JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Malachi 3:10) "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse",
I find it so very interesting how quickly people, (especially people that call themselves believers or Christians) get upset… when talking about finances and giving to the Kingdom of God.
Did you know (according to some statistics) that less than 10% of the people who attend church… contribute more than 90% of the income that comes into most churches; and that income for most churches doesn’t hardly keep the lights on in the building.
Can you imagine the work that could be done in our communities… the impact we could have in our communities… if every believer felt it his duty or responsibility to give at least 10% of their income to the work of God?
And for that matter why stop at just ten percent?
When you honor the Lord in your business… He will bless your business!
Imagine the advantage you'd have in the marketplace with God as your partner!
Many famous Christian business people throughout history were faithful givers including Henry John Heinz of Heinz 57 Varieties…
William Colgate the toothpaste magnate… and RG LeTourneau whom set aside 90 percent of his salary and company profits for charitable donations… living on the remaining 10 percent.
He once stated… "I shovel out the money… and God shovels it back… but God has a bigger shovel".
The truth is folks… when you honor the Lord with your finances… He will bless you with more.
There is a question that many of us need to answer.
Have you got money… or has money got you?
(Luke 6:38) "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful… give and it will be given to you… good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over it will be put into your lap.
For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
God says "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house… test me in this...and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it... all the nations will call you blessed" (Malachi 3:10-12).
Though this scripture comes from the Old Testament Law where tithing 10 percent of the income was a Levitical command for the Jewish believers and was part of the Old Covenant Law… it is still applicable for believers today... not our of law and duty… but out of love and willing service for the Master… our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
When you demonstrate that God's business means more to you than your own… He will prosper you and as Malachi the prophet says… He invites you to "test" Him in this.
How long have you known that you should give to the work of God and to the needy in your community… wanted to… said you were going to… and yet you've never gotten around to it?
“But I don’t have much” is your thinking… well… start now… and start with what you have!
What you give now… is the only influence you have over your future.
John D. Rockefeller is reputed to have made the following statement concerning the habit of giving… "I never would have been able to tithe off the first million dollars I made… if I hadn't tithed on my first salary… which was a dollar fifty per week."
One other thing!
Giving of your finances no matter how little you have or how much you have… demonstrates that you've conquered self-interest and the fear of lack. ?
It's a demonstration of faith… and God always rewards faith!
Good day!
(Luke 12:48) "From the one who has been entrusted with much… much more will be asked."
(1st Timothy 6:6-10) "But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out".
I personally know several men whom God has blessed with the ability to make money… lots of it!
Yet periodically I hear them comment (not really complaining but close to it) about how much is
asked of them and how much they have to do.
Listen folks their is a truth that I have come to learn after living a life of service in the kingdom of
Listen folks their is a truth that I have come to learn after living a life of service in the kingdom of
God and that is that added blessing… always brings added responsibility… so stop complaining!
Happiness doesn’t come from getting what you want; it comes from recognizing and enjoying what you have and being thankful to the one whom gave it to you in the first place… and then sharing it
This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness… and helping those in need through hard work.
It encourages us to remember the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified the virtues of generosity and compassion.
We uplift others and experience blessings and fulfillment ourselves by helping the weak and less fortunate.
(Luke 6:38) “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you give… it shall be measured to you again.
(Proverbs 11:24-25) - There is he that scattereth… and yet he increaseth… and there is he that with holdeth but it leads to poverty.
(Matthew 6:21) “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Indeed… it’ll be a determining factor when it comes to your eternal reward.
Good Day!
Happiness doesn’t come from getting what you want; it comes from recognizing and enjoying what you have and being thankful to the one whom gave it to you in the first place… and then sharing it
with others.
So keep a positive attitude and be grateful every day.
Rudyard Kipling said, "Don’t pay too much attention to fame, power, or money; some day you’ll
So keep a positive attitude and be grateful every day.
Rudyard Kipling said, "Don’t pay too much attention to fame, power, or money; some day you’ll
meet a person who cares for none of these… and then you’ll know how poor you really are".
Stop assuming that just because you see someone whom is driving a new vehicle, or has purchased a new house, or has all the toys for summer play… buying new furniture, taking expensive holidays… stop thinking that they are better off than you.
Be careful; just because someone appears to have it all or to be blessed beyond where you are at… doesn’t mean they are.
