Live To Take Up The Cross Keluarga Allah Daily Devotional September 02, 2017
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THE SOUL
Philippians 1: 20-26
TODAY'S RHEMA Philippians 1: 21-22a "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me."
The verse above was written by Apostle Paul to Philippians when he was in jail in Rome for around 62 AD. That time, his age was about 60 years, it means he had followed Jesus wholeheartedly for almost 30 years. Many uncomfortable things happened along his service: prosecutions, illness, hunger, etc. Paul didn't know whether he would be safe or die in jail. However, he never stopped preaching. He considered that life was to do the will of Christ, not to get his comfort. Though Apostle Paul stated his desire to depart and be with Christ it was more necessary for him to remain in the flesh and produce fruitful labor for God.
As the believers, how do we see our lives? Do we see as the opportunity to reach our hope and self-vision? Have we ever thought why God lets us live until today? Do we realize that God has a great command of our lives? We can find it in Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." No matter what our professions are (doctor, entrepreneur, worker, house wife, student, bricklayer, housemaid, etc.), God wants us to serve and preach the Gospel.
Living for Christ is not only preaching the Gospel but also having a purpose for God's glory and being a blessing to others. It's shown with the action of working with perseverance and responsibility, developing our talents' from God, loving and helping others maximally. All the things we do for God so that His name is glorified and many people know His love. No matter how hard the obstacle is, keep fighting to the finish line. Remember, our eternal life is in heaven, not this world.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, TAKING UP THE CROSS is LIFE CALLING, make it as a new LIFE PRINCIPLE for our LIFE TIME
APPLICATION 1. What is your main-life purpose? 2. Have you taken up the cross and preached the Gospel in every possible opportunity? 3. What fruits do you produce?
TODAY'S PRAYER "Father, strengthen my heart. No matter how my condition is, let me serve You faithfully. Don't let hardship make me slothful. Let my life grow and be fruitful for Your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
YEARLY BIBLE READING
Genesis 43-45
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