This one is simple – Love God, Love People. By doing this Jesus said we would be able to fulfill the law. Everything must hinge on our decision to love God and people properly. If our actions, thoughts, deeds, etc. are always weighed against these two objectives then we will always do what is right. The problem is we usually are so consumed with what we want that it is hard to break out of that mold. Try it today, make choices that will please God and bless those around you. Remember, He can see it all anyway and the people in your life observe you more than you know so step out and do what is right. When we keep these straight then the answers for our daily actions will become apparent and we will make choices that are right and last forever.
2011
Exodus 35:30-35 “Moses told the Israelites, “See, God has selected Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.31 He’s filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and know-how for making all sorts of things,32 to design and work in gold, silver, and bronze;33 to carve stones and set them; to carve wood, working in every kind of skilled craft.34 And he’s also made him a teacher, he and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.35 He’s gifted them with the know-how needed for carving, designing, weaving, and embroidering in blue, purple, and scarlet fabrics, and in fine linen. They can make anything and design anything.”
Wow, how cool is this? God anoints people for their abilities, whatever they may be. Have you ever wondered about that intense desire within you to accomplish something? Do you find yourself dreaming on how to achieve excellence in some talent you possess? Are there specific details of your job or activities that come completely natural to you and not to others? Well then, you may be flowing in God’s plan for your life. We see here that God clearly gave these two men amazing wisdom in their business. How much of your daily business do view as God’s gifting? What are you missing out on that He has planned? What are others missing out on because of your inability to recognize God’s anointing for your talents?
Somewhere down the line we have lost sight of what God desires for us. We defined “ministry” as a vocation within a church context. And thus the rest of humanity was doomed to “work” and “survive” while those called into “ministry” had access to a higher life. Well phooey on that. God has created each one of us with specific detailed abilities that are uniquely crafted for us. He is waiting on our seeking of His face and anointing for our calling. It is time we each see our places in life as our calling and figure out how to flow in His anointing for what we do. Each of us need the other to find their place and succeed in order for our own success to be made complete. Those who work “behind the scenes” are just as important and valuable as those who are “in places of power”. When we flow in what we were gifted and anointed to do then we each benefit from each others’ success.
What are you called to do? Do you know? What are your passions? Are you excelling at what you do daily? Are you asking for Him to place His anointing on your day-to-day activity? I invite you to begin to fulfill His desires over you and succeed at your talents and abilities at whatever level you find yourself. Cease trying to be something you were not created to be and wanting what others have. Find your place and flourish. It was a part of God’s original command to all things in the beginning… to be fruitful and multiply. Ask Him to show you what you were created for and begin to… (you fill in the rest with your story)
2010
Today I was stopped by a lady at church who had known my Dad well. She told me how that every time she sees me she sees more of him. What a great comment. He was a handsome and strong man. He carried himself well and commanded influence. But mostly he followed God. If I am truly reminding others of my father, then I must be reflecting some of my heavenly father as well. Hopefully this happens more often than not but I fear too many moments are lost with my reflecting the wrong side of me.
Who do people see in you? Is it familiar? Is it someone they want to see? Is it someone you want them to see?
Our lives influence others constantly. I am reminded today to be a reflector of greatness and godliness. I must spend more time with my God to ensure my reflection is as close to accurate as possible. The people around all of us are desperately hoping to see a true reflection of right living and hope.
We must learn to emulate Him even in the mundane moments of our lives. We are being noticed more than we realize.
2010
What are doing with the “talents” God has given you? Matthew 25 contains the parable of Jesus about a businessman who gave 3 men investments to handle while he was away. Do you really want to have dreams with God and accomplish big things with Him? Or is it just a fairy tale that you choose to ponder and talk about from time to time? All through the scriptures God shows us covenant relationship with Him – If you, then He. Your turn comes first on this life’s many journeys.
Several Points:
- It says he gave each according to his ability. The things God has given you are respective to YOUR ability which means you can accomplish the goals set before you. Fear and mountains in the way are just obstacles meant to be conquered not shied away from. Playing it safe with God will not work to your favor.
- All 3 men were rewarded for their efforts. Each of us ARE responsible for how we handle what we have been given. There are consequences to the returns we generate on God’s investment in us. Some are positive and some not. The depth at which you risk establishes the extent of the reward He gives.
- This is not optional. We do not have the luxury of bowing out on God’s things. He set this in motion and He will collect.
- He is looking for our best. Returns on investments require true savvy. You have to excel at what you do or miss out on your return.
Are you reaping harvests from Him? Do you want proper returns? Then ask yourself, what are you doing right now to further the returns on His investment in you? Are you taking the risks necessary to fulfill what you know in your heart to do? Are you letting the naysayers around you talk you into complacency? What is your strategic plan for success? Are you just sitting around waiting for Him to bless you? Are you busy about His work so He will be proud? Jesus shows us there is an inevitable return. The key is you have to be doing something with what He has given you. Then you will reap more.
What dream has your passion deep down inside? Are you pursuing it? If you, then He. If you, then He. If you… You must start the ball in motion. He set the rules and when you play be the rules you get results.
Be careful, as you read below, there are those who will lose their “talents” for mishandling…
The Message – Matthew 25:26 “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?27 The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.28 “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb.30 Throw him out into utter darkness.
So stop wasting time. Go for it with all you have. Rise up and become what He designed you to be. Accept nothing less, ever!
2010
After many months of contemplation on the timing of entering the blogging arena, I am here. Timing in life is everything. And this my friends is finally the right time. I look forward to sharing my heart with all who may listen and hope the perspectives I bring will challenge everyone to higher places in their lives. So… enjoy…
