Daily Digest #275

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. —Matthew 6:33

I'm sure you've read the story above before, I sure have. But it is good to be reminded of the things that matter most in our lives. It gives us the opportunity to assess our priorities, our principles and beliefs, and what we value the most. They reflect in our words and actions toward our neighbors, and how we live our lives. Let us ask ourselves: what do my words and actions say about me?

There's a saying that goes "It's not who we are but what we do that defines us." For this, let us pray. May our lives be a reflection of God's love and mercy. May He bless all our relationships, and guide us in our choices. When confused about the things that matter the most, may we seek His wisdom, listen, and be enlightened by what He has to say. Pray always.


Don’t Trade Your Life for Temporary Things

“There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:18 MSG).

So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less for eternity. Don’t trade your life for temporary things. Jesus said, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 LB). Paul warned, “Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out” (1 Corinthians 7:31 MSG).

What are you allowing to stand in the way of your mission? Whatever it is, let it go. “Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back…” (Hebrews 12:1 LB).

How can we do this? In one of His most misunderstood statements, Jesus said, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9 NIV).

Jesus did not mean for you to “buy” friends with money. What He meant was that you should use the money God gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be friends for eternity who will welcome you when you get to heaven! It’s the best financial investment you’ll ever make.

You’ve probably heard the expression “You can’t take it with you,” but the Bible says you can send it on ahead, by investing it in people who are going there! The Bible says, “By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well” (1 Timothy 6:19 LB).