Obedience OR Sacrifice?

Sometimes we are faced with very hard decisions that will cost us something. Yet, it has the potential to re-position us where we ought to be in our journey with Christ and in our purpose.

Let me put in this way. As women we LOVE shoes! We don't mind dropping some bills for what we like. So we buy them to please ourselves. Yet when we walk in them, they hurt. But it doesn't stop us from wearing them again because we going to get our money's worth! Here comes the blisters! We put on band-aids hoping it will do the trick. It may relieve for a moment, but eventually the band-aid will come off and now it's bleeding and ten times more painful! So we are faced with a decision: do we get rid of the shoes or do we continue to limp with them?

Dig It Back UP!!!!

"For it will be like a man about to leave home for awhile, who entrusted his possession to his servants.  To one he gave five talents [equivalent to a hundred year's wages]; to another, two talents; and to another, one talent -- TO EACH ACCORDING TO HIS ABILITY." Then he left.  ~  Matthew 25:14-15 CJB  (emphasis added)

The spiritual gifts and talents that we possess are NOT ours but His possessions.  He has entrusted them to us for His purposes here on earth - to bring increase of His Glory.  Unfortunately, like the servant given one talent, we hide them.  There are many factors as to why we do. FEAR being the root of them all.  Yet it does not justify the disobedience.

"The one he gave five talents immediately went out, invested it and earned another five.  Similarly, the one given two earned two.  But the one given one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money." ~ verses 16-18  CJB

Fear as I mentioned, causes us to dig a hole and bury the Master's gifts and talents instead of investing them.

The disobedient servant knew his master and his purpose of entrusting him with the one talent.  He said "I knew you were a hard man.  You harvest where you didn't plant and gather where you didn't sow seed.  I WAS AFRAID, so I hid your talent in the ground. Here!  Take what belongs to you!" (verses 24-25 CJB - emphasis added)

Just Do It

 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

~ John 2:5 ~

Mary the mother of Jesus perceives a need and made it known to Jesus although He was aware of it Himself. He responded that it was not His time. 

Regardless Mary admonishes the disciples to obey whatever Jesus asks of them. She made preparations for the miracle knowing that obedience is the key to unlock them: "Whatever He says to you, do it.".

Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the headwaiter." And they took it to him. (v.7-8)

The End of "Self"

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me ~ Galatians 2:20 NLT

Has "old self" been crucified and remains crucified? It's time for a self examination!

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! ~  2 Corinthians 15:5 ESV

Consider when you first came to the LORD:

• there was passion 
• spent time in prayer and intercession
• immersed in worship
• attended services and prayer meetings
• read the bible daily
• read books pertaining to Christian Living
• zeal to evangelize 
• sought opportunities to serve and fellowship
• fasted

Outstanding Achievement Comes with a Cost!

Today my husband and I attended our daughter's award ceremony this morning at her school.  As we sat down waiting for it to commence, I look around the room to see other parents in anticipation. 

In the auditorium there was a wall displaying all the 6th graders art projects.  It was amazing to see the talent these 11-13 year olds possessed!  Proud parents pointed to their children's pieces and boasting as we parents know how to do :)

The principal began to announce the "outstanding achievement" awards.  It was incredible to hear their accomplishments in various subjects.