Day 101: God's Heart

 

Reading: Psalm 44:1-12

Trust is what matters to God. We do not rely on our own strength, but on the strength of God. When we rely too much on ourselves, we will be run down and worn out. But putting our trust in God is highly important. When you think about your tightest relationships, whether they be with a spouse, a parent, a friend - what keeps thy relationship so strong? It is being able to trust that person no matter what. When trust is broken, the relationship is hard to fix. The same goes with God. When we put our trust in Him, we grow that relationship, and He becomes our guide. Putting our trust in Him and relying on Him will take the burden off our shoulders. It will take the pressure off of our daily living and allow Him to guide you. Where do you need to trust God more in your life? 

Reading: Luke 13:31-14:14

We read about a few things in this section that matter to God. We see an enormous amount of courage that Jesus displays when people tell Him to flee because He will be killed. But Jesus knows that if He does that, the plan of His Father could not be completed. No matter how hard it was to mentally grasp what He had to do, Jesus stuck to His Father's will and stood strong against those who told Him to run from death. We are to do the same when we face ridicule for our faith. 

We also read about the compassion Jesus had for people. Here we read about the motherly compassion He displays for Jerusalem, and a longing to rescue them. Jesus did this for all of us when He took our punishment on the cross. He longs to rescue and protect us. That kind of love and compassion is incomprehensible, but it is an example we must follow as a people longing to follow God. 

We also see how important humility is to God. When we subject ourselves to the lowest place, and stop taking the importance off of ourselves, we will be placed in honor. Taking the lowest point and allowing others to go before us is so very important to God. Humility is what Christ is all about. he took the lowest of punishments and subjected Himself to humiliation and the harshest of deaths for us. Practicing humility is what will bring you far in the faith.

Another example of what matters to God in this reading is poverty. It is said over and over again throughout scripture that we are to care for the poor. This includes the lost, the financially poor, the sick, those who are hurting emotionally. Jesus cared for all of these people, and God cares about how we care for them. 

Hold tight to courage, compassion, humility, and caring for the poor.

Reading: Deuteronomy 15:1-16:20

There is a theme of generosity and giving in this reading, that tells us just how much it matters to God. We are not to be stingy with our money and our resources, but to lend without complaint, or expecting interest. God wants us to have an open hand when it comes to giving to those in need, as all we have is actually His and comes from Him. When we are blessed with a big house, perhaps we should be hospitable to people in need of palace to stay, like traveling missionaries or those serving The Lord. When we have overflowing pantries, consider donating to the hungry. Or when you have extra money that could go towards eating out or a vacation, maybe put it towards extra tithe or a cause that helps those in need. Whatever it may be, always have a mind of generosity.

Remembering what God has done in our lives is highly important as well. We are to reflect and share our story with others so they may have the hope to get through the struggles they face, and be encouraged by God's power in our lives. God wants us to be grateful for those times, so when we face more hardship, we can proceed strongly, and in confidence that He can pull us through again. Give thanks for what He has done, and spread the wonderful news to those in need of encouragement.

Lastly, justice matters to God. When we accept bribes and payment to further ourselves and put someone else below us, God hates it. He tells us to never accept a bribe for doing evil right in this reading, and we not only should avoid it, but we should stand up against it. An example would be human trafficking, and supporting ministries that fight for that cause. Always stand for the rights of others, and allow God to have the revenge.

Doing what matters most to God will please Him greatly. We all know what matters most to us by our actions and what we spend our time and money on. But making what matters most to us about doing what matters most to God is a whole other view on priorities. Trust in Him, show compassion, display humility, have courage, care for the poor, remember what He has done for you, be generous, and seek justice.