Key Passage
Jesus finished telling these things to his twelve followers. Then Jesus left there and went to the towns in Galilee to teach the people and tell them {about God}.
— Matthew 11:1 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
For someone who is easily distracted, the phrase "stay on task" is not only frustrating, but extremely needed. Everything in our modern lifestyles tends to push us into busy distractions. But Jesus remains on task. He is going to do the work the Father sent him to do. His single-mindedness is a powerful tool to help him find the path the Father wants him to walk. He will go back to where he is known, where his credibility has already been questioned, and minister with teaching and preaching to those who are reluctant to respond positively. However, Jesus' ministry is about three and a half years of sowing, so that when the moment is right, thousands will be ready for harvest. Even with rejection looming ahead, Jesus knows that he will endure by adhering to his faith and doing the work of God. We, too, must often walk the same path. God wants us to do well and share with others. Our goal is to be faithful to that call and to sow while we can; God will bring the harvest when the season is right.
Prayer
Give me courage, O God, that I might do what you have called me to do. Give me conviction, O God, to follow your Word and will in scripture no matter the outward circumstances or the apparent short-term results. I trust the harvest to you, but I ask for the power of your Spirit to help me live faithfully in your service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
The next morning, Jesus woke up very early. Jesus left the house while it was still dark. He went to a place to be alone and pray. Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. They found Jesus and said, "All the people are looking for you!" Jesus answered, "We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here. Then I can tell people {God's message} in those places also. That is why I came." So Jesus traveled everywhere in Galilee. He spoke in the synagogues. And he forced demons to leave people.
— Mark 1:35-39
I don't mean that I am already exactly like God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach that goal and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that. That is the reason Christ made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal. But there is one thing I always do: I forget the things that are past. I try as hard as I can to reach the goal that is before me. I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize. That prize is mine because God called me through Christ to the life above. All of us who have grown spiritually to be mature (perfect) should think this way too. And if there is any of these things you don't agree with, God will make it clear to you. But we should continue following the {truth} we already have.
— Philippians 3:12-16
— http://bible.faithlife.com/bible/ncv/
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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Jesus finished telling these things to his twelve followers. Then Jesus left there and went to the towns in Galilee to teach the people and tell them {about God}.
— Matthew 11:1 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
For someone who is easily distracted, the phrase "stay on task" is not only frustrating, but extremely needed. Everything in our modern lifestyles tends to push us into busy distractions. But Jesus remains on task. He is going to do the work the Father sent him to do. His single-mindedness is a powerful tool to help him find the path the Father wants him to walk. He will go back to where he is known, where his credibility has already been questioned, and minister with teaching and preaching to those who are reluctant to respond positively. However, Jesus' ministry is about three and a half years of sowing, so that when the moment is right, thousands will be ready for harvest. Even with rejection looming ahead, Jesus knows that he will endure by adhering to his faith and doing the work of God. We, too, must often walk the same path. God wants us to do well and share with others. Our goal is to be faithful to that call and to sow while we can; God will bring the harvest when the season is right.
Prayer
Give me courage, O God, that I might do what you have called me to do. Give me conviction, O God, to follow your Word and will in scripture no matter the outward circumstances or the apparent short-term results. I trust the harvest to you, but I ask for the power of your Spirit to help me live faithfully in your service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
The next morning, Jesus woke up very early. Jesus left the house while it was still dark. He went to a place to be alone and pray. Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus. They found Jesus and said, "All the people are looking for you!" Jesus answered, "We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here. Then I can tell people {God's message} in those places also. That is why I came." So Jesus traveled everywhere in Galilee. He spoke in the synagogues. And he forced demons to leave people.
— Mark 1:35-39
I don't mean that I am already exactly like God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach that goal and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that. That is the reason Christ made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal. But there is one thing I always do: I forget the things that are past. I try as hard as I can to reach the goal that is before me. I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize. That prize is mine because God called me through Christ to the life above. All of us who have grown spiritually to be mature (perfect) should think this way too. And if there is any of these things you don't agree with, God will make it clear to you. But we should continue following the {truth} we already have.
— Philippians 3:12-16
— http://bible.faithlife.com/bible/ncv/
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
