Week Six Devotional: How then Shall We Live?
Read
Chapter Nine (Who Really Lives That Way?)
Chapter Ten (The Crux of the Matter)
Chapter Eleven (A Lot Should Change in Five Years)
Listen to KEEP ME BURNING (lyrics below)
Reflect
In Chapter Ten, Francis writes: “What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God’s work and glory though you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, “What did you do with what I gave you?”
In session two of our journey together, we evaluated our lives in light of the day we stand before Jesus. We made commitments to realign our lives to eternity.
Take some time to evaluate those commitments. Have we been faithful in walking them out in the past weeks?
The purpose of reading the testimonies and stories in Chapter Nine was to add fuel to our fire, to provoke us out of inertia and apathy, and into kingdom-focused action. It was not for us to compare or condemn; nor should we take on someone else’s assignment or calling because it is more influential. What has He called you to be faithful in this life?
Francis issued a challenge to be conscious of heaven for a whole day. Try doing that today and then take some time to reflect on the question: “Is this where I want to be when Christ comes back?
Realign
2 Timothy 4:7-8 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
1 Corinthians 1:5-8 | “…that in every way you were enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge—even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Take time to pray through this verse and apostolic prayer, asking God to give you what you need to stay steady in the good fight, to persevere in the race, and not just to wait for, but also to love His appearing.
Respond
1 Corinthians 11:1 | Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
This verse encapsulates much of Paul’s philosophy behind developing and discipling leaders. Take a moment to think about the people over whom you have influence: your family, cell community, ministry members, colleagues, etc. In light of these different spheres, ask the question: Am I worthy of imitation?
Can I say that what people learn from me is worthy of imitation?
Can I say that what people receive from me is worthy of imitation?
Can I say that what people hear from me is worthy of imitation?
Can I say that what people see in me is worthy of imitation?
“Change is not only good; it is critical. If you do the same things today that you did five years ago, you need to closely examine your heart. To repent means to change.”
Prayerfully respond to these prompts first for yourself, and then in light of our church community as we approach Becoming 30.
KEEP ME BURNING
Words and Music | Josh Yeoh and Sherman Wong
VERSE 1
The night is far too long and
The journey’s hard
In the delay I pray
Would You keep me safe?
Would You keep me strong?
VERSE 2
And in the midnight hour when
The Bridegroom comes
The foolish make their boast in what they’ve stored
Wisdom knows there’s more
PRE CHORUS
Though I sleep, my heart’s awake
My prayer will still remain
CHORUS
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning
Keep me burning ‘til the break of day
VERSE 3
Through trials and tribulations
My heart is sure
This temporary suffering’s
Working in me an eternal glory
PRE CHORUS 2
Through the years, through every fear
My song will be the same
BRIDGE
I’ll wait I’ll wait
Until I see Your face
I’ll watch and pray
I’m longing for that day