1 Cor 3:10 (KJV) According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it.
Many people define grace as unmerited favor. A more accurate definition is found in the translation of the Greek word for grace, which is charis. It means the Divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. Now, grace becomes both a gift and an action. Let it become personal for a moment – “Grace is Christ’s influence upon my heart, and how I reflect it in my day to day living.” Paul tells us he used that Divine influence like a skilled master builder and laid a foundation, upon which another man should build. Paul recognized not only that he himself was unable to create the entire structure, but also that he desired to do only that portion which God had given him to complete. Many times, we want to move ahead of God. We want to do it all. “I am ready to go out and save the world, as God called me to do!” There is an exuberance of enthusiasm, but a deficiency of wisdom. Seek the Lord to discover what Divine influence He has laid upon your heart, and how to reflect that influence in your life. How did Paul become skilled? There is no other way to become a skilled master builder except to build many buildings. One who is skilled is one who has studied his craft. He has watched those who have built before him, and observed their work. He has obtained wisdom from those wiser and more skillful than him. He has made his share of mistakes, and learned from them. The key to wise and skillful building is listening to the direction He gives you. You must listen, and listen further for the latter, distinct Voice. Once you learn your craft, He will expect you to perform your part with skill and wisdom. Take heed how you build.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Saturday, November 05, 2005
The Bible is not for Unbelievers!!
What do you think? True or false? I have noticed some debates out there, inspired by my good friend Kc, and I know he always has an ulterior motive up his sleeve! Well, here is one to add to the fun!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Nine Important Words, Part III
We have looked at six of the nine important words.
Life is hard
Death is easy
Today, we will look at the last three words.
I am responsible
Isa. 6:8 (KJV) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
God has selected you for such a time as this – have you heeded the call? Are you waiting on the Lord to send you on a grand assignment, or are you completing your assignment right where you are? God has allowed you to be right where you are in order that you may minister life to someone else. Have you accepted that responsibility? So many times, we want to dictate to the Lord the terms of our ministry. “Lord, put me in this situation, so I can minister.” We envision ourselves doing some great work; yet, we neglect the words of Jesus in His last hours. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” God is more concerned with your response to a situation than He is with the outcome of the situation. What is that thing that you have overlooked where you are? Is it that person that aggravates you? The one that never seems to do anything correctly? Have you determined like Jesus to do the Father’s will, or have you decided that you will wait until a better assignment comes along? God has created you and prepared you to be an able minister. Let your life reflect that calling. While others pass by and trample the trash on the floor, you be the one to pick it up. When others say “I will not do that, that is not my responsibility,” be the one to assume responsibility. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The purpose of your good works is not so that man may see you and glorify you; rather, that they may glorify your Father in heaven. This is the true attitude of a servant. Determine today to take responsibility right where you are, that you may begin to give life to those around you through your words and actions.
Life is hard
Death is easy
Today, we will look at the last three words.
I am responsible
Isa. 6:8 (KJV) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
God has selected you for such a time as this – have you heeded the call? Are you waiting on the Lord to send you on a grand assignment, or are you completing your assignment right where you are? God has allowed you to be right where you are in order that you may minister life to someone else. Have you accepted that responsibility? So many times, we want to dictate to the Lord the terms of our ministry. “Lord, put me in this situation, so I can minister.” We envision ourselves doing some great work; yet, we neglect the words of Jesus in His last hours. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” God is more concerned with your response to a situation than He is with the outcome of the situation. What is that thing that you have overlooked where you are? Is it that person that aggravates you? The one that never seems to do anything correctly? Have you determined like Jesus to do the Father’s will, or have you decided that you will wait until a better assignment comes along? God has created you and prepared you to be an able minister. Let your life reflect that calling. While others pass by and trample the trash on the floor, you be the one to pick it up. When others say “I will not do that, that is not my responsibility,” be the one to assume responsibility. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The purpose of your good works is not so that man may see you and glorify you; rather, that they may glorify your Father in heaven. This is the true attitude of a servant. Determine today to take responsibility right where you are, that you may begin to give life to those around you through your words and actions.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Nine Important Words, Part II
Today is the second part of "nine Important Words."
Death is easy
Prov. 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
The fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil looked appealing, but produced only death. Taking the easy way out always looks appealing in the beginning, but the fruit produced is always death. The hardest thing for King David to do when he saw Bathsheba was to resist what he desired. Yet, he pursued his desire, and the result was multiple deaths – David ordered that Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, be sent to the front lines to be killed, in order that the adultery be covered up. When the baby was born, however, the Lord allowed the child to die as a consequence of their sin. Death is always the consequence when we choose to take the easy way out. The most dangerous state for a person is to be right in one’s own eyes. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” How do you respond when temptation comes? Do you look to escape for a temporary reprieve? You may experience a temporary euphoria, but when the feeling fades, you awaken, only to discover the spiritual carnage left in its wake. Developing discernment and spiritual discipline will only come through exercise. The Lord tests you in order that your discipline and discernment can be developed. When you are tested, do not retreat. Allow God to strengthen you and develop you into the person He desires you to be. Resist the temptation to ask “Why me, Lord?” Instead, thank Him that He chose you for such a time as this. To concentrate on the storm is to fall in the water. To concentrate on Jesus is to walk on the water. Look beyond the temptation of taking the easy way out, and consider that God knows exactly what you need to experience in order that you may produce life. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil will always be there. You must choose to take from the tree of life, that you may live.
Death is easy
Prov. 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
The fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil looked appealing, but produced only death. Taking the easy way out always looks appealing in the beginning, but the fruit produced is always death. The hardest thing for King David to do when he saw Bathsheba was to resist what he desired. Yet, he pursued his desire, and the result was multiple deaths – David ordered that Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, be sent to the front lines to be killed, in order that the adultery be covered up. When the baby was born, however, the Lord allowed the child to die as a consequence of their sin. Death is always the consequence when we choose to take the easy way out. The most dangerous state for a person is to be right in one’s own eyes. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” How do you respond when temptation comes? Do you look to escape for a temporary reprieve? You may experience a temporary euphoria, but when the feeling fades, you awaken, only to discover the spiritual carnage left in its wake. Developing discernment and spiritual discipline will only come through exercise. The Lord tests you in order that your discipline and discernment can be developed. When you are tested, do not retreat. Allow God to strengthen you and develop you into the person He desires you to be. Resist the temptation to ask “Why me, Lord?” Instead, thank Him that He chose you for such a time as this. To concentrate on the storm is to fall in the water. To concentrate on Jesus is to walk on the water. Look beyond the temptation of taking the easy way out, and consider that God knows exactly what you need to experience in order that you may produce life. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil will always be there. You must choose to take from the tree of life, that you may live.
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