Striving

Monday July 28, 2025

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-the knowledge of Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Fill my consciousness constantly and complete Your joy in me as I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse:Jeremiah 15:19 ESV

Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.” 

Verse of the day: Philippians 3:14

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Readings: Psalm 46-48 Acts 28

Striving

Matthew 7: 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. “

This command holds all His other commands in a few words so we must remember a few things.

First, Jesus wants us to strive-put all our spiritual effort into entering the narrow gate, Why? It shows the love and commitment that is real in our hearts. It shows how much we treasure Him. Like the man in Matthew 13:44, we give up all we have to have Christ. This seems so unattainable to so many but, again, Christ always provides what we need to do what He asks of us.

Following Jesus is the result of finding Him as our treasure-He is our eternal deliverance, yes, but He is also any and all real joy and fulfillment we will have in this life. Until we find Him as our real treasure, we have no real joy.

The fight or battle is not to struggle through this life until we reach our final rest but to find the joy of Christ in the struggle that Christ freely gives in this present life.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30)

Jesus says, “Come to me...learn from me…”.

It is time we turn our energy and attentions to the real source of joy, Jesus. It is time to let go of what the world says we must do to be satisfied.

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas loved Jesus. He had given his life for Jesus. He knew the love Jesus had for him and had seen Jesus die. Now, Jesus was alive and back and His perfect love was engulfing and overwhelming. To, Thomas, it was too good to be true-but is was.

Jesus wants us to each reach for Him and find Him as our treasure-to run the fingers of our hearts through the treasure of His love.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30)

Tell Jesus you want to know the wonder of His reality and know Him as the treasure of your life.

...because He loves you, He will do it…..

Father in Heaven,

I want Your name to be my life’s treasure and Your kingdom will to be done. Give me what I need for today for Your glory. Forgive me my laziness. Lead me away from earthly desire.

Mighty and wonderful God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen