5-Day Sermon Devotion 10/20/2024

Pastor Adam McDowell • October 21, 2024

5-Day Sermon Devotion on "How to Get Rich Quick and Still Get to Heaven"

Day 1: The Riches of God's Kingdom Reading: Matthew 6:19-21, 33 Devotional: In our pursuit of worldly wealth, we often lose sight of the true riches God offers. Today's passage reminds us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Reflect on what you consider valuable in your life. Are you investing more in temporary possessions or eternal relationships? God's kingdom offers wealth beyond measure - love, forgiveness, and eternal life. As you go through your day, consciously shift your focus from material gains to spiritual growth. Seek first His kingdom, trusting that all else will follow.




Day 2: The Impossible Made Possible Reading: Mark 10:23-27 Devotional: Jesus' words about a camel passing through the eye of a needle can seem discouraging. But remember, what's impossible for us is possible for God. This applies not just to salvation, but to all areas of our lives where we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What situations in your life feel impossible right now? Bring them before God today, remembering that His power knows no limits. By His power we can overcome and also grow to know better how suffering is the power of God. Let this truth renew your hope and strengthen your faith. 



Day 3: Sacrificial Love Reading: Mark 10:28-31 Devotional: Peter's declaration about leaving everything to follow Jesus resonates with many believers. Today, consider what you've given up for your faith. Perhaps it's time, comfort, or relationships. Now, focus on what you've gained - a spiritual family, God's presence, and the promise of eternal life. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love today? Look for opportunities to serve others, knowing that what you give up for Christ's sake will be returned a hundredfold in and for His kingdom. 



Day 4: Perseverance in Persecution Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Devotional: Christ promised that along with blessings, we would face persecutions. Paul's words in today's reading offer encouragement for those difficult times. Remember, our troubles are temporary, but God's glory is eternal. Reflect on a challenging situation you're facing. How might God be using this to refine your faith and reveal His strength? Take heart in knowing that even in suffering, God is present and working for your good and His glory. We thank the Lord for His suffering for our sake.



Day 5: The True Wealth of Community Reading: Acts 2:42-47 Devotional: The early church exemplified the hundredfold blessings Jesus spoke of - a loving community sharing all they had. This passage paints a beautiful picture of Christian fellowship. How can you contribute to building this kind of community in your church or ministry group? Consider reaching out to someone today, offering support or hospitality. Remember, the relationships we build in Christ are eternal treasures that far outweigh any earthly wealth.

News & Notes

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I want to share a story, actually several stories. I remember when I was young in Tulsa, Oklahoma and in Fredericktown, Missouri, of going up to the altar rail with my parents and receiving a blessing from my pastor. I remember sticking my head in between the posts on the altar rail and the pastor giving me a blessing. I don't exactly remember the words, but I knew it was important and I wanted that blessing. I remember in confirmation learning about what the pastor was actually saying, what those words actually meant. To understand what God was saying in his scriptures and growing in it. Overall, just being absolutely amazed at what my pastors, Pastor Sean and Pastor Beering were teaching me and knowing God better and just the joyfulness of it. And I remember Lyndi going through confirmation, adult confirmation, with Pastor Schueler in Rosenberg, Texas, and then seeing from her eyes what it meant to be Lutheran, to understand the faith. I had grown up in the Lutheran church, so it was all ordinary for me, but for her it was extraordinary to know and to understand and have that time with a pastor. And I'm so thankful for the pastors in my life and all of the other church workers that have been a part of my life who have helped me to understand who God is. I mentioned in this weekend’s sermon that there's an initiative, a program through the LCMS called Set Apart to Serve. It points out that we have a lack of pastors, teachers, and other church workers. Set Apart to Serve reminds us that the Lord asks us to pray for laborers for the harvest, and I encourage you to pray for laborers for the harvest. To pray for those that teach us who God is and to help us to understand how much we need him. If you happen to know some young people considering church work or being pastors, pray for them, encourage them. God has gifted them to us to answer our questions. Pray fervently that the Lord would send workers into his harvest so that we know him. Keep that in your prayers. I encourage you to look for people who would be good to take God's calling into his church. May the Lord provide workers for His harvest that we may know God and how richly He blesses us. Amen.
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