Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Whatever You Do

Understanding your work life purpose is key to receiving your inheritance. Paul said no matter what kind of work you do, if God has called you to do it, you will receive an inheritance for doing it. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-25). From TGIF Today God is First, Os Hillman

God ensures - through the Bible, His followers, and His Spirit within us - that we each have what we need to do our best as well. He equips us to follow hard after Him. No money is necessary to be well-heeled in God's kingdom. Whether we're wearing nursing shoes, work boots, high heels, hand-me-downs, or flip-flops, we can walk securely by walking wisely.

Dear Lord, grant me wisdom and sure footing as I follow after You. I trust You to equip me with all I need. Whatever my path, I believe Your principals can keep me from slipping. You lead, I'll follow. In Jesus' Name, Amen. from Rachel Olsen Proverbs 31 Women

Proverbs 4:7, "Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment." (NLT)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Your God Given Talent

Psalm 18:33
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
We have been given many wonderful gifts and talents. When we affirm the talents we have been given, then God will surely bless us, and we will be a sign to others of His goodness. God has given us hinds' feet, wings to fly, power, grace, and a multitude of other gifts. Embrace them and know that the Lord is good.

Prayer: Teach me to use the gifts I have been given. Aid me as I test my wings and struggle to get my footing. Be patient with me, Lord, and touch me with Your touch of peace and grace. Amen
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The Lord gave you a talent,
But it is not yours alone;
For someday He will call you
To stand before the throne.
He’ll say, “Where is that treasure
I gave to you that day?
Did you use it for My purpose?
Or is it stored away?”
God does not say, “See what you can do with what I gave given you.” He says, “I will hold you accountable for what I have given you.”
by Helen Dowd
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God gives people different gifts.
It is not your talent, which matters; what matters is how you use it.
Everyone is not equal in talent; but every person can be equal in effort.
God expects creative use of our opportunities and talents.
Don't worry about failure, rather, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.
If someone has a talent and exercises it, they are progressively able to do more with it, but, if one has a talent and fails to exercise it, they will inevitably lose it
We are to use our time, talents, and treasures diligently, faithfully, and continually in order to serve God completely in whatever we do.
God does expect, and reward, creative use of the opportunities for service, which are open to us. We are to use His gifts responsibly, but also adventurously.
We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.
God is generous and merciful, and if we examine our hearts and our lives and see where we fall short, the Holy Spirit will help us invest in those things He has so confidently entrusted to us.
What God Expects from Us
Matthew 25:14-30

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Great is Your Reward in Heaven

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. "But I don’t ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy." "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied. "Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." "Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy." And he spared the woman’s son.
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Matthew 5

The Beatitudes
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.