Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cafe enjoying breakfast together when he mentioned something he’d seen at the very beginning of Luke’s gospel that led him to focus on what God has been able to accomplish in and through his life. I asked him to explain.
“In the very first verse of Luke’s gospel,” Stan replied, “Luke mentions that people had undertaken to compile accounts of the things that had been accomplished among the early Christian community.”
“What about it?” I asked.
“What Luke wrote led me to think about what a compilation of the accomplishments in my Christian life would look like right now, and what I would like it to look like at the end of my life.”
“Kind of like taking an inventory of where you are in your Christian life and where you would like to be. Its that it?”
“Yeah” Stan replied, “but it’s not just about thinking where I want to be, it’s also focusing on where God wants me to be in my relationship with Him, both for eternal purposes and for His kingdom on this side of eternity. What’s been accomplished and what’s left to do?”
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Bible verses to consider:
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, . . . . Luke 1:1.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 1 Corinthians 9:24.
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. Thank you for His obedience in accomplishing what He did on the cross so I can have that life. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity there’s not much to compile about what I accomplish for you, your kingdom, and my relationship with you. Please forgive that foolishness. Help me follow every step of your lead in accomplishing all you have to me. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted what Jesus accomplished by His finished work on the cross so you have life with God, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with what you are accomplishing for God and His kingdom, as well as in your relationship with Him? 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 in order to accomplish all He has for you to accomplish for Him and His kingdom? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see 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?