1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian 9a - Blessed are those who are persecuted _1_ | Page 11

given a life; a life that we are able to use to invest into whatever we would like.
Some have chosen to invest their lives in this world, where the accumulation of
worldly assets is the sum total of their life’s investment. Others, however, have
chosen to invest their lives in things that stand for eternity. They may not have
much to show for it here on earth, but they understand well the words of Jesus
to “…store up treasures in heaven…”(Matthew 6 v 20).
I close today’s devotion by simply asking you: where are you making your life’s
investments? I hope that your life is being invested by way of your time, talents
and your resources, in things that will stand the test of time and will be a
blessing to you for eternity. This question, althoughit sounds somewhat
philosophical by nature, and I guess in some ways it is, will, however, have a
very real and practical application to your life. Jesus said again inMatthew 6 v
21 that “…where your treasure is there your heart will be also…” Folks, do not
be fooled; life on this earth is but a fleeting thing. We are here and then we are
gone, but what we have done with the short period of time on earth, will
determine how we spend the rest of eternity. So let’s resolve to spend this life
well, investing in the Kingdom that is “out-of-this-world”.

Thought:The thoughts as expressed above are life changing thoughts.
Prayer Thought:
Won’t you pray around these thoughts today and use this opportunity to
evaluate your life on the basis of the life that is still to come.

Sunday
Reading:
Reading: 2 Timothy 4 v 6 – 8
In our contemplation of Matthew 5 v 10, we have been considering the dilemma
of the persecuted. We have spoken about the irony that the world would
persecute such people bearing in mind that the world has always hated
righteousness. We have touched on the resultant glory for the martyrs after
their death, but in so doing I would like to conclude this week’s devotionals by
saying to you that I have not wanted, in any way, to try and explain away their
deaths, but I have wanted to honour their conviction, courage and commitment,
hoping that the examples of their lives will inspire you to finish with flair!
In doing what I do, I am often saddened when I sit at the death bed of people
leaving this life to go to the next.In sitting with the families, we get to talk about
the life of this individual speaking about the values that this person’s life stood
for and the lessons learnt from his/her life. There are some people whose lives