Appearances can be deceiving.
They might be in a higher income bracket than you... or... on the other hand… they may be in debt up
Stop assuming that just because you see someone whom is driving a new vehicle, or has purchased a new house, or has all the toys for summer play… buying new furniture, taking expensive holidays… stop thinking that they are better off than you.
Be careful; just because someone appears to have it all or to be blessed beyond where you are at… doesn’t mean they are.
Appearances can be deceiving.
They might be in a higher income bracket than you... or... on the other hand… they may be in debt up
to their ears or three-quarters of the way to bankruptcy and or a divorce court.
Stop making assumptions and trying to be like somebody else.
Stop worrying about your financial state and status.
Stop withholding the little that God has blessed you with... and start sharing it with others.
When you do… God will return it to you pressed down shaken together and running over (Luke 6:38).
Because Jesus said it will “return pressed down shaken together and running over”... (please note the words running over)… because of that statement from our Lord… I personally believe that you can “increase the blessings you are currently experiencing”… and that begins by being generous and giving, giving, giving…
In fact start sharing it hilariously.
The Bible says “God loves a cheerful giver” (2nd Corinthians 9:6-7)
Financial adviser Bruce Larson says… "Money is another pair of hands to heal, feed, and bless the desperate families of the earth”.
But that’s only true if you’re willing to part with it.
Money is like manure: If you let it pile up it stinks… if you spread it around… it helps things grow.
Here is one more very important thought: How you use your money today… will be one of the biggest issues you’ll face on Judgment Day.
In (Acts 20:35) Paul writes… "I have showed you all things… how that so laboring ye ought to
Stop making assumptions and trying to be like somebody else.
Stop worrying about your financial state and status.
Stop withholding the little that God has blessed you with... and start sharing it with others.
When you do… God will return it to you pressed down shaken together and running over (Luke 6:38).
Because Jesus said it will “return pressed down shaken together and running over”... (please note the words running over)… because of that statement from our Lord… I personally believe that you can “increase the blessings you are currently experiencing”… and that begins by being generous and giving, giving, giving…
In fact start sharing it hilariously.
The Bible says “God loves a cheerful giver” (2nd Corinthians 9:6-7)
Financial adviser Bruce Larson says… "Money is another pair of hands to heal, feed, and bless the desperate families of the earth”.
But that’s only true if you’re willing to part with it.
Money is like manure: If you let it pile up it stinks… if you spread it around… it helps things grow.
Here is one more very important thought: How you use your money today… will be one of the biggest issues you’ll face on Judgment Day.
In (Acts 20:35) Paul writes… "I have showed you all things… how that so laboring ye ought to
support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus and what He said… “It is more
blessed to give than to receive".
This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness… and helping those in need through hard work.
It encourages us to remember the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified the virtues of generosity and compassion.
We uplift others and experience blessings and fulfillment ourselves by helping the weak and less fortunate.
(Luke 6:38) “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you give… it shall be measured to you again.
(Proverbs 11:24-25) - There is he that scattereth… and yet he increaseth… and there is he that with holdeth but it leads to poverty.
(Matthew 6:21) “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Indeed… it’ll be a determining factor when it comes to your eternal reward.
Good Day!
(Acts 27:10) "There is trouble ahead if we go on"!
It is part of our "human nature" to be impatient.
Impatience is brought on by the human tendency for “self preservation” and the fulfillment of selfish desires.
We all want what we want when we want it… and we all tend to want it now!
I know of very few people whom have cultivated the ability to "crucify the flesh" and make it wait for satisfaction… including myself!
We all get impatient thinking that time is slipping by or that we will miss the right deal or that I'll
never get this chance again if I don't act now!
The Apostle Paul was a prisoner on board a ship headed from Palestine to Rome.
After they ventured through the Mediterranean Sea and docked at the Island of Crete... God told
The Apostle Paul was a prisoner on board a ship headed from Palestine to Rome.
After they ventured through the Mediterranean Sea and docked at the Island of Crete... God told
Paul to advise the crew not to leave the harbor because there was going to be a great storm.
But they wouldn’t listen and they ended up shipwrecked.
Why?
Impatience!
They had a schedule to keep (Acts 27:10-12)
The truth is... when we allow ourselves to become impatient… we often end up in a storm.
