Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
1 Timothy 6:17 — As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
God promises everything to enjoy. The Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes wrote, “I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.’ But behold, this also was vanity” (Ecclesiastes 2:1). Have you ever experienced something that you thought would give you great joy but actually left you feeling empty? Sin has this effect. This is why the Preacher also wrote, “For apart from Him [God] who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:25).
There is nothing certain to give us joy in this life but God alone. Nothing else in this world remains unchanged over time and remains when all else passes away. Only God, His Word, and a relationship with God have no end.
Have you ever felt sad when something comes to an end? Students sometimes cry when they graduate from school because that experience has come to an end. Readers may be sad when a story in a book or series of books ends. We all grieve when the life of someone or something we love ends. There are many things in life that give us joy, but that joy has an end eventually.
Only life in Christ contains a joy the surpasses words to express it. Peter wrote, “Though you have not seen Him [Jesus], you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). The psalmist called God “my exceeding joy” (Psalm 43:4).
Do you ever get thrilled with Jesus? Do you need to spend a lot of money, ride a roller coaster, put on loud music, or indulge in sex, drugs, or alcohol to make your heart race? Or can you be thrilled with the joy of knowing Jesus and receiving His great love for you? This is a joy that never ends.
10/31/2024 Devotional
"There is nothing certain to give us joy in this life but God alone."
Nehemiah 8:10 NLT
Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
Let's live a life truly with God. Enjoying with God and what makes God happy... won't that be a great strength to me? I hope that year bible reading and thinking with God's word every morning will be the joy of my life.
10/31/2024 묵상
"이 삶에서 우리에게 기쁨을 줄 수 있는 확실한 것은…