Tuesday February 13, 2024

Today is Tuesday, February 13 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 praise God for his steadfast love and rejoice with the ancient words of Psalm 61.

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Psalm 61:3-5

Pause and Pray

The Christian faith is founded on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The world did not expect a suffering Messiah. Jesus was sentenced to death. Jesus walked the road to Golgotha. Jesus was on the cross. Jesus was in the tomb. God surprised the whole world for all eternity with the resurrection of His Son. God is full of surprises. God is always working for good in the world – even when I don’t see him or feel him. He is working for my good. Every step of the way, God invites me to turn to him, believe in him, trust him and put him first in my life. God calls me very close to his side.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:3-6

I am born into a different kind of hope – a living hope. A hope that is not forlorn or dead, but joy-filled and alive. This is the kind of hope that knows there is a powerful, mighty God on my side working everything together for good and blessing my life even in times of difficulty. God wants me to have a different kind of hope than the hope the world professes. God wants me to possess a faith that will be stronger on the other side of adversity. God wants me to have a joy that doesn’t fade but blossoms in uncertainty. I have an inheritance in heaven that can never perish, spoil or fade and I am an heir of salvation.

Ask: How does an inheritance in heaven give me hope in my current circumstances? When have I experienced joy in times of difficulty?

Pause and Pray

Father God, I praise you for your Son Jesus Christ and your great rescue plan for humanity that includes me. In your great mercy you have given me new birth into a living hope. You have promised me an inheritance in heaven that will never perish, spoil or fade. I rejoice in the forgiveness of my sins, redemption of my life and salvation of my soul. I place all my hope, trust and faith in you. I read the words from 1 Peter again and listen for the message you have for me.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:3-6

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

I am different in this world because I am a believer in Jesus Christ. Will the world notice a difference in me? Will my life give evidence of a unique kind of hope? Will my life bear witness to a particular kind of faith? Will I exude a special kind of joy? I rejoice to know I have an inheritance in heaven that no one can take away from me. Every day I have an opportunity to live my life in a way that demonstrates God’s goodness and love. I consider how God has spoken to me this morning through the words of First Peter and how I am to apply them to my life.

Pause and Pray

Lord, let me leave a legacy of love. Help me live my life in such a way that I am investing in the lives of others and pouring myself out for future generations to know your truth. All I have belongs to you. Show me how to faithfully use my time, talents and possessions to serve your kingdom and help others find their inheritance in heaven. Amen.

You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

I leave this time of prayer with the assurance of treasure in heaven. I go to live a life of love, serving others in the name of Jesus and giving generously to his kingdom.

Amen