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The last relationship standing
Without being too morbid or melancholy, we need to be reminded of this reality every now and then: Everyone we know will either pass on or pass away. It's true. Our acquaintances and associations, our friends and family members...none of them possess a permanent place in our lives here on earth.
There's only one relationship that's an exception to this rule-our relationship with the Lord. He's the only person of whom we can say, "I will call upon Him as long as I live." Everyone else will eventually move on, but not God. He isn't going anywhere.
"Wow, thanks for 'brightening' my day!" But wait, understand that this isn't intended to depress or discourage. Rather, it should serve to encourage us in two important directions.
First, it should encourage us in the direction of investing and enjoying these other relationships. They are a gift that may not be here tomorrow, so God forbid that we would ever take them for granted. Recognizing their passing nature guards us against doing that.
Secondly, it ought to encourage us to keep the Lord first in our hearts. It only stands to reason that if our relationship with Him will ultimately be the last relationship standing, then it needs to be the strongest relationship of all. We build on a foundation of shifting sand when we invest more in the temporary than the One who will be with us the longest.
Relationships are a blessing from God, and we need to make the most of them while we're able to. But we also need to remember that one relationship transcends them all, and it's this relationship that will sustain us when all others have passed away.
Lord, when all else fades away, You remain. Now help us to remain faithful in putting You first in all things.
Without being too morbid or melancholy, we need to be reminded of this reality every now and then: Everyone we know will either pass on or pass away. It's true. Our acquaintances and associations, our friends and family members...none of them possess a permanent place in our lives here on earth.
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Without being too morbid or melancholy, we need to be reminded of this reality every now and then: Everyone we know will either pass on or pass away. It's true. Our acquaintances and associations, our friends and family members...none of them possess a permanent place in our lives here on earth.
There's only one relationship that's an exception to this rule-our relationship with the Lord. He's the only person of whom we can say, "I will call upon Him as long as I live." Everyone else will eventually move on, but not God. He isn't going anywhere.
"Wow, thanks for 'brightening' my day!" But wait, understand that this isn't intended to depress or discourage. Rather, it should serve to encourage us in two important directions.
First, it should encourage us in the direction of investing and enjoying these other relationships. They are a gift that may not be here tomorrow, so God forbid that we would ever take them for granted. Recognizing their passing nature guards us against doing that.
Secondly, it ought to encourage us to keep the Lord first in our hearts. It only stands to reason that if our relationship with Him will ultimately be the last relationship standing, then it needs to be the strongest relationship of all. We build on a foundation of shifting sand when we invest more in the temporary than the One who will be with us the longest.
Relationships are a blessing from God, and we need to make the most of them while we're able to. But we also need to remember that one relationship transcends them all, and it's this relationship that will sustain us when all others have passed away.
Lord, when all else fades away, You remain. Now help us to remain faithful in putting You first in all things.
Without being too morbid or melancholy, we need to be reminded of this reality every now and then: Everyone we know will either pass on or pass away. It's true. Our acquaintances and associations, our friends and family members...none of them possess a permanent place in our lives here on earth.
Think about it...
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
Scripture
About this Plan
Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, founded in 1985, has grown to be one of the largest churches in the country, and now has nine regional campuses in Florida in addition to the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. The church has established and now operates dozens of ministries to answer the needs for foster care, addiction recovery, and discipleship training. The church's mission is simply, "make disciples."
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We would like to thank Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale for providing this daily devotional. For more information about the church and other media resources it provides for personal discipleship, please visit www.calvaryftl.org
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