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"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." 1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)

Monday, May 9, 2011

To Whom Much Is Given

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6

We must be mindful that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" Luke 12:48.  In speaking of our salvation, Paul says:  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

God has prepared works for each us to accomplish.  He has given each us talents and gifts that are to expand and invest into others: Paul compares the church to a body, each part having a different function that ultimately serves the whole. 
"5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-8

We should always consider a couple of challenges and reminders to be focused on Jesus and a path of righteous living.....

  •       We don’t tend to stay in the same spot—we either move forward or backward.
  •       Big dreams and tasks begin with small steps—what can you do today for the Glory of His Holy Name?
  •       We aren’t supposed to be someone else—grow with dreams and aspirations God has placed in your own heart.
  •       Work is part of the cycle of life—which also includes rest, play, and worship.
  •       Wanting to grow is not selfish—it is the way God created us.
  •       We grow to make ourselves better—and to better serve God.
  •       Discipline is a tremendous source of freedom—from doubt and fear.
 God’s Promises are plain and simple when you carry out your purpose for His Glory and He has promised according to Isaiah 58:11; Cause You to flourish, according to John 15:4-5; Bear fruit in your life, and according to Matthew 25:21; Give you more as you are fruitful with what you have

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray according to Your Word, Ephesians 1:17-23, that You will give each of us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus.  I pray that the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened so we may know what is the hope of the calling of Christ Jesus and the riches of the glory of Christ Jesus' inheritance, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power towards us who believe, according to Your mighty power which You used to raise Christ Jesus from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in heavenly places.  Father, thank You that You put all things under the feet of Christ Jesus, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, To God be the Glory.  Heavenly Father, open our eyes that we may see how great You are and how complete Your provision is for us.  We thank You that the victory the Lord Christ Jesus won for us on the Cross and His resurrection has been given to us. We bind our wills to the Wills of God, we bind our minds to the mind of Christ. To Go be the Glory....Amen!

3 comments:

  1. A while a go during a heart to heart conversation, my sister quoted to me that to those God has given much, much is expected. My husband and I really chewed on this and took it to God.

    Something I have noticed over the years is that God has been very gracious to my family and the more we give back to God and serve Him, the more He gives back to us. It is like every time we empty ourselves out He just comes in and fills us back up again.

    Working together to grow God's kingdom by serving and loving each other is very fulfilling and rewarding. But using the word 'self-improvement' is a dangerous, for this focuses on 'self' and not God but God improvement just doesn't make sense. :P So I would venture to say denying self and walking in the footstep of Jesus.

    Good post!

    Blessings,
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi COG~ Yes, it is very fulfilling and rewarding serving our gracious Father. Our family too has been remarkably strengthened and blessed as we serve and pour out to Him. I am in awe with His constant growth and filling of His love and wonderful grace being poured into our lives and others through us.

    I agree with the danger of using self-improvement, I shouldn't use "self-improvement". But to be focused on Jesus and a path of righteous living.

    Father forgive me, I had a brain-fart! thanks COG for keeping me on my toes!!!

    Hug and Blessings :)

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