Word for the day "Godly Ambition"
Luke 9: 54 (NKJV) And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”
How does your ambitions characterize your life?
What words would your friends or family use to describe you? Jesus referred to two brothers, James and John, as Sons of Thunder.Why? We are given a glimpse of their fiery personalities in the Gospel according to Luke. After the Samaritan people rejected them, James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to consume the village.Jesus rebuked them for their impulse to retaliate.Yet that’s not the end of their story. Jesus worked in these brothers’ lives so that they became known not for anger and revenge, but for love and forgiveness.James was the first of the twelve disciples to give his life for his faith. He was killed in Jerusalem by the order of Herod Agrippa. John is referred to as the “disciple Jesus loved.”He went on to write powerful words on the importance of love and became an important leader of the church.
The Lord can help you grow to be a person of purpose and Godly ambition.
Though the two brothers had once been ambitious for their own personal gain, they ended up courageously sharing God’s love with others for their spiritual gain.The brothers discovered that when you understand and experience God’s love, you are free to live and grow.And as you grow and share with others, you will be used by God to touch the lives of many in need of God’s healing help.There is also the well-known incident when Salome asks Jesus to place one of her sons at His right hand when He establishes His kingdom (Matthew 20:21).Jesus responds sharply to the request by telling them that they do not know what they are asking.He asks them, “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22) With their typical bravado, they answer, “We can.”They were still hoping that Jesus was about to establish a political kingdom in Israel. They did not realize that His kingdom would begin with His sacrificial, atoning death on the cross.It is somewhat fitting that James becomes the first martyr from among the Twelve. Acts 12 records that Herod Agrippa had James put to death by the sword probably around 42 A.D. (Acts 12:2).The apostle John was an interesting combination: the disciple Jesus loved, and yet one who could be intolerant and self-seeking. James would be the first to die a martyr, and yet his brother would live the longest of all the apostles.
Point to ponder
Can you relate to the anger and selfish ambition of these men? If so, be encouraged by God’s work in their lives. He wants to do the same in you! Enjoy your day, knowing the Lord is doing a great work in your life!
Special thanks!
Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of October 2018 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Kersha Brown, Ms. Quiana Volney, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Cynthia George, Ms. Rita Mcguffin, Mother Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mrs. Linda Patterson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you, Great people.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.