So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen.”(Matthew 20:16, KJV)
Before we are promoted in life, before we can be moved ahead, we have to be prepared. Sometimes it’s a spiritual preparation. Sometimes it’s a physical preparation, but we all go through seasons of preparation. Too often, people miss their appointed time simply because they are not ready. They haven’t prepared. They look around at others and think, “Well, so-and-so is more qualified than I am.” No, if you’ll get ready, if you’ll outgrow where you are, then God will make room for something greater. Don’t worry about who’s in line in front of you. You just keep growing, learning and getting prepared, and the right doors will open. The fact is that God may not want you to have your supervisor’s position. That may be too low for you. God may be about to thrust you right past them into a whole new level. You just be faithful to develop what God has placed in you, and He will take you further than you can ever imagine! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, today I open my heart and mind to the great things You have in store for my future. I choose to be faithful. I choose to prepare. I won’t look to the left or to the right, but I will keep my eyes on You, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith in Jesus’ name. Amen!
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Now we see a dim reflection, as if we were looking into a mirror, but then we shall see clearly. 1 Co 13:12
What will happen when you see Jesus? You will see unblemished purity and unbending strength. You will feel his unending presence and know his unbridled protection. And—all that he is, you will be, for you will be like Jesus. Wasn't that the promise of John? "We know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him, because we will see him as he really is" (1 Jn 3:2 ). Since you'll be pure as snow, you will never sin again; … you will never stumble again; … you will never feel lonely again; … you will never doubt again. When Christ comes, you will dwell in the light of God. And you will see him as he really is. When Christ Comes (by: Max Lucado) He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people. Mar 10:45
One of the incredible abilities of Jesus was to stay on target. His life never got off track… He kept his life on course. As Jesus looked across the horizon of his future, he could see many targets. Many flags were flapping in the wind, each of which he could have pursued. He could have been a political revolutionary… He could have been content to be a teacher and educate minds… But in the end he chose to be a Saviour and save souls. Anyone near Christ for any length of time heard it from Jesus himself. "The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them" (Luk 19:10)… The heart of Christ was relentlessly focused on one task. The day he left the carpentry shop of Nazareth he had one ultimate aim—the cross of Calvary. Just Like Jesus (by: Max Lucado) No one who is dishonest will live in my house; no liars will stay around me. Psalm 101:7
More than once I've heard people refer to the story [of Ananias and Sapphira] with a nervous chuckle and say, "I'm glad God doesn't still strike people dead for lying." I'm not so sure he doesn't. It seems to me that the wages of deceit is still death. Not death of the body, perhaps, but the death of: a marriage—Falsehoods are termites in the trunk of the family tree. a conscience—The tragedy of the second lie is that it is always easier to tell than the first. a career—Just ask the student who got booted out for cheating or the employee who got fired for embezzlement if the lie wasn't fatal… We could also list the deaths of intimacy, trust, peace, credibility, and self-respect. But perhaps the most tragic death that occurs from deceit is our [Christian] witness. The court won't listen to the testimony of a perjured witness. Neither will the world. Just Like Jesus (Max Lucado) Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life." Ephesians 4:26-27 MSG
Anger: right or wrong? The answer is that anger is right ... but it can be wrong. Anger is God-given emotional energy designed for good. The expression of this anger-produced energy can lead to sin ... but it doesn't have to. With God's help, we can control our thoughts and actions. The Bible tells of many times when anger was a positive force for good. Moses' anger when the Israelites worshipped idols resulted in their repentance (Exodus 32:19-35). Jesus' anger motivated him to clear abusers from his Father's temple (Luke 19:45-48). Our anger can be a positive force as well. Appropriate anger at our children's wrong behaviors can motivate us as parents to exert firm but loving discipline. Anger against injustices and wrongdoing in our communities can motivate us to do something positive about the situation. Our anger can also lead to sinful acts of selfishness, unkindness or even aggression. It is our responsibility to use our anger-induced energy in positive ways, even if it's just walking around the block to cool off. The next time you feel angry, remember that it doesn't have to be a bad thing. It's your choice. Father, forgive me for the times I have used my anger in sinful ways instead of as a positive force. Help me control my thoughts and actions and to use my anger in positive ways. In Jesus' name ... "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result..." Genesis 50:20
One of the great stories of the Bible deals with the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob. He was loved by his father and resented by his ten older brothers. They sold him into slavery and told their father he had been killed and devoured by a wild animal. What is so amazing about Joseph is that he never gave up and never quit trusting in God, even though he faced setback after setback. He was falsely accused and unjustly thrown into prison. Miraculously, one day Joseph was called to interpret the Pharaoh's dreams. In so doing, he was appointed prime minister of Egypt to save the people from famine. Amazingly, because he saved the people from famine, the brothers who betrayed him were saved as well. When they realized the prime minister of Egypt was the brother they had betrayed years earlier, they were afraid. Yet Joseph forgave them and said, "What you meant for evil, God meant for good." What faith--what forgiveness--what an example for all of us. Whatever our hands touch...
We leave fingerprints! On walls, on furniture On doorknobs, dishes, books. There's no escape. As we touch we leave our identity. Oh God, wherever I go today Help me leave heartprints! Heartprints of compassion Of understanding and love. Heartprints of kindness And genuine concern. May my heart touch a lonely neighbor Or a runaway daughter Or an anxious mother Or a frustrated co-worker Or a hurting friend Or perhaps an aged grandfather. Lord, send me out today To leave heartprints. And if someone should say, "I felt your touch," May that one sense YOUR LOVE Touching through ME. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40) -- Author Unknown 2 Timothy 4:18
'The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.' - The Lord will rescue and deliver you. - Things may look as though they are impossible. - You may even feel as if you are facing an attack. - But He will be your rescuer and He will bring you through this. PRAYER: Lord, thank You that You will rescue me from every evil attack on my life and on my situation. You will come through for me. Amen. |
Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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