Sometimes no matter how much we try to help others and spin our time and energy to share all we know, they still don’t get it! They want to go their own way and live how they like. If you’re not careful (and watchful), you’ll get mad (really mad) because it seems that they’re treating your hard work and life-giving messages as trash. You feel like you’ve wasted your time. Well, before you go down that road (which you should not go), let’s consider this…
1 Corinthians 3:5-8 – Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Here, Paul is speaking about the people siding with specific ministers of the gospels, but he writes how he planted the word in the people’s heart, another watered it, but God made the seeds grow.
Luke 13:22-30 – And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
From this parable, we discover two separate ‘groups.’ Both groups may have started on the outside of the house, but some made the effort to enter through the narrow door of the house. The door of the house represents the entrance into the kingdom of God.
Why did some not enter?
Even though we are called to love others as ourselves (part of the GREATEST commandment – Matthew 22:37-40); be identified as Jesus’ disciples through our love for one another (John 13:35); and preach a Gospel of love, there are situations where there is little unity shown among Christians. As we carry the torch of light into a world of darkness, we must be the example for others to follow…as we follow Christ. We must strive to be peacemakers for we will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).
Each day has events, programs, and processes that demand our attention. We prioritize our events and tasks by the most important (or most interesting to fulfill our personal desires). In the midst of the busy day we must ask ourselves where do we fit God? In the morning? During the day? In the evening?
It is in God that we have our existence. We should continuously seek Him, reach out to Him, and find Him. He is not far from us (Isaiah 59:1).
Serving God should not be an afterthought. It is also not about what we can receive from Him. We can make time for God just to be with Him (i.e. just because it’s Monday or you want to sit before Him in prayer, praise/worship, etc.).
The condition of our lifestyle will tell how you have made time for God. What have you been doing this past week to fellowship with the Lord?
If you have not made time for God, what can you do right now to make time for Him?
Psalm 63:1-2 – O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/ColinAdamson
Each person is important to God and to His purpose for mankind. In some way, each person will be used to fulfill God’s purpose. As a Christian, I’ve struggled for many years trying to understand my specific purpose in life. Here is what I’ve learned so far:
1. Everyone has a purpose.
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Each person is called to a specific function to display good works. These works are to bring glory to God and to build up the saints. (This doesn’t mean you will hold a position within the church.) God will call you to a position/purpose He entrusts you to fulfill and will provide you with everything you need to be successful.
Throughout our lives we will meet people with great gifts, talents, and abilities. We admire their work and see the fruits of their labor born for good. If we are not careful, we will become envious of their ‘success.’ We will desire the same while looking at our own shortcomings and becoming sad, disappointed, and hurt.
Why doesn’t God use me like that?
In the times that I’m my own worse enemy I want to do right and walk a straight path Yet I allow temptation and sin to get the last laugh I cannot believe I’ve fallen again No matter how far I run My conscious reminds me of my sin Dizzy thoughts and troubles increase Lord, when will the and heartache cease How can I remove myself from the trials and pain Maybe I should end my life to keep from worrying again But a permanent solution to a temporary problem is what I see Ending my life will only bring pleasure to the one tormenting me Though the pain in my heart is real today It will surely drift in the coming days O Lord, give me the strength to rise again To be dusted off and cleansed from my sin Forgive me Lord for my acts of disobedience Teach me by Your grace to live like the One You sent He is my example, my Savior, and Friend He is my ever-present help when temptation comes again I will come to You and cause the devil to flee Because living with You is my eternity With Your help I can live beyond temptation’s call Walking in the newest of life healthy and strong Living for You is my strongest desire To please You always in spite of the situations that transpire O Lord, please deliver me from me.
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/evancourtney
Proverbs 23:12 – Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
After years of public school (college, etc.), the last thing many people want to do is read and study. As disciples of Jesus Christ, you’ll learn that a lifetime of learning will be extremely beneficial in remaining faithful and committed in your walk with Him.
Reading, meditation, and study are just a few ways you can grow in knowledge, understanding, and find success in the Lord (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:104 ; Proverbs 24:3-4).
You might not need to attend Seminary or some other formal training, but you can:
1. read/meditate on/study the Bible
2. read Christian books, magazines, etc.
3. attend conferences and seminars
4. volunteer in a church department of education (i.e. Sunday School)
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/h-k-d. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
1. Encouragers are everyday people.
2. Encouragers see past the faults of others.
3. Encouragers find ways to speak into the life of another.
4. Encouragers are sensitive to the needs of others.
5. Encouragers use their lives as a source of encouragement.
6. Encouragers often encourage others in the midst of their own trials and tribulations.
7. Encouragers do not allow opportunities to encourage to pass by.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/wwworks. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
Matthew 5:39-48 – Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
In the world’s estimation, this would seem foolish to allow anyone run over you, but the wisdom of God will never be understood by the world (1 Corinthians 3:18-20). Although we may be treated wrong, we must persevere as the Lord directs.
We can cast our cares and burdens unto the Lord (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 11: 28-30; 1 Peter 5:6-7). If left alone, these cares and burdens can disrupt our minds, physical health, and family life. They do nothing but keep us bitter, angry, and distracted from the things which matter most – glorifying our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Situations like those given in Matthew 5:39-48 are our opportunities to grow and glorify the Lord. Through our patience and trust in the Lord (James 1:1-4), we are identified as perfect children of God.
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/_TekToNik
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