One pastor writes: "I’ve spoken with many crisis-ridden people who were impatient to get married … or get a new job … or move to the other side of town".
The truth is... when we allow ourselves to become impatient… we often end up in a storm.
One pastor writes: "I’ve spoken with many crisis-ridden people who were impatient to get married … or get a new job … or move to the other side of town".
"They didn’t take time to check things out with God and they sailed right into the awaiting storms".
Instead of waiting for God’s choice of a mate,...loneliness can drive you into the arms of the wrong person and a lifetime of misery.
Making financial decisions without consulting God first, can land you in debt that may take years to get out of.
Sometimes when God says no… He doesn’t mean never,
He’s simply saying, "Not now"… and what He has in store for you is worth waiting for!
Here’s something you’d do well to keep in mind: God does a work of preparation within you to equip you for what He has in mind for you.
His Word says, "He that believeth shall not make haste" (Isaiah 28:16)… so don’t get impatient and jump the gun.
"Wait … for the Lord … follow His path… and He will honor you" (Psalm 37:34)
In the meantime wait patiently for the Lord… and be diligent with what you have at hand!
He knows what’s going on and He also knows you and I.
Remember we are His beloved.
He will never forsake or leave us... He promises to be with us always... even to the ends of the earth. (Hebrews 13:5)
He knows what we need when we need it… and He will provide it.
(Philippians 4:19) “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.
He has a plan for each of us... (Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and give you a future not plans for evil.”
So while your waiting, while you are preparing… follow the words of (Lamentations 3:25) "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him… to the person who seeks Him".
You have the opportunity and the time now to spend time with, and get to know God like you’ve never had before.
Why not take the time now… while He unravels the future on your behalf?
Good day!
(Genesis 1:28) "Be fruitful and multiply.
God told Adam, the following words found in (Genesis 1:28) "Be fruitful, and multiply.
In other words, "Discover the purpose for which I made you and give yourself fully to it".
(Proverbs 29:18) With out a vision people perish.
Too many people never live out there purpose because they don't pursue their dream or their "vision".
Ever observed a "great" golfer?
His level of concentration, the fluid grace he emits as he arcs the club into that little white ball and sends it sailing onto the green?
The hundreds of hours of dedicated methodical practice he disciplines himself to.
It’s what he was meant to do.
He knows it and takes pleasure in it.
People who fulfill their calling exude or carry an excitement and a connection to their gift that transcends fame.
And it’s true that most of them have simply found a way to get paid for doing something they love.
Money never replaces purpose, but when you find the thing you’d gladly do for free… there’s a good chance you’ve found your calling.
You and I were made in the image of God, with a built-in drive to create.
That doesn’t mean you must have an artistic temperament to find your life’s purpose.
But everyone who’s aware of their calling is in the process of giving birth to something and using it to provide a service… or to help fulfill the lives of others.
It may seem obvious that those who are songwriters, artists, and poets are giving birth to their dreams.
But so is any one of us who discovers who he or she is, and answers that call through the use of their unique gifts.
You may be called to give birth to a business, invent a technical device that will benefit others, discover a cure for some disease, or find new systems of efficiency in the workplace.
"But what if I try and fail"?
The real loser is the one who never attempts to fly with the wings God gave them and pursue their dream.
There has never been a victory with out a failure involved.
Just look at Thomis Edison, President Lincoln, and others who failed many times before their vision became reality.
If they had quit, we would never have known their greatness.
So don't quit!
You can do it!
(Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me.”
So what is it that God has been leading you to do?
Today stand before God and “tell Him… “Lord I am more than willing to proceed with this idea or vision. But would you give me the strength and the wisdom how to pursue it”... Amen!”
Now step out in in faith… start pursuing that which he has laid on your heart to do!
(Mark 9:23) “All things are possible to them that believe”
(Romans 8:37) "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us".
As a Child of God you have the backing of the Creator of the Universe in your corner and there is nothing that can stop you from accomplishing that which dream of… that is in line with His will.
Good Day
(Psalm 90:12) "Teach us to realize the brevity of life"
I remember when I was in school around grade six or seven.
The teacher had left the room and the children in the class "including myself" started playing around and doing things outside of the instructions that our teacher had given us before she left the room.
When she returned she was very upset and irate because we had become rather noisy and were distracting other classrooms beside us and across the hall from ours.
