God’s Mission
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Jesus points out a truth about God’s kingdom: It is not what one says that shows faith; it is what one does. The Jesus follow-up: Not everyone who cries “Lord, Lord” enters the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father.
God’s will is for people to be in His kingdom; His mission is to bring people in through faith in the Good Shepherd Jesus, who gave His life for His sheep. And His followers – disciples – participate in that mission with their lives.
Prayer
I cry ‘Lord, Lord’ to You Jesus, for You are the Lord of my life and Lord of my heart. I pray that You are Lord over my lips -- what comes out -- and Lord of my actions, to exhibit evidence of faith in my heart. May what I say and do reflect my gratitude for what You have said and done as my Shepherd and Savior. In Your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:1-8 (Aleph)
- Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD. - Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart— - they do no wrong
but follow his ways. - You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed. - Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees! - Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands. - I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws. - I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Joshua 22:5
Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
2 Corinthians 6:16
As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
What does it mean to you to be “blessed by God”? What would be indicators of such blessings?