Devotional Guide for Thursday, February 22

Matthew 13:44-52

Reflect
“The kingdom of heaven is like…” We read this several times in our passage today. Jesus, in speaking only to the disciples, drives home this point that there is nothing more valuable than the kingdom of God.

In the first parable someone stumbled upon the treasure and recognized its worth immediately. In the second, a trained person was looking for it and when they found it, they also recognized the immense worth the kingdom of heaven held. The third parable speaks to what will happen in the end for those who don’t truly live for the kingdom of God.

One commentator wrote about this passage, “no sacrifice is too great to live in God’s will and
experience a discipleship relationship with Jesus as Master.”

In a world that would offer us many options for fame, success, and feeling valued, may we be people who recognize the value of this discipleship relationship with Jesus as Master and do all we can to live as disciples of Jesus.

Pastor Terry

Pray for Yuri Nakano (NAB) - Japan
I have been a Career Term Missionary with NAB in Japan since 2010.  My main focus of ministry is in leadership development with particular emphasis on women.  I live in the southern part of Osaka prefecture and attend Komyo Christian Church.  I do not serve in just one particular church, but for the 12 Japan Baptist churches. My main goal is to empower the women to create a vibrant women’s ministry in their churches. Most of my ministry involves mentoring the women leaders in the churches and leading training seminars. I am involved in a Japan-wide interdenominational Women’s Committee and will also help out the churches with occasional puppet ministry to children and preaching. Pray for my physical and spiritual health as the spiritual battle in Japan is quite strong and I will have additional responsibilities this year as interim field director.