Faithfulness and Open Doors

In 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul writes,
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
According to Paul, Jesus did three things. First, He enabled him, which means Jesus is the One who puts the gifting in you. He is the One who gives you talent. He is the One who gives you the ability. Second, Paul says that Jesus counted him faithful. Apparently, Jesus is watching and He expects you and me to be faithful. Third, Paul says that Jesus put him into the ministry. In other words, Jesus opens doors when we are faithful, doors that no man can shut. When the way seems blocked, Jesus can make a way where there is no way.
Here is the point.
It is not enough just to be enabled. Some of the greatest, most gifted, and talented people in the world are living far, far below their potential. While the enablement is there, Jesus has not found them faithful yet, and so certain doors of opportunity remain shut. Having the gifting is not enough. You need to have both the gifting and be faithful. When both are there, Jesus opens doors.Recognize and develop the gifting God has given you, but focus on being faithful so that God can open doors in your life.

Bayless Conley

judgement in our favor

In Matthew 10:8 the Lord Himself instructs us to freely you have received so freely give.
Often judgement is seen as a negative consequence.
What if instead we looked at it from a love and mercy standpoint.
That the judgment is instead in our favor.
Christ paid for our sins 2000 years ago on the cross. We are clothed in His righteousness. So just as we have received mercy, love, forgivness we are to freely give that to others.
As we receive all good things from Him we are to give it freely to others whether it is wisdom and unconditional love to basic human needs like food and clothing.
The negative judgment is for the ruler of this world who will be cast out. John 12:31
I am so grateful that I have a Counseler, Intercessor, Advocate. His Name is Jesus Christ.

Reflection

"It is easy to think of the poverty far away and forget very quickly. Today a great disease is that feeling of loneliness, the feeling of being unwanted, having forgotten what human joy is, what the human feeling is of being wanted or loved. There is a hunger beyond needing a plate of rice or a piece of bread. There is a tremdous hunger and a tremendous feeling of unwantedness everywhere. And that is really great poverty."
Mother Teresa


Do one thing today to relieve the loneliness of another, remembering that another may just be another family member you live with everyday.

luke 10:25-37

World Wide Romans 8:28

As I was watching the Michael Jackson memorial service yesterday I was touched by the man that many called friend. I always thought he had a child like quality about him. The shyness he showed in interviews was always a contradiction to the person that showed up on stage with such presence and power. Many testified to a side of him that most never knew. A man that despite his struggles always pressed forward in life and so often thought and put others before himself. Only the the Lord knows each of our hearts.
As I continued to watch the program and person after person testified to MJ's belief in God as well as thier own I believe that the Lord exalted and gave honor to him. That celebrating in a persons victories is so much more important than gossiping about his possible weaknesses. The gift of his voice and talant all came from God. He knew it and now the billion people who watched on July 7th know it.
On July 7th, 2009 the Lords name and peoples belief in the Name Jesus Christ was broadcast to app. 1 billion people live across the earth.............
I personally believe that the Lord used Micheal Jackson in a mighty way!