“Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it” — Hebrews 4:1

Where Is Your Passion?

I don’t want to complicate today’s TD. I want you to hear God’s Word and think about how passionate you are about sharing the gospel.

Romans 1:8-10

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. ⁹ God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you ¹⁰ in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 

Yesterday we talked about keeping first things first — starting with the Gospel. We are saved by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and we must continue to live each day by that same power. The Gospel is a “first thing”.

I lettered in tennis in high school. Don’t judge me! In fact, the only reason I went out for the tennis team my freshman year was because only 12 guys tried out for the team (out of 12 spots). I knew I would play varsity and get my letter.

Ok, now you can judge me.

Have you ever struggled to pray for some one who doesn’t have a major issue going on? When some one is in crisis, it’s relatively easy to pray for their busted up marriage, a wayward child or a sick family member. But how do you regularly pray for someone who’s doing fine?

Check out this prayer by the Apostle Paul for the believers in the book of Colossians. This will be a great model of prayer for you and I to follow in praying for one another.

Acts seven is a powerful chapter on what it really means to stand up for God — even to the point of death!  Stephen was the first to "stand and deliver" the powerful message of the Gospel to a totally hostile crowd making sure all the glory went to God.  This bold presentation of God’s truth led to Stephen’s death and the first martyr of the early church.

What are you known for?  Take a moment to read Colossians 1:3-4 and note what the people of Colosse where known for:

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— Colossians 1:3-4

One of our passions at Tenth Dot Ministries is to encourage you to spend time with God not just learn about God. This week we want to encourage you to read through the book of Philippians. It’s a short 4 chapter book. If you have questions, prayers or thoughts write them in the comment section. Wrestle with God. Ask questions about your life. Let His Word speak into your life.

Have you ever thought about why God wants to reward us? I know I do it for my children. They work so much more efficiently if they are motivated by a reward. And it’s just fun to see their faces when they receive a reward. Is it any different for us? Apparently not. God wants to reward us. 

Jeremiah 17:10

“I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve.”