2021 Daily Devotion - Day 367

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Opportunities Missed

There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played.
He never risked, he never tried
He never sang or prayed.
And when one day, he passed away
His insurance was denied
For since he never really lived
They claimed he never died.

Too many people live very shallow lives. Scores of people live for a great deal of petty things. Others live for materialism and other temporal matters. It has been said that some people know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Countless people, if they live for anything, live for themselves.

Lent is a good time to ask, “For what am I living?” I would proclaim that living for Jesus Christ brings a depth and a richness nothing else can provide. This is what Jesus Himself offered in John 10:

John 10:10 NRSV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The word used here for “life” in the New Testament is the Greek word “Zoe”. The word “Bio” could have been used, but only means average day to day living filled with setbacks and anxieties. But the word “Zoe” means a life filled with rich meaning and purpose. So, if you want to do more than exist, follow Jesus who promises to bring you an “Abundant Life”. Allow Him to be in charge of your life, and you will be amazed at the results.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, the good news of the Gospel is we can have life – an abundant life now, and an eternal life with You forever. Help us to experience this abundant life now, even with all of the challenges around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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