BIBLE PASSAGE:
“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.
Night is coming, when no one can work.”
(John 9:4)
MEDITATION:
Robert Moffett, a great missionary statesman once said,
“We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories,
but only one short hour before the sun sets in which to win them.”
The Bible reminds us that we have a limited time on earth
and at the end, we will step into eternity.
It’s a transition that many would rather not think about,
but for those who belong to the Lord, there is anticipation
(even though we don’t relish the thought of leaving our loved ones behind).
None of us can fathom the magnitude of how majestic Heaven will be.
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived” – the things God has prepared
for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9)
So what are believers to do in this earthly life?
We strive to live the kind of life that is pleasing to God,
and we look for opportunities to tell others about His gift of salvation.
We do this because we want others to join us in enjoying what God has prepared.
It doesn’t mean we all become preachers and missionaries,
but it does mean we are His disciples and have a responsibility
to live righteous lives that serve as a witness to our faith in the Lord.
Every believer can be an effective disciple by the type of lifestyle we live.
Jesus tells us to live a life in anticipation of His return,
and not a life of anxiety caused by the sinfulness we see around us.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness
and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For
it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on
the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen,
and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
The scriptures tell us of signs that indicate the return of Jesus is getting nearer,
and we can see some of those signs showing up more frequently.
“false prophets”
“nation will rise against nation”
“in various places: earthquakes; starving people; epidemic fatal diseases”
“Jerusalem surrounded by armies”
“signs in the sun, moon and earth”
“roaring of the sea causing perplexity and anguish”
“persecution of people of faith”
ACTION:
I don’t believe the Lord sent me this devotional to distribute today as
a kind of doomsday message, but rather a call to action for His followers.
I believe He wants us to think about how much time we are investing in the
things of the world, as compared to our efforts to store up treasures in Heaven.
God wants us to be happy and enjoy living, but not to be focused
on happiness to the exclusion of what He expects of those who have faith
(Note: Seeking only happiness can make us susceptible to worldly temptations).
We can increase our joy through living righteous lives,
and being prepared to boldly share our faith whenever opportunities arise.
What do others see in you?
Do they see your faith in action, or do they see someone
who is easily influenced by the things of the world?
What are the things hidden from the eyes of others, which are stealing your joy?
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for allowing the things of the world to
distract me from You and what You expect of me. Help me to clean
up the unrighteous areas of my life so that I will become a better witness
for You and increase my joy. Remind me that when I claim to be a
Christian, I am wearing Your moniker every day. Thank You for the
salvation You have given me!”
blog: UTVOLWOODY.WORDPRESS.COM
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
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