January 13, 2025
What do you love? What is more important to you than anything else? These things will determine precisely what you will do, where you will go, and how you will spend your resources this year. Because your values always determine your direction.
JESUS ON VALUES
In Matthew 13, Christ shared a series of profound parables. He taught two simple parables that illustrated the same truth.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46)
Imagine that you are a pearl connoisseur. You study them, know them, and love them. You look at a tray of pearls in a jewelry store and quickly assess that they are nice but of little value. But then, you see one pearl that is more valuable than all the rest.
You cannot buy it because it is priced too high. But you realize that it is underpriced for what it is worth. What would you do? Since you love pearls and know their value, you would sell everything you had to come and buy the single pearl. And it would be a wise investment.
THE KINGDOM
Everybody values something. For some, it’s pleasure, power, or reputation. Some value comfort above all else. The desire for one more thing drives others: they love possessions. If these are your values, your calendar and checkbook will reflect what you cherish.
But suppose your greatest value is the kingdom of heaven. You live to experience the presence of God and to take others there. You love the things of God—His Word and prayer, worship, service to the King and to those He loves. What will happen? You will give anything and everything to gain the Kingdom and bring the Kingdom to others. You will gladly give generously for the kingdom of your time and possessions … of all you have.
What is more important to you than anything else? Check your values, for they will drive you this year. And what value is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?
January 10, 2025
Where does God want you to go this week? To whom does He want you to speak? Jesus knows, and if you cultivate the art of asking and listening, He will lead you.
January 09, 2025
IF I FOLLOW JESUS, WHERE WILL HE TAKE ME? It’s a good question. It is also one of the main excuses many adopt to refuse following the One who loves them perfectly and designed them to be on the Great Adventure with Him.
January 08, 2025
