Matthew 19:29
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."
People often ask me, "Where do you find time in your schedule to ensure these devotionals are submitted each week?" "Don't you already have a full schedule with family and such?"
I always answer, "It is hard some days and, yes, my schedule is extremely full." There are Sunday mornings that things must be pushed aside and latter reclaimed to complete my daily chores. There are days I say, "Gosh, wish I had one already memorized that I could just slap here." But, I can tell you each morning I write from my heart I am blessed by God when I do so.
Saying yes to God knowing and following him means being willing to give up whatever it is that keeps us from him - and extra hour of play time, chores, or even sleep. That is what Jesus said to the rich, young ruler when he asked, "Teacher who good thing must I do to get eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16) Jesus told him to obey the commandments and give everything to the poor. The young man walked away stymied due to his great wealth.
But think of it, if Jesus was asked that question today, he might say to that person to give up his schedule. Try to spend a bit more time enlightening others. Maybe bring a little happiness into their day by spreading his word. I am not wealthy by any means, but giving a few hours of my time to spread his love is what I feel he wants me to do. After all, he's blessed me with a solid skill of tenacious writing. Why can't I give some of that back?
Scripture states that when we say yes to God, we gain so much more than we give up. When Peter asked Jesus what was ahead for his followers they said, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" (Matthew 19:27) Jesus answered by telling his disciples that saying no to earthy things would mean a hundred times yes from God and eternal life (verse 29) What a deal! How can you pass that up?
What can you do this week to spread his love?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all you do for me.
Help me to find some way this week
to spread your great love with a trait
you've blessed me with. Amen.