As she scolded us for our lack of obedience and discipline... she made a comment that I have never forgotten.
She said "do you realize you have just wasted 15 minutes of your life that you will never get back or have opportunity to use again".
"Fifteen minute of my life gone!
"Fifteen minutes that I could never retrieve or utilize again!
“Fifteen minutes of wasted time… and missed opportunity!
It really spoke to me about being careful with my time and trying to utilize every moment of it to
fulfill my purpose in life.
The psalmist was aware of this as he wrote, "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
The truth is, unless Jesus comes back, you and I… we are all going to die... some of us sooner than we think or realize!
The psalmist wrote, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty” (Psalm 90:10)
When you begin to think that way, time becomes a "precious commodity" and a limited resource… and it should cause you to get serious about making every day count.
Each time you say, “I’ll take care of that tomorrow”… you’ve lost another day of productivity that you can never get back.
Here are some questions you need to think about.
Have you discovered God’s will for your life and devoted yourself to fulfilling it?
If not… why not?
Understand these three things:
(1) God scheduled the date of your arrival on earth. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16)
(2) God has laid out a track for you to run on. “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1)
(3) God will reward you for how you’ve lived (1st Corinthians 3:14) "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon… he shall receive a reward."
We have all been experiencing some frustrating times since our lives were interrupted and put on hold from our normal everyday activities prior to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Let me ask you this morning.
What have you been doing during that time?
Have you just been sitting in front of the television binging on net flicks?
Or have you been productive by pursuing projects and activities around home that you had been putting off.
Try looking at life this way.
Right now... today... now is the time that God has allowed for you to pursue those things, projects, and activities that you'e never had time for before.
So start making every day count!
As you sit reading this devotion this morning, take a pen and a piece of paper and start a list of things that you were always planning to do or accomplish when you could find the time.
Things like learning a new skill, taking some on line courses, and spending more time with God.
How about sitting and visiting, with your spouse and kids, playing family games together getting to know them more.
You’ve always said you wished you had more time to pray and read the bible… well what’s stopping you now?
With the internet now… there is a host of creative ways to study the bible… build a better understanding and grow in knowledge concerning your Creator and the Savior of humanity…
(Psalm 31:15) "My times are in Your hands… deliver me from the hands of my enemies."
Additionally, (Ecclesiastes 3:1) "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,"
These scriptures highlight God's control over time and the importance of recognizing His timing in our lives… including what little time you have left on this earth.
They stress the important of utilizing the time we have left to pursue and fulfill the plan of God as Jeremiah speaks about in (Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord…”
(Psalm 138:7) “Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me”.
Come on folks, like my grandpa used to say when he was helping my parents build our first home, “Come on son lets get to work, days a wasting”.
Good Day!
The psalmist was aware of this as he wrote, "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
The truth is, unless Jesus comes back, you and I… we are all going to die... some of us sooner than we think or realize!
The psalmist wrote, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty” (Psalm 90:10)
When you begin to think that way, time becomes a "precious commodity" and a limited resource… and it should cause you to get serious about making every day count.
Each time you say, “I’ll take care of that tomorrow”… you’ve lost another day of productivity that you can never get back.
Here are some questions you need to think about.
Have you discovered God’s will for your life and devoted yourself to fulfilling it?
If not… why not?
Understand these three things:
(1) God scheduled the date of your arrival on earth. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16)
(2) God has laid out a track for you to run on. “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1)
(3) God will reward you for how you’ve lived (1st Corinthians 3:14) "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon… he shall receive a reward."
We have all been experiencing some frustrating times since our lives were interrupted and put on hold from our normal everyday activities prior to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Let me ask you this morning.
What have you been doing during that time?
Have you just been sitting in front of the television binging on net flicks?
Or have you been productive by pursuing projects and activities around home that you had been putting off.
Try looking at life this way.
Right now... today... now is the time that God has allowed for you to pursue those things, projects, and activities that you'e never had time for before.
So start making every day count!
As you sit reading this devotion this morning, take a pen and a piece of paper and start a list of things that you were always planning to do or accomplish when you could find the time.
Things like learning a new skill, taking some on line courses, and spending more time with God.
How about sitting and visiting, with your spouse and kids, playing family games together getting to know them more.
