Monday February 12, 2024

Today is Monday, February 12 and we are studying what the Bible says about inheritance.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe deeply and slowly and focus myself entirely upon God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful that you are always near and communicate with me throughout the day. Help me slow down and seek your voice in my life. Teach me about the inheritance I have through Jesus Christ and show me how I can leave a legacy in the life of others. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and praise him with the words of Psalm 16.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:6-8

Pause and Pray

We have been given a Godly inheritance, the salvation of our souls. Our treasure is not found on this earth, our treasure is waiting for us in heaven. We might try to store up treasure for ourselves in this lifetime, but the secret of living is to give ourselves away day by day. When we believe the Gospel and come to faith in Jesus Christ, all things become ours in Christ and we become heirs of the kingdom. We have the promise of eternal life and the hope of salvation. The Holy Spirit guarantees that we will receive this guaranteed inheritance. We are not to hold on to earthly wealth, chase worldly riches, or store up possessions. We are to generously give to others and leave a legacy of faith for the next generation.

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:28-30

I consider what my personal cost has been to be a follower of Christ. The disciples gave up everything to follow Jesus. They became itinerant. They left their homes and family, laden fields and fishing businesses, they gave up their livelihood. They traveled to far flung places across the world to bear witness to the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. They suffered dearly for proclaiming the truth that he is the Son of God. They were reviled, despised, persecuted and endangered. Eventually they were martyred for their faith. They left a legacy for the future generations. Their testimony lives on and continues to bear fruit across the world.

Ask: How has the legacy of the disciples of Jesus Christ touched my life? How can I continue leaving a legacy of faith for the next generation?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I have not been asked to leave everything to follow you. Others have made far greater sacrifices than I have made to be a faithful Christian. Yet you promise I will inherit eternal life and receive God’s unmerited favor. I am blessed beyond imagination to be an heir of your kingdom and beloved child adopted into the faith. Show me what I can let go of, give to others and invest in the ministry of the church so that future generations will know the truth of the Gospel. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:28-30

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God’s inheritance is for me. I am part of a legacy left by the early followers of Christ that enabled his words and his truth to be passed down for generations. I have a responsibility to ensure that the Gospel is spread across the world and reaches future generations. I am a recipient of grace, and have been blessed beyond measure. God’s great rescue plan for all humanity includes my sorry soul. I have an inheritance in heaven waiting for me. Whatever word or phrase that stands out to me today, I pay attention to what God might be saying. What might the Holy Spirit be revealing? I record the word in my journal and treasure the emotion in my heart carrying it throughout my day.

Pause and Pray

Come Lord Jesus, answer my question as you answered the Apostle Peter’s question. What then will there be for me? Show me my inheritance in heaven and my purpose in this life. Teach me to make good use of my time and talents. I want to invest in a legacy of faith leaving a heavenly inheritance for future generations. Amen.

Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10b-12

I leave this time of prayer grateful for my promised inheritance. I go to live a life that leaves a legacy for future generations.

Amen