May 12, 2015
We never give up more than we get in return. It’s a promise proven to be true.
"everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29)
Many who know me have heard my story. At the age of eighteen, I left my parents’ home in a small rural community to attend Bible college in another state. The distance was not great, but emotionally and spiritually, it was a huge step for me; way out of my comfort zone. But, the blessings have far outweighed the sacrifices. In addition to my biological family in the faith, my family has become far larger than I could ever have imagined. I wouldn’t trade anything for the journey or the dear people who have become family through the years. I can truly testify that I have been given brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children - even farms.
Giving up to serve Christ and the kingdom doesn’t always involve pulling up stakes and moving elsewhere. Sometimes the difficult choice is based on the separation that faith and truth necessitate. Family isn’t always family; meaning, biological family who aren’t of the family of God aren’t really family in the truest sense. Not that we don’t want them to be; some resist and refuse to their own peril. And, out of necessity, they separate themselves from us.
Abraham of the Old Testament is a father figure in the faith. Called of God to leave his community of origin, he journeyed to a land that God had promised him. His nephew, Lot, journeyed with him, but his faith and priorities were far different. Lot was often concerned about what was best for Lot, while Abraham was focused on Yahweh God who had called him. More than once these opposing priorities made for conflict and crisis.
Today, like every day, is an adventure in faith. We are called to paths that may not seem the least bit clear. As we journey, we are surrounded by some friends and family who also choose the path of faith, while others do not. We enjoy companionship with family in and of the faith, but are alienated from those with different priorities. Like Abraham and Lot, sometimes those differing priorities even lead to tension and conflict.
In the adventure of faith today, do not lose sight of the promise of Matthew 19:29. Whatever we give up will never be greater than what we receive.
Rejoicing in the blessings,
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
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
"everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29)
Many who know me have heard my story. At the age of eighteen, I left my parents’ home in a small rural community to attend Bible college in another state. The distance was not great, but emotionally and spiritually, it was a huge step for me; way out of my comfort zone. But, the blessings have far outweighed the sacrifices. In addition to my biological family in the faith, my family has become far larger than I could ever have imagined. I wouldn’t trade anything for the journey or the dear people who have become family through the years. I can truly testify that I have been given brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children - even farms.
Giving up to serve Christ and the kingdom doesn’t always involve pulling up stakes and moving elsewhere. Sometimes the difficult choice is based on the separation that faith and truth necessitate. Family isn’t always family; meaning, biological family who aren’t of the family of God aren’t really family in the truest sense. Not that we don’t want them to be; some resist and refuse to their own peril. And, out of necessity, they separate themselves from us.
Abraham of the Old Testament is a father figure in the faith. Called of God to leave his community of origin, he journeyed to a land that God had promised him. His nephew, Lot, journeyed with him, but his faith and priorities were far different. Lot was often concerned about what was best for Lot, while Abraham was focused on Yahweh God who had called him. More than once these opposing priorities made for conflict and crisis.
Today, like every day, is an adventure in faith. We are called to paths that may not seem the least bit clear. As we journey, we are surrounded by some friends and family who also choose the path of faith, while others do not. We enjoy companionship with family in and of the faith, but are alienated from those with different priorities. Like Abraham and Lot, sometimes those differing priorities even lead to tension and conflict.
In the adventure of faith today, do not lose sight of the promise of Matthew 19:29. Whatever we give up will never be greater than what we receive.
Rejoicing in the blessings,
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
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 @ 9:33 AM
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