My Life Journal reading for April 20, 2011
Matthew 7:21 (a teaching of Jesus)
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.’
OBSERVATION
God is not interested in our performance; God is interested in our obedience. A focus on performance in our own agendas distracts us from the greater life we are called to live.
APPLICATION
In this reading we are being invited into a different way of approaching life. It is a way that helps us discover the “kingdom of heaven”. The “kingdom of heaven” is not so much a place as it is a state of life…a state of abundant peace, love and joy even in difficult circumstances. (Matthew 13:31-32) The path to finding that life is being obedient to the will of God. It is easy to focus on all the things I think I am “supposed to do” and get so busy there is never time to listen and do the things God asks me to do. In truth, my life needs to be full of ONLY those things God asks me to do. It is a practice of great risk, enormous trust and incredible love. It is a practice of adventure and freedom in Christ. When we follow this path things begin to happen that are beyond what we could have imagined. The impossible becomes possible. The darkness loses its power. Families are healed. Nations are transformed. Peace seeps into our lives and takes up residence. In other words, we enter the “kingdom of heaven” in ways we never imagined. What is God inviting you into today?
PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for this teaching. Please help me to have the courage to follow your nudges and your will in my life today. I trust you completely and I love you. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.
Life in the Deep End 