Devotional Time with God

It’s difficult enough to live in this materialistic world and save enough for oneself, or the family. It takes a huge leap of faith to give to others.  It’s even more difficult when God tests me on it:

I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing.

Malachi 3:10

He promises to give me more when I give more. He promises the riches of heaven, with blessings after blessings. Who wouldn’t want that?  I do!  But the test is difficult since I’m short sighted, shallow, and scared. I must put my eyes on the finish line. I must look to God for His richness.  This world is fleeting. Heaven is permanent!

This world taught me that I’m the center of my own universe.  I’m the god of my own destiny.  I’m the master of my world.

Of course, this teaching is wrong!

Eventually, I will die. Where will I end up? Space dust? All of that love, knowledge, and experiences – POOF, gone!  But I’m glad I know Jesus because He offered me grace and I took it!  I now have an everlasting life promised to me after I’m dead. I now have hope!

I don’t think I can go on trudging along on this earth without God’s healing power (Psalm 147:3).  I will, forever cast all of my care upon him, for He cares for me! (1 Peter 5:7)

Don’t ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the Lord and stay away from evil. This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.

Proverbs 3:7-8

I’m not that smart. In fact, I can do some stupid things. Like forgetting where I put my keys, or eating way too much junk food.  I do all the dumb things because I always think about pleasing myself. I always feel I deserve rewards.

The problem is I look for worldly rewards. Those don’t last long. What does last is the heavenly rewards. Only God can provide that. I have to respect God’s guidance and will, in order for me to get that reward. I have to look for Him.

I have to rely on God!  For He will help me finish this race called life. It’s all temporary here on this earth.  I’m looking forward to finishing with Jesus!

God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:4-6

How rich am I?  If I measure my wealth from the material things I own, I’m not doing so bad.  But that’s never enough. Worse, my money doesn’t last and I can’t take it with me when I’m dead!  So what fills me up? What fulfills my deepest longing needs?

It’s relationship. Relationship with my daughter, my wife, my family, my friends… and especially my godly friends, who believes in Jesus as their personal lord and savior!  I am made to belong in God’s family, for he has predestined me to be with Him and His family in heaven.

I look forward to take my love to heaven and meet my brothers and sisters, in Christ!

Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.

2 Corinthians 4:18

My kid asked, if this world is not perfect, then why does God put us here?  Why not make us and put us directly in heaven?  My answer is our purpose. It’s related to our own free will. Since I, a human being, tend to want whatever’s best for me, I won’t be living out my purpose, which is to worship God. I have to do it willingly – because I want to!  That’s why life in this world is tough, because it goes against my programming. It goes against the purpose that God has planned for me. I’m to learn how to live out my purpose in life, according to God’s will. I’m to treat life on earth as a temporary assignment, to learn to find God’s values, not mine.

I remember that song from Carrie Underwood, “Temporary Home”, that sings about that we’re just passing through and we don’t belong here.  We’re longing for that special place and I know it’s called heaven.

This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.

1 John 2:17

Many times I closed my eyes, before I go to sleep, and wondered if I’ll ever wake up.  First of all, I thank God that I wake up every morning, to a brand new day, and new challenges. Meditating over the word of God, I realize this life is only temporary. I have a greater purpose – to be with God, forever.  I’m here on this earth to prepare for eternity.  To love, as Jesus loves.  To care, like Jesus cares.  To worship God, with all my heart.

My life is different once I know I’m made for eternity.  My focus is to do God’s will – to represent love, because God is love.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

I worry sometimes. Ok, so I worry – a lot! Sometimes it’s about something serious, like my family’s finances. Sometimes it’s about trivial things like my appearances, both physically and relationally.  I worry about things that just don’t matter, sometimes.

So why am I so caught up with what other people thinks of me? Jesus plainly told me that the birds don’t care. The flower’s don’t care. God takes care of nature’s needs.  God will certainly  takes care of me!

I should not be worried.  I need to seek God first – then everything else will fall into place.

Lord, I thank you for your kingdom. I submit my life to you, Jesus. I don’t want to submit to this world. I don’t want to submit to my worries on what other people think of me. You, Jesus, matter to me so I seek you first. I’ve accepted you, Lord – and you said you will provide – you will give me grace. And that’s all I ever need. In your loving arms, I stay.  Amen.

. . . I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12b

God has taken a hold of my life. He has grabbed my attention.

And now He’s in the process of shaping me. I let Him. I let Him guide and mold me to His image. That’s all I have to look forward to – to be with Him.

So I press on, living in this world, with only His purpose for my life.

God, please continue to use me for your glory. Continue to take a hold of me. I stray quite often and I deviate from your path frequently. I want to stay on course. I want to reach heaven where you are. Hold me steadfast, Lord. I will continue to read your word, listen to you, and pray to you, throughout my life, to receive and do your instructions. Amen.

To get where I’m going, I need to know what is it, exactly, that I want.  I must ask:

1. What do I want to be?
2. What do I want to do?
3. What do I want to have?
4. Why do I want it?

I can’t be asking God for anything and everything.  Even though God knows what I need or want, He wants to know if I know what I want.  I need to keep my motivation in check.  God will provide the way.

I want to be a father who can provide for my family for the next 30 years to come, until I retire.  I want to provide wise advice in terms of finance, education, and life experiences.  I want to have an abundant life, so I may share with or help others.  I want all of this so I can be a good example to other people what a Christ-centered family look like.

The reward is in heaven (Luke 6:23). This world is a temporary. My reward here is nothing compared what’s waiting for me in heaven.  I must keep my eye on the heavenly prize.

At my church, Saddleback, we’re kicking off the “Decade of Destiny” today.  Pastor Rick has a vision for the church in the next 10 years.  He wants the church to grow spiritually in the next decade, by leaps and bounds.  We ought to dream big because we have a big God.

In a spiritual growth, there needs to be certain things that I have to focus on doing.

1. Meet with God daily. (Proverbs 8:34)
2. Study and do His word. (Psalm 1:1-3)
3. Tithe my income. (Malachi 3:10)
4. Help others in need. (Psalm 41:1-2)
5. Share the good news. (Philemon 1:6)
6. Participate in fellowship. (Romans 1:12)

Getting to where I want to be also takes a few steps:

1. Determine my present position.
2. Describe exactly what I want.
3. Find a promise from God.
4. Ask God for help.
5. Identify difficulties.
6. Create a step-by-step plan.
7. Be patient and persistent.
8. Enlist a team for support.
9. Pay the price.

So where do I want to be?  I first need to know where I am.  I’m financially stable, physically alright, and in a healthy relationship with my family.  What an awesome blessing to be in this situation.  Can I ask for more?  Of course I can.  God wants to add more!  I love to have another child. I love to be able to help others and honor God, at the same time.  I love to have the peace of mind that can only come from knowing Jesus Christ.  I love to have Jesus’ character. I love to have God use my family to be God’s ambassadors in this dark and treacherous world.

This world is only a temporary assignment.  Slowly, but surely, I will reach my destiny to be with God in heaven and worship Him, forever.