You’ve always said you wished you had more time to pray and read the bible… well what’s stopping you now?
With the internet now… there is a host of creative ways to study the bible… build a better understanding and grow in knowledge concerning your Creator and the Savior of humanity…
(Psalm 31:15) "My times are in Your hands… deliver me from the hands of my enemies."
Additionally, (Ecclesiastes 3:1) "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,"
These scriptures highlight God's control over time and the importance of recognizing His timing in our lives… including what little time you have left on this earth.
They stress the important of utilizing the time we have left to pursue and fulfill the plan of God as Jeremiah speaks about in (Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord…”
(Psalm 138:7) “Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me”.
Come on folks, like my grandpa used to say when he was helping my parents build our first home, “Come on son lets get to work, days a wasting”.
Good Day!
(Hebrews 12:1) “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
There are two major things you need to know or understand about this race that we run in life.
The first one is that there are two groups of people you are going to face or rub shoulders with as you run.
The first is composed of “V.N.P. People”… the second is composed of “V.D.P. People”.
“V.N.P. People”… are very needy people… very negative people… and very needling people.
“V.D.P. People”… are categorized as very draining people… very doubting people… and very distracting people.
Now all of them deserve to be loved and appreciated… remember they are all Gods children and should be treated with respect and dignity… and some of them may be very gifted as well.
However some of them may be and are... reacting to the hurdles in their race in various ways.
It is our job to love them and help them in any way we can… but never be “influenced or led” by them.
Encourage them… but when they start to pull you down instead of lifting you up… graciously disconnect yourself from them and turn them over to God.
The second group we are going to rub shoulders with in this race are “T.R.P people”… “The right people”… and they are the group you need to surround yourself with… even protect yourself with.
These are the kind of people that will help you run the race.
Its not that they are better people… or a higher class distinction… but they are people with the right attitude.
They are visionary… positive… and willing to follow or be led.
Notice I did not say dictated to… I said “led”.
When God has a job to be done… He often calls one man or woman to do it… individual leaders with certain anointing or gifting to do the job… but He seldom calls them alone.
He calls others to stand with them and support them.
That means that we need to allow other people to be a part of the race we are a part of.
We must be willing to let others in…and realize that the willingness to reach for help isn’t a sign of weakness… but strength.
Paul spent an entire chapter in the New Testament acknowledging the people who helped him fulfill his vision.
Here’s what he said to the Philippians… “Every time I think of you, I give thanks.
Whenever I pray… I make my requests for all of you with joy… for you have been my partners
It is our job to love them and help them in any way we can… but never be “influenced or led” by them.
Encourage them… but when they start to pull you down instead of lifting you up… graciously disconnect yourself from them and turn them over to God.
The second group we are going to rub shoulders with in this race are “T.R.P people”… “The right people”… and they are the group you need to surround yourself with… even protect yourself with.
These are the kind of people that will help you run the race.
Its not that they are better people… or a higher class distinction… but they are people with the right attitude.
They are visionary… positive… and willing to follow or be led.
Notice I did not say dictated to… I said “led”.
When God has a job to be done… He often calls one man or woman to do it… individual leaders with certain anointing or gifting to do the job… but He seldom calls them alone.
He calls others to stand with them and support them.
That means that we need to allow other people to be a part of the race we are a part of.
We must be willing to let others in…and realize that the willingness to reach for help isn’t a sign of weakness… but strength.
Paul spent an entire chapter in the New Testament acknowledging the people who helped him fulfill his vision.
Here’s what he said to the Philippians… “Every time I think of you, I give thanks.
Whenever I pray… I make my requests for all of you with joy… for you have been my partners
in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it… until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
If you’re wise… you’ll acknowledge the things God hasn’t gifted you to do… delegate them to qualified people… and allow them and yourself to work from your core strengths.
That takes humility on your part… but in the long run it pays off by seeing things accomplished that you can’t do or could never do on your own.
Today start humbling yourself before God… admit your weaknesses… and start praying that God will send you the co-workers you need to help you reach the top… not by your self… but together.
Oh and by the way when they arrive… let them do what they do best.
Don’t be micro-managing them.
Give them respect… and the freedom to use their gifts …giving them the acknowledgement and appreciation of their gifts as well.
I have found in our ministry and life that there are people who are very gifted and supportive… willing to help...
