In a world that’s running out of oil, today’s chapter shows how preparation now, and reserves for the unexpected, are important for what’s ahead…
READ MATTHEW 25 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Some moments work like keys that, unexpectedly, open doors to the warmth of happy memories. Encamped by firelight in a valley in the Gold Coast Hinterland (Queensland Australia), with hot chocolate flowing and toasted marshmallows in abundance, it seemed impossible not to sing some of the childish songs from our Sunday School days. Give Me Oil in My Lamp was one of those songs that brought out loud singing and broad smiles, adding to the fun of a really good night…
While those Sunday School songs and Youth Camps provide fun memories now, in the days before He died, Jesus was deadly seriously about the message contained in the lyrics. But what’s it all mean?
The lamp in today’s chapter, from the Book of Matthew, is the state of my heart. The oil is whatever it takes to keep my heart lit up and alive, expectant, and ready for whatever my Maker has planned – and all this before the clock strikes twelve. [v6] Up until that moment, half the population in HIStory will have time and resources to help the other half of the population get ready. But when the clock ticks its last tock, no-one can turn back to help – not the one doing the inviting, nor those invited in. Now’s the time to prepare. And, it’s all down to the price I’m willing to put on the type of oil that’s needed for the wait.
Read More? …CLICK on “31 March – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wondering how to connect with the God in charge of our future? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
I praise You Lord because Your right hand is majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy. [Exodus 15:6]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the Central African Republic[b]
Your Country: Social Workers and Family Crisis Teams
Yourself: An eternal perspective
Your concerns for today
I celebrate Your abundant goodness, Lord God, and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. You, Lord, are good to all; Your compassion on all You’ve made! [Psalm 145:7,9]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
My heart, Father God, is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? You, Lord, search my heart and examine my mind, to reward me according to my conduct, according to what my deeds deserve. So heal me, Father God, and I’ll be healed. Save me and I’ll be saved, for You’re the One I praise! [Jeremiah 17:9-10,14]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
Thank-you, Jesus, that to the one who’s victorious, You’ll give the right to sit with You on Your throne, just as You were victorious and sat down with Your Father on His throne. [Revelation 3:21]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[c] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Sharing the Creator God’s Good News
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…” [Ephesians 6:19]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/node/145
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31