September 25: Luke 8:16-18

Key Verse: Luke 8:17
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

Devotion:
It is illuminating to see the differences between the gospels because it gives you an insight into how the disciples thought and what caught their attention when they listened to Jesus. The same goes for each one of us, we pick up different things from the same person telling the same sermon because we all think differently. This is probably why Jesus chose a wide variety of people to retell the gospel, and why He has chosen you!

We can act as if we don’t know things or act as if we do know them, but when the final moment comes we will be found lacking in knowledge one way or another. When Jesus was teaching the disciples He wanted them to know God is able to discern everything, not just in what they were doing in the synagogues but everywhere and always!

Everything we do as disciples of Christ can be counted for or against us – depending on what we are doing. It does not matter whether we are the highest priest or the lowest servant, God know what is happening in our lives and knows what we face each and every moment. When we call out to Him, if we are simply recounting words without feeling, do you not think He would get a bit bored listening to you… But if you are saying those words from your heart, then they will strike home every time with God!

Be honest and earnest in all you do with God!

Points to Ponder:
Do you sometimes repeat long prayers from a book?

Will you say a short prayer from your heart today?

September 24: Philippians 1:21-30

Key Verse: Philippians 1:22
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

Devotion:
Something you don’t often have to think about when you are young is what is going to happen when you die, but as you grow older you begin to think more about what will happen. Now, being a Christians, we know we will be in a much better place with Christ in Heaven after we finish this life on earth… but what about the here and now?

Each of us has been given a life on earth with which we should be aiming to get the best out of it for Christ’s sake. Because we believe in Christ we are guaranteed a place in Heaven with God, but what about the people around us who do not yet know Christ? This life has been given us to do with it what we wish; this is because Christ loves us so much!

So how do we show our love for Christ during this life on earth? One way is to try to open other people around us to the faith we have and allow them to see what we are so happy about. We have this joy knowing we are ultimately safe. Other people may be concerned about what happens after they die; being able to show them we have a guaranteed place in Heaven may be enough to persuade them to seek Christ too.

Everything we do here on earth will count toward any reward we may see in Heaven and not just here on earth. Spread a little bit of your happiness and allow people to know they too can gain when they die if they seek and ultimately believe in Christ as well!

Points to Ponder:
Would you rather continue living or depart to be in Heaven?

Will you allow someone else to have that choice?

September 23: 1 Timothy 6:13-16

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 6:14
to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ

Devotion:
This letter to Timothy is one we should all be trying to accept into our own lives. The writer encourages Timothy to keep the Christian faith and to fight against all who try to go against God, to encourage those who need it and to support those who are finding it hard. These are simple things in our minds but make a big impact in the personal lives of those around us.

Confessing we are Christians and showing people we are living a different life, one filled with love, joy, peace and hope will encourage those around us to find out why things are different in our eyes. If we live as the world lives then we will be seen as being no different from everyone around us. To encourage people we need to show them we have more than we need in many ways which cannot always be defined by worldly measures.

We need to be strong and courageous to show we have the Holy Spirit guiding and protecting us in ways which the world will not be able to understand. This courage will allow the world to see we are different and may even make them question their own ways. When they do that, the Holy Spirit will be able to convince them in their own hearts there is a different life they can lead.

God alone is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and He alone is the Light which should be seen to shine through our lives. Don’t try to lift yourself up into a high position but rather lift up Christ to allow people to see Him through you!

Points to Ponder:
Do you think you live a good life?

How much of Christ do people see through you?