history? In what ways does this knowledge of your purpose give you courage in the face of opposition?
Luke 20:1-18
In what ways is there a conflict of authority between religious leaders and Jesus? How does the Pharisees’ plan to reveal this conflict backfire? In what areas of your life do you recognize Jesus’ authority?
Luke 20:19-26
What new methods do the leaders employ to trap Jesus? Contrast the content of the spies’ words with their motives for what they say. In what ways do state and church concerns seem to conflict today?
Luke 20:27-47
What is the basis of the Sadducees’ question (See Deut. 25:5-10)? In what two ways did they completely misunderstand the resurrection (v. 35)? How should we answer those who ask absurd questions?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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