DECEMBER 16, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

DECEMBER 16 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 1 JOHN 2:15-17

What are we living for? That's a great question. Some live for today, some for the thrill of it all, some to get as much as they can. We are not gnostic in our belief system, that is to say, we don't see the natural or material things as innately evil. To be sure, this world system is evil and contrary to God and the prince of this world is doing all he can to get us away from trusting God. Things are just things, but the problem comes when we make them our lives. Everything in this world is passing away...one day they will be no more, or one day you will leave this place and these things will have served their purpose and lose all their meaning. We must be careful not to lose our perspective on what life is all about and who should be the most important in our existence.

We were created by God...we were created for God. We came into existence at His will and good pleasure. One day we will leave this world and return to Him...and we will either face Him as our loving Father welcoming us home, or as our Judge condemning us to eternity in hell. God has done all that is needed to be done through His Son Jesus that we might know Him and His forgiveness and have eternal life with Him. Be careful not to let your priorities wander to places that pull you away from the Lord and the genuine, eternal blessings He has for you. There is a story in the Old Testament of two brothers, one named Esau and the other Jacob. Esau was out hunting when he came home famished...his brother Jacob had made some lentil stew, it smelled so good to Esau and he was so hungry he demanded a bowl of the stew. Jacob asked Esau what he would give him for a bowl and Esau said what does it matter what I give you if I starve to death (he was using just a little hyperbole). Jacob said, alright then give me your birthright as the first born. Esau said okay and sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. He made a terrible deal that day...be careful not to make the same deal with your life. If you were offered the whole world for your soul, it would be a bad deal!

Please share your thoughts.