Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

16 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 11

“Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.”

–Matthew 11:20

     Human culture is by and large very keenly focused on the quality of life here and now.  Even those who believe in the spiritual realm, regardless of which religion they follow, have great difficulty taking their focus off their own comfort and what they can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell with their physical senses.  For atheists and agnostics, little or no thought is given to spiritual realities, let alone spiritual priorities.  Throughout the history of the world, this fixation with experiencing reality using only the limitations of our five senses has continually led the people of God to struggle with idolatry and those who do not believe, to understand the concept of faith. 

     The spiritual health and eternal destiny of the people He ministered to took priority for Jesus.  Yes, He wanted them to be healed in every way and experience the abundant life that only He can provide, but He knew that the only way they would live in those blessings is to believe, confess, repent and receive.  Otherwise, their physical healing would only last for this short life on Earth and they would spend eternity apart from His Presence.  God wants us to be healed from the inside out, move onward in faith in the newness of life, and enjoy being with Him for all eternity. 

“Heavenly Father, help us to take our eyes off worthless things and focus our vision on You, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Author and Perfector of our faith.  May we be about Your business.  Be the Lord of our lives.  Take control.  We surrender to You.  All the glory and honor belong to You.  May Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  Empower us to build Zion here and now.  In Jesus’ Name I pray these things.  Amen.”

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.

 –Psalm 119:37

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

–Hebrews 12:1-3

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

 –I John 5:21