Daily Devotional
Are You Living with Temporary or Eternal Purpose?
“The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.”
Matthew 12:42
September 29, 2023
Ponder This
I’m so happy in Jesus. It may sound corny, but I love Him with all of my heart, and I want to love Him more. I am His worker. You’re His worker. Solomon’s workers were happy, but Jesus gives more. Jesus gives joy unspeakable and full of glory. Jesus gives joy that is conspicuous, continuous, and contagious. Solomon’s workers eventually had to give up all the things that brought them happiness. The palace was gone. The tables were gone. The robes were gone. Solomon was gone.
But the source of my joy does not diminish because my joy does not depend on what happens; it depends on the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God for the joy of serving Jesus. I am incredibly blessed that God has let me serve Him these years and be a pastor. You are not living for a temporary purpose; your joy is lasting because of Jesus. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” That is because the work of the Lord has an eternal purpose. Jesus pleases His workers; Jesus rewards His workers; and Jesus is far greater than Solomon.
- How does serving Jesus bring you joy?
- How does it encourage you to know that when you live for Jesus you live for an eternal purpose with eternal joy?
Practice This
Serve your church in some way today with joy, whether by volunteering to help somewhere or by sending an encouraging note to your pastor.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
