Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

The Upside Down World, Week 1, Day 1

WEEK 1

“WINNING THE

SPIRITUAL LOTTERY”

MATTHEW 13:44

What moves you, spiritually speaking? Some are moved by guilt over past misdeeds to try to make improvements. Others are moved by fear that unless they become better people, God will find them to be unacceptable in the end. A number of people I know are moved by duty and habit to pursue religious practices, in the same way they walk the dog or maintain their teeth. But notice what motivates the man in our parable of the hidden treasure: joy!

What motivates you in your relationship with Jesus?

Does your motivation reveal the character of your heart?

FAMILY TIME—

Is church a duty, an obligation, or a wonderful joy?

How can we see what motivates your life as a disciple?

Questions Week 18, Day 7

REVELATION 21:1-6

JOHN 14:1-6

MATTHEW 22:1-10

The Kingdom is a social reality. Every image Jesus uses to describe the life to come and the restoration of all things is a social image. The New Jerusalem is an urban social picture, the great feast is a celebratory social image, the newly-built room in God’s house is a family metaphor. The Kingdom itself, which Jesus initiates, and eventually perfects, is a broad social idea that implies a region of people under divine sovereignty. Why, if our future with God is social, should our present be solitary!?

Which of these images is your favorite?

Why?

FAMILY TIME—

What is your favorite family celebration?

Why?