File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bred: db940507.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                            May 7, 1994 (Saturday)
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Read:  Matthew 19:13-30


                     THE MEASURE OF OUR WORTH


                  Many who are first will be last, 
                        and the last first.  

                           Matthew 19:30

A friend of mine who attended a class reunion vows he'll never go
to another.  He says he felt terribly worthless and unsuccessful.

Some former classmates were doctors, lawyers, or dentists. 
Others owned thriving businesses.  A few held high offices in
large corporations.  Almost everybody talked about brilliant and
athletic grandchildren.

My friend, on the other hand, holds an ordinary job.  His
grandchildren are not getting A's or excelling in athletics.  I
told him that his feeling of worthlessness stemmed from measuring
his value by the wrong standards.

God doesn't think more or less of us based on our job, our bank
account, our home, or the academic success of our offspring.  Our
worth and dignity are rooted in the fact that God created us and
that His Son died for us.  What's important to Him is our degree
of trust and our service done for His sake.

Jesus said that those who follow Him, regardless of their earthly
status, will be rewarded for their faith and commitment (Matt.
19:16-30).  And when God gives out the rewards, there will be
many surprises (v.30).

Lord help us to measure our worth and that of others by Your
standard, not ours.  -- HVL


               Though sin deformed creation's crown,
                God says, "My child, do not despair,
                  For you alone are made like Me,
               And in Christ's death you fully share."  

                                               - DJD

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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No one is a failure who seeks to do God's will.


THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Psalms 79-81


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