S) "29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life."
Matthew 19:29 (NASB)
O) It's kind of a funny thing, that even Christians need this kind of motivation sometimes. It's a hard thing to serve God with your entire life. It takes perpetual self-sacrifice, humility, commitment, patience, devotion, trust, etc. I think it's kind of amazing that God knows His children and decides to motivate them in such a way. I know that philosophy about whether or not there are unselfish acts... I don't think it really matters, though. The real question is, who is benefiting more from the action, and are you doing what is right - regardless of your motivations.
A) When I moved my family to Redding, to become a youth pastor with Kristin, I didn't leave my brothers and my wife's family, and our new condo, and our friends, in order that I would be rewarded with the same things later. I was, however, very comforted in knowing that God understood how difficult it was, and knowing that He does promise that I will not lose those things, but eventually will regain them, and more, like Job. Remembering that God has promises to reward my sacrifices makes it easier to commit to serving Him completely.
P) Father, thank You for all of these promises, LORD. Help me keep them in mind when I have to make tough choices to obey You. Holy Spirit, thank You for leading me with convictions of righteousness. I want to continue to make just decisions and obedient choices, when it comes to the direction of my own life, my marriage, my family, and my ministries. Use whatever motivation will work, God. Whether promises of rewards, warnings of punishments, or anything in between; do what it takes to get me and my family to heaven, and to bless us here on earth. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) When I moved my family to Redding, to become a youth pastor with Kristin, I didn't leave my brothers and my wife's family, and our new condo, and our friends, in order that I would be rewarded with the same things later. I was, however, very comforted in knowing that God understood how difficult it was, and knowing that He does promise that I will not lose those things, but eventually will regain them, and more, like Job. Remembering that God has promises to reward my sacrifices makes it easier to commit to serving Him completely.
P) Father, thank You for all of these promises, LORD. Help me keep them in mind when I have to make tough choices to obey You. Holy Spirit, thank You for leading me with convictions of righteousness. I want to continue to make just decisions and obedient choices, when it comes to the direction of my own life, my marriage, my family, and my ministries. Use whatever motivation will work, God. Whether promises of rewards, warnings of punishments, or anything in between; do what it takes to get me and my family to heaven, and to bless us here on earth. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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