Day: March 13, 2019

March 14, 2019

Philippians 3:7-12 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Today is the eighth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God.  A Kingdom heart knows the only way to live is found in the resurrecting power of the LORD.  According to Scripture, daily God sets before us life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster. Then, he calls us to make a choice between the two.  If we choose life, he commands us to love the LORD our God, walk in his ways, keep his commandments, so we can increase and enjoy his blessings (Due 30:15-16). So, if we know the Lord is our resurrection and he brings a life with priceless spiritual blessings, why are we slow to choose real life over a lifeless existence pursuing worthless worldly pleasures and treasures?  I believe the answer lies in the struggle. 

The enemy of your soul is Satan and his spirit of sin that is found in the world and human flesh. Sin struggles against Christ’s righteousness. Sin leads a war that tries to keep you from the throne of God and the restoration Christ alone can bring. Jesus conquered sin, but now you and I need to overcome sin by surrendering to the work of the resurrected Christ. Many people exist, but how many are actually walking in the ways of God and enjoying the abundant life Christ offers? I don’t know about the hearts of others, but I am responsible for my heart and will answer for my choices about life.  Believers in Christ are destined for heaven, and resurrection power is given by the Holy Spirit so we can identify and face the struggle, throw off sin in Christ’s authority, and turn to wear the blessings of God that leads to love and Kingdom life.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul teaches about this life Christ offers.  If you want a Kingdom heart, the love of Christ must take ahold of you and be the life you choose.  Don’t hate the struggle. Use your faith, run toward the goal, and make the choice, today.  

During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart.  P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield.  May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.

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March 13, 2019

Luke 21:34-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

Today is the seventh day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.”  Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. A Kingdom heart motivates us to focus on the authority of Christ; the One to whom we will one day give an account for how we have chosen to live our lives.

In our passage today, Jesus has been teaching the disciples about the future; what to look for and what will signal his Second Coming. He begins with a warning; they are to guard their hearts against apathy—lack of interest or concern for their spiritual state. They are not to allow their flesh to rule them. They must remain vibrant in their faith and loyal in their devotion to God if they are going to escape the events that precede Christ’s return. 

So here is the picture according to Luke 21: 25-28. Jesus tells his disciples to look for a future bringing strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The tides will be affected. All of nature will be pulled into a place of turmoil. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. It is a sign the Kingdom of God is near. Then, everyone will look up and see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and glory; he is coming to take his place of authority over creation. For those who have lived carelessly and failed to prepare to meet Christ, they will see gloom and destruction. For God’s children who are watching and have allowed grace to cover them and the Spirit to prepare them, they will experience justice and restoration. Examine your heart today. Are you vibrant in faith and prepared to meet Christ? Have you allowed the Word to have authority over your life?  If you have questions about what the Word teaches on certain topics, then do some research.  Invest in your spiritual life; it is the real you.

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