After Ricky brought what we wanted for breakfast and we had thanked the Lord for His provision, we began to enjoy it. After a few bites, Stan mentioned he had been over in Weston for lunch yesterday. He said he heard something he hadn’t expected, but was delighted he did. Since I had no idea what he might mean, I asked him to explain.
“One of my friends,” he began, “has worked for the City of Weston for a long time and is retiring. I was invited to the lunch they were having in his honor.”
“That’s nice,” I responded. “It’s always great to express appreciation.”
“It is,” Stan agreed, “and I was especially taken by and appreciated what my friend said after they presented him with a plaque and a gift to honor his service.”
“What’d he say?”
“He told them that while he was very thankful that they honored him for his service, what he was really seeking was to be honored by God for serving Jesus.”
“Honored by God for serving Jesus? Why’d he say that?”
“Because that’s what Jesus said,” Stan replied with a smile. “I didn’t expect my friend to say what he did, but I’m glad he did because it’s the truth and it seemed to have an impact on those who were listening to what he said. It was just like with Jesus.”
“Just like with Jesus? How?”
“If we will listen to what Jesus has to say,” Stan replied, “it can make a huge difference in what we do. Jesus said that if we serve Him, we will be honored by God. I want that honor, so that’s what I’m going to do!”
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Bible verses to be considered:
If any one serves Me, let him follow Me, and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if any one serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26 .
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence after following Jesus all the way to heaven, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t serve Jesus the way you intend. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead so I serve Jesus just as you intend for as long as I remain here. Thank you that I can and do bring these prayers before you in His precious name. Amen.
Think on this: Will you be able to follow Jesus all the way to heaven because you have life eternally with God? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from Him both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with serving Jesus while you remain on this side of eternity? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to follow Jesus all the way to heaven, but to serve Him while you remain here? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling about what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?