FEEL AGAIN

Day 10

Tuesday, January 11

Read:

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Devote:

Many of us say that God comes first in our lives, but the way we spend our time, money, and affections point to other priorities. Jesus shared the story of a very successful person who focused on wealth instead of God, tearing down his barns to build bigger ones to store the overflowing abundance of his possessions. In the end, the man lost what was most important. “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20–21). Investing in relationships is always important—not every relationship, but the ones that are integral to who God has called us to be and where he has placed us. We need to invest ourselves as much as possible in relationships with those who enhance, nourish, encourage, and sustain our lives. Conversely, we need to distance ourselves as much as possible from those who rob us of life. We need relationships in which we can be real with others who share our faith so we can shoulder one another’s burdens and celebrate one another’s joys. Investing in an eternal legacy is also worthy of all we can give. Jesus told a parable that really puts this in perspective. A man found a treasure in a field and sold everything he had to buy that field: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). Eternal treasures are the moments that bring us closer to God and that illuminate the lives of others with God’s goodness, peace, provision, and power. We invest in an eternal legacy when we do what we’re made to do so that God’s kingdom grows and overcomes the darkness in this world.

Journal:

List the names of people with whom you have relationships that promote your growth in becoming who God has called you to be.

Reflect:

What are some eternal treasures the names above have deposited in you?

Pray:

Father, please help me to focus on eternal treasures. Thank you for bringing me closer to you, and please help me share your blessings with others. Amen.

Author:

Out Of The Cave by Chris Hodges