January 2, 2014
A new year is an opportunity to explore new territory. In a figurative sense, the "land" of a new year stretches before us, clean and unmarred. So, a new year offers a great opportunity to clearly focus on the territory we will travel to and through.
In Jesus' great Sermon On the Mount, he declares, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5.5) The meek and gentle are promised an earthly inheritance. Jesus based this statement, no doubt, on a well-known Psalm - Psalm thirty-seven. Notice the prominence and similarity of these land promises: "those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land ... the humble will inherit the land ... The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever ... He will exalt you to inherit the land" (Psalm 37.9, 11, 29, 34) Jesus reemphasized the great truth in Psalm thirty-seven of the blessing of inheriting the earth in the coming kingdom of God.
I suggest that this verse should serve as an important theme verse for the new year: "Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." (Psalm 37.3) Trust in Yahweh God is absolutely a key. None of us knows what the years holds, but our assurance is that our Father will prove faithful to His people, and will provide and protect. His desire is that we "do good" - pursue cultivating His character in our lives through His Spirit. And, the land we dwell in is His domain - the kingdom that is both now and not yet. As we live in that land this year, our priority is to "cultivate faithfulness".
What will be your "kingdom project" this year? A specific commitment to service and outreach? To deliberately be discipled, and to disciple someone else? Resolute commitment to study and apply His word? Concentrated focus on intercessory prayer? Greater commitment to building up the body of Christ?
"Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." My prayer is that this verse will guide you in the "land" that is this new year, and that it will be synonymous with the territory of the kingdom of God that is, and is to come. We cannot go wrong if this is our resolute priority.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
In Jesus' great Sermon On the Mount, he declares, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5.5) The meek and gentle are promised an earthly inheritance. Jesus based this statement, no doubt, on a well-known Psalm - Psalm thirty-seven. Notice the prominence and similarity of these land promises: "those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land ... the humble will inherit the land ... The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever ... He will exalt you to inherit the land" (Psalm 37.9, 11, 29, 34) Jesus reemphasized the great truth in Psalm thirty-seven of the blessing of inheriting the earth in the coming kingdom of God.
I suggest that this verse should serve as an important theme verse for the new year: "Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." (Psalm 37.3) Trust in Yahweh God is absolutely a key. None of us knows what the years holds, but our assurance is that our Father will prove faithful to His people, and will provide and protect. His desire is that we "do good" - pursue cultivating His character in our lives through His Spirit. And, the land we dwell in is His domain - the kingdom that is both now and not yet. As we live in that land this year, our priority is to "cultivate faithfulness".
What will be your "kingdom project" this year? A specific commitment to service and outreach? To deliberately be discipled, and to disciple someone else? Resolute commitment to study and apply His word? Concentrated focus on intercessory prayer? Greater commitment to building up the body of Christ?
"Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." My prayer is that this verse will guide you in the "land" that is this new year, and that it will be synonymous with the territory of the kingdom of God that is, and is to come. We cannot go wrong if this is our resolute priority.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:45 AM
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