30-Day Devotional
DAY 9
February 7
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures…like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
— C.S. Lewis
“for the joy that was set before him jesus endured the cross, despising the shame”
hebrews 12:2
TODAY’S PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus compares the kingdom to a “treasure hidden in a field” that a man “in his joy” sells all to buy. (M 13:44) The point is to show the worth of the Kingdom. The next parable is similar but with a twist. “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” This time it is the Kingdom who is searching and the thing of great worth is you. So we find the kingdom is of such great worth, it is a joy to sell all to gain it. Likewise, you are of such great worth, it is a joy for Jesus to give up all to gain you.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
Father, help us taste and see that you are good, that we might be moved to share you with others. Help us to know the joy of finding the kingdom and feel the joy of being loved by our savior.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST
Father, expose the emptiness of transient things and show yourself to be the treasure that satisfies the heart to the people on my list.
Written by Pastor Carter Sanger // Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
