Devotional thought/Application
It’s easy to get distracted by things that are important but are less important. Sometimes we get concerned with “checking the boxes” and forget about the spirit behind those boxes. For example, tithing is important but justice and the love of God are more important. Tithing is actually relatively easy. Do a bit of a calculation and give the money to God. Check the box and you are done. But, checking the box might end up neglecting the “more important things” if checking the box is simply the end of the task. When a task is done for the sake of fulfilling religious duty without a heart spirit of worship behind it, that can become legalism.
Justice and the love of God are deeper heart issues that require on-going attention and tending. For example, we can “check the box” that we did our daily Bible reading, but if we forget to love God and be loved by God in the process, then we’ve gotten distracted by the less important things. The Bible is an amazing tool to lead us to God, but it’s not God himself. So, it’s good to remember in the midst of an intense Bible reading plan why we are doing what we are doing! Make sure these Bible readings lead you to the author of the Bible himself: God. Don’t just “check the box” and move on. Experience God.
This God of the Bible is a good God who gives good gifts to his children. If we ask for good things, he won’t give us bad things. The problem is that this passage does not actually promise us “things” at all. The issue of receiving a fish or a snake is a less important thing. But, in keeping with a good God, He says that he will give us good gifts and the Holy Spirit when we ask Him for it, which is a much more important thing. The Holy Spirit is an amazing gift and He is free for the asking from a good, good Father. The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, empowers for witness, and empowers for service. And He is ours simply for the asking. Let’s not take Holy Spirit for granted today and let’s partner with Him in the more important things as we attend to justice and loving God throughout this day.
Prayer
I recognize that you are a good God who gives good gifts. I now ask you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and all that means. Thank you that you give Him freely. Help me to walk in the way of justice and the love of God today. Help me to attend to the “more important things” and help me to know the difference between those things that are important and those things that are “more important.”
Special Events
Senders University (Senders U) at The Journey on March 29th and 30th
What is Senders U? For more info. or to register click here
Dr. Pam Arlund will be preaching at The Journey on March 31st. Come and hear her deliver a powerful message. For directions and service times click here
Dr. Pam Arlund
OUR VISION IS TO SEE JESUS WORSHIPED BY ALL THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH.OUR MISSION IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES AND TRAIN LEADERS TO IGNITE CHURCH PLANTING MOVEMENTS AMONG THE NEGLECTED PEOPLES OF THE EARTH.
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