Psalm of the Day: Psalm 110:1-7
Wisdom of the Day: Job 30:16-31
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-6
Let us observe that our Lord charges His apostles to be content with the things that they have. He bids them, "Take nothing for the journey — no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter stay there until you leave that town." In part, these instructions apply only to a peculiar period. But these instructions contain a lesson for all time. The spirit of these verses is meant to be remembered by all Christians. The leading idea which the words convey is a warning against worldliness and luxurious habits.
Well would it be for the world and the Church, if the warning had been more carefully heeded! From no quarter has Christianity received such damage as it has from the hands of its own selfish people! On no point have Christians erred so much, and so often, as in the matter of personal worldliness, and luxury of life. They have given occasion to the enemies of religion to say that they love ease, and money, and earthly things far more than souls.
From such Christians, may we pray daily that the Church may be delivered! They are a living stumbling-block in the way to Heaven. They are helpers to the cause of the devil and not of God. The Christian whose affections are set on money, and finery and feasting, and pleasure-seeking has clearly mistaken his vocation. He has forgotten his Master's instructions. He is not an godly man!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth.
Action Plan: How materialistic am I? What do I value the most on this earth? How often do I value my possessions over my faith? These things are idols of the heart. Make an inventory of your idols and pray for God's wisdom in giving them up.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
