ARE YOU PREPARED?
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
Do you remember the fable about the ant and the grasshopper? The grasshopper spent his summer days relaxing in the sun, napping and entertaining himself. Meanwhile, the ant was busy gathering food and storing it for the winter. He advised the grasshopper to prepare and cautioned him not to waste time on the things that brought him temporary fulfillment. Sure enough, winter came, and the grasshopper had nothing to eat. He begged the ant to share his food, but the ant had prepared only enough for his household, so the grasshopper suffered the consequences of his choices. He had as much time and opportunity as the ant to prepare, but he focused on the temporary comforts that the warm summer season afforded him.
How often do we choose to live for today instead of planning for eternity? The urgency of deadlines, appointments, responsibilities and expectations can distract us from our eternal focus. We are told in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is there your heart will be also." Earthly treasures don't compare to heavenly treasures because they are temporary. Sometimes it's hard to imagine storing up treasure that we can't see in a place where we haven't been. So how do you store up treasure in heaven? You steward well the things you have here on earth. What are you doing with the talents, gifts and blessings God has given you? He wants to be the foundation of your life and walk with you as your life reflects His goodness.
APPLICATION: Read Colossians 2:6-7. Thank God for the blessings He has given you, and commit to building your life on Him by spending time with Him and studying His Word.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings in my life. I want my roots to grow deep, and I ask that You show me how to build my life on You. Help me to remain focused on You as You walk closely with me. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?