Spend some time with God

Saturday Devotional:

Secure in Him

Scripture: John 10:27-30 (ESV) 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Observation: In this passage Jesus defines those who follow him as His sheep. This identity is not earned by any performance but freely given through a relationship with Jesus. He emphasizes three specific items: His sheep hear His voice, they are known by Him, and they follow Him. In verse 28 and 29 Jesus makes a profound point that the security of the sheep does not depend upon the grip of the sheep on Christ but rather His grip on them. He promises eternal life and that no force can remove them from His hand. In verses 29 and 30 Jesus reinforces that this promise is also supported by God, the Father. Thus, a Christian’s identity is not fragile or delicate, but rock solid in being known by, and firmly held by, Jesus Christ.

Application: We live as though our identity depends on us: our consistency, our emotions, our circumstances, or our definition of success or failure. Jesus says we need to start getting grounded to a different reality - we belong to Him (not the other way around). When doubt arises or you are feeling Jesus is far off, remember that your security is not dependent upon how tightly you hold onto Jesus, but how firmly He holds on to you (v.28). You do not need to earn His care; you already have it. Allow this truth to inform the way you face fear, failure, and uncertainty. You are known and held secure by God.

Reflection: 

1. What voices compete with the voice of Jesus in your life? What can you do to hear Him better?

2. What areas of your life do you base your identity on your abilities and performance rather than your relationship with Jesus?

3. How do you think your actions would change if you truly believed that nothing can snatch you out of Christ’s hand?

Sunday Devotional:

Lasting Treasure

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observation: In these verses, Jesus contrasts two types of treasure: earthly and heavenly. Put simply, earthly possessions (money, status, material stuff) are temporary and vulnerable. They will decay, lose value, or be taken away. However, heavenly treasure is eternal, secure, and dependent upon our relationship with God. This kind of treasure is accumulated through faith, obedience, and love. Jesus is revealing a profound truth about the human heart. What we make the most valuable in our life will shape our priorities, our decisions, and our devotion. When we believe in the value of heavenly treasure, then our hearts are anchored in what lasts forever.

Application: As you begin this day, meditate on where your attention and energy are going. Are you focused on how you are going to control and direct the day’s events? Or are you thinking about how you will serve others, grow spiritually in worship, and live today with the knowledge that Jesus has us in His grip? Shifting focus does not mean you abandon your responsibilities, but it means you practice sacrificial love, spend intentional time with God, and look to reflect Christ in your daily interactions. Over the course of time, these intentional choices store up treasure that will not decay and will align your heart to God’s Kingdom.

Reflection:

1. What “earthly treasures” seem to always capture, or demand, your attention or concern?

2. What are some real ways that you can invest in “heavenly treasure” today?

3. Being honest with yourself, how might some of your current decisions change if you really placed eternal valueand God’s love over temporary gain, and worldly concerns?