R³ Devotional - Day 303

Faith and Persistence

Today’s chapter contains many special conversations Jesus had and that are important, mainly for understanding the gospel and eternal life. When I read his parables, they make me realize how creative and eloquently He was to explain to his disciples, the people that followed Him, and even us today, about the Kingdom of God. I’m grateful that today we have His written word and the freedom to read it.

My favorite verses in today’s chapter are verses 15-17, “Let the children come to me”. Nowadays as a mother, I think if I would have been alive for that time, I hope I would’ve run as fast as I could to bring my kids to Jesus. I can imagine, parents and children had such faith that they were willing to crowd around Jesus no matter what. I can imagine the joy of the kids as they surrounded and hugged Jesus. Not demanding toys, perhaps not even talking to him, but only having the chance to see Him and knowing deep down in their hearts He is the Son of God. Today we are reminded to have a faith like theirs, fully dependent on God, simple and trusting Him with our lives. We are also reminded to be persistent in prayer. The first parable gives us a clear image that we are encouraged to plea nonstop.

Real: Life Principles 

• Pray always: In today’s passage, Jesus lets us know and gives us that assurance to lift our prayers always and nonstop. God is listening to us, and just like the widow, lets keep on being persistent, and bringing to Him every request that may have our hearts heavy, share every need you may have or any dream or goal you want to achieve.
  
  
• Trust Jesus Completely: If you have already accepted Jesus, you may remember that day and realize as you made that profession of faith it was not about you. It was all HIM. On verse 17: “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  When Jesus made that contrast, He is calling us to be humble, to simply believe in Him, just like the kids did. They had nothing to offer Him, but they knew deep in their hearts He was everything they needed. 

Relevant: Life Applications  

• Prayer Time: Make prayer a discipline, let's stop using it as a “In case of fire option”. Just like we make time for soccer practice, hearing a podcast, and seeing friends. Let’s have prayer time, bring your list, and start talking with God persistently.

• Got Jesus? Are you a believer? Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? If you have answered No, He is calling. Leave all baggage behind and come as you are. Humble, trust, and fully commit your life to Him. It is the best decision you can make in this side of eternity.
  
  
• If you have been distracted with everyday life and not given Him the honor and place, He deserves: He is calling. It’s never too late to go back. Just like the kids when they are lost, tired or in need, search for your Holy Father, embrace, trust and rest in Him.

Ready: Life Actions

• Worship Night is coming! You are invited to come and please bring your prayer request! We want to pray for you!
  
  
• As Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner, we think more about gatherings, presents, spending, food, and when it should be a time of joy and reflection, we end up toiled down. Let’s start praying!! Set apart some minutes daily and pray, talk with God intentionally. 
  • During November, try to thank Him daily, for the good, and even the bad. 
  • During December, pray to always understand and remember the real reason for the season. Invite Jesus to be part of your life and everything you do.
  • Meet with your family to pray, if you don’t do it might sound or feel weird at first; but know this its POWERFUL, searching and talking to God together as a family is amazing. 
  • As you gather with friends and family during the coming celebrations, encourage prayer. For someone at that moment, it may be the light they need to get closer to Jesus.