Two things:
Just as the master expected return on his investment in Jesus’ parable (Luke 19:11-27), the Lord will want account from us when we meet Him. Whatever you have, strive to be a good steward of it and use it in God’s service.
Luke 18:9-14 contrasts two men offering prayers. One recognizes his own good works and seems to try to make God a debtor. The other recognizes his sinful nature and makes God his strength. There are a few lessons in this passage, but today let us concentrate on how we approach God.
When Jesus sent the ten lepers to report to the priests only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:17-18). Only one and he wasn’t even a Jew. It is easy to fall into the habit of receiving our blessings and forgetting to return thanks. Paul said in Philippians 4:6 to make all of our requests with thanksgiving. Try leading off every prayer with a list of things you are thankful for and see if requests suddenly seem less important.
In Psalm 9, David is at rest during some difficult times of war. He takes time out to reflect on a recent victory and return thanks to God. David had to fight a lot of battles and shed a lot of blood, but he was always mindful of God’s leadership.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 to temper all of our requests with thanksgiving. Even during the toughest times, there is much to be thankful for. Jesus makes plain the rewards of contentment even during lean times and the dangers we face during the good times. (Luke 6:20-26)
Today, make a special effort to forget about the things that are wrong and list some things to be thankful about. Offer prayers up. Repeat tomorrow.
From day one, Jesus met with resistance, doubt and outright rejection. It is clear from the brief glimpses into his childhood that we are given in the gospels that plenty of people knew who he was and why he was here.
Things aren’t much different for Jesus today. Those who choose to ignore his call often know a lot about him. Still, God has been asked to leave our schools and sports events. He is being escorted out of the very government we the people established in His name.
What can one person do to fix this? What can each one of us that cares about this problem contribute to welcome our Lord back into every part of our life? A great place to start is Matthew 5:13-16
Philippians 4:10-13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
We ended the last ingredient with the statement with “A life lived in Christ will be fulfilling and provide all that is needed.” Indeed Paul backs that statement up with his final ingredient for stress free living – Christ. Living in union with the living and exalted Christ is truly the secret to living well and happy in this temporary place.
This isn’t just a one off statement for Paul. Look at 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 where Paul discusses the thorn in his flesh:
…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Again we are reminded that our challenges are meant only to strengthen us and as long as we remember to keep Christ in our life, we will easily surmount them.