Topic: Do Not Lose Your Zeal [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 8 August 2021
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Above Only Devotional
Sunday, August 08, 2021
Do Not Lose Your Zeal
John 9:4 (LB), John 5:16-17 (CEV), Revelation 22:12 (NKJV)
All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, for there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end. *They started making a lot of trouble for Jesus because he did things like this on the Sabbath. But Jesus said, “My Father has never stopped working, and that is why I keep on working.” * “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Right from when Jesus was twelve years old, He was zealous about knowing God the Father and doing His work (Luke 2:49). Jesus did not lose His zeal even as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and as He died on the cross of Calvary. He did not lose sight of the joy that was set before Him (Heb.12:2). If we also are going to maintain our zeal to the end, we must not lose sight of the joy that is set before us. We must not lose the joy of hearing God the Father say, “well done my good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matt.25:21.) We must eagerly anticipate the joy of receiving that glorious crown that never fades, from Christ Himself (1 Peter 5:4). Jesus said, ” I am coming soon. So hold firmly to what you have, and no one will take away the crown that you will be given as your reward.” (Rev.3:11, CEV.)
Fight the good fight, finish your course, keep the faith (2Tim.4:7). If you are going to finish your assignment with joy, you must not allow anything to move you and you must not count your life as anything (Acts 29:24). Live and carry out God’s will with sense of urgency. Resist the temptation that lures you into believing you have all the time in the world. Now is the time! Lift up your eyes and look. The field is ripe and ready for harvest. You are the light of the world and you are the salt of the earth. Do not lose your light and saltiness. There are so many still wallowing in sin and ignorance who are being oppressed by the devil. Maintain the same compassion of Jesus for the hurt and lost. Be sold out to God and His purpose for your life. “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2Tim.4:2, NIV.) Let the revelation of Christ and the grace of God motivate you to work more than others (1Cor.15:10). Abound in the work of the Lord for your labour in the Lord is not in vain (1Cor.15:58).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me to never lose sight of the joy of your glory and rewards ahead of me. Help me to remain zealous and faithful.
Bible in One Year Reading Plan
Ezra 7:1-8:20, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 20:28-30