If you’re wise… you’ll acknowledge the things God hasn’t gifted you to do… delegate them to qualified people… and allow them and yourself to work from your core strengths.
That takes humility on your part… but in the long run it pays off by seeing things accomplished that you can’t do or could never do on your own.
Today start humbling yourself before God… admit your weaknesses… and start praying that God will send you the co-workers you need to help you reach the top… not by your self… but together.
Oh and by the way when they arrive… let them do what they do best.
Don’t be micro-managing them.
Give them respect… and the freedom to use their gifts …giving them the acknowledgement and appreciation of their gifts as well.
I have found in our ministry and life that there are people who are very gifted and supportive… willing to help...
In fact many are looking for opportunity to help… give… and be involved in another’s project… and all they want is to just be appreciated.
But it takes true humility to recognize... appreciate... honour and give accolades to others for their gifts and talents.
But it takes true humility to recognize... appreciate... honour and give accolades to others for their gifts and talents.
Are you one of them?
This job of going into all the world to preach the Gospel is not a one man show… it takes a team!
Good Day!
(Psalm 32:8) "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go… I will guide you."
God also told (Jeremiah 29:11) "I know the plans I have for you says the Lord".
God has a plan and a purpose for each of us… and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can fulfill our purpose in life with a sense of dignity, purpose, satisfaction etc.
Before talking about what divine guidance is though, lets be clear about what it’s not:
(1) Divine guidance is not a last resort.
As human beings we don’t think much about "spiritual guidance", until we face major questions and decisions in life, like who to marry, what house to buy, which stock to invest in.
Spiritual guidance isn’t a hot line!
It’s not having a “genie in a bottle”
The key to knowing whether you really "desire" God’s will lies in asking your self… “How often do I seek His guidance when I’m not facing stress and difficulties?”
(2) Divine guidance is not only for a privileged few.
I’ve had many say to me… “Why would care about me and what I am doing”.
The Bible is filled with stories of how God chose to talk to and help and guide the lowly and the insignificant in life… and God is "not a respecter of persons" (Romans 2:11-16).
In other words He is accessible to every one not just the "elite" in life… or the religious.
(Matthew 27:51) The Gospel writers tell us that, directly after the death of Jesus… the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
The meaning of the veil’s tearing is wrapped up in its old-covenant function to separate the Israelites from the direct presence of God.
Matthew in particular narrates the tearing of the veil in a way that reveals its epoch-turning significance.
Because Jesus has died on the cross… the gates to God’s presence are open… and the age of the new covenant has dawned.
When Jesus walked this earth He hung with lowly fisherman, tax collectors, prostitutes, as well as the sick, the lame, and lepers whom were shunned by society.
In (John 14:26) Jesus said that He had to leave so that the “Comforter”… “The Holy Spirit” could come.
Jesus said He the Holy Spirit would be a guide… an advocate… and a teacher for all people!
(3) Divine guidance is not an excuse to do nothing.
I recall the statement form an individual whom said he decided not to seek a certain job, because it would be a sign of God’s will if he got it without trying.
So does that mean whatever happens as a result of our passivity or inaction is God’s will?
Not likely!
That’s like sitting in the middle of the highway and saying, “If I don’t get run over by a car… I’ll know it’s God’s will for me to live.
(4) Divine guidance is not "playing it safe".
Sometimes we don’t really want guidance… we want the removal of my responsibility to make the right choices
Decision making can be scary… and lonely.
Even small decisions can create anxiety.
God wants each of us to develop "good judgment"… and there’s no way to do that without making choices, taking risks, and occasionally failing.
But even when we fail He says "I will never leave you nor forsake you… I will be with you always”. (Hebrews 13:5)
God wants all of us to be "mature" children, and willing spokesmen for the kingdom of God… mature children who live, breath and reveal who He is to this world …by being a people like you and me who are not little robots… but whom live our lives and make choices based upon faith and obedience to His word and His guidance.
His purpose isn’t just to get us to perform the right actions like robots… but to become "the right kind of people"… acting out and living according to His image and likeness… so that the world around us can see Him in us.
(1st Peter 2:9) says “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:
The world sees God when they see you and I… have you thought about that?
Your writing a gospel a chapter each day… by deeds that you do and words that you say… men read what your writing whether faithful or true, what’s the Gospel according to you?
Good Day!