John 17:15-19 NLT
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
Wouldn’t it have been easier for us if when we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that we just went to heaven, and that was the end of it?
His intent was never to save us and immediately send us to heaven; he intends that we will have trials and suffering, and these trials and suffering will shape us into the image of Jesus Christ.
So buckle up!!
We are saved by faith; there is nothing we could have done to have received this gift of grace by God. He aligned our circumstances in such a way that the only response we could have made is to cry out to Him. We have been chosen. We don’t choose Him; He chose us. And He knew this was going to happen before we came into physical being.
Romans 8:29-30 NLT
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
This is a great honor, an honor that we did not deserve. An honor that we did not earn.
But it was not His desire that we become saved and go to heaven, but He has entrusted us with a mission, a commission:
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
What an honor!!
We have been called to “make disciples,” “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” and to “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” And He assures us that He is “always” with us.
Matthew 18:20 NLT
For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
In John 17:17, Jesus says, “Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.”
Being taught requires an effort; to be taught the Word, we need to be in the Word in a consistent manner. My suggestion is daily. Furthermore, I would suggest that you spend as much time as you can in God’s Word while maintaining effectiveness in this world, for your family and your job. This will require a sacrifice, but the sacrifice will probably be a no brainer if it is important enough to you.
We always find a way to do what is important to us.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
I love the absolute nature of the Word of God, but look at what it says, study continually, meditate on it day and night, obey everything written in it and ONLY then will you prosper and succeed in ALL you do.
WOW, what a promise!!
Heavenly Father, create a desire in my heart to seek You out above all else in my life.
Your promise is: Matthew 6:33 NLT
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
I ask You to give me the strength, courage, and desire to seek You out above all else with the confidence that You will make all things right.
I thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and I pray that You give me the ability to bestow the same to those around me.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
