Friday, December 11, 2009

Testing The Waters

1 Kings 10:1
1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions.

In the scripture above the author credits Queen of Sheba as being so intrigued by the reports given to her regarding Solomon's wisdom that she just had to test him for herself.

Most of us at some point or another have all experienced being tested by peers, superiors and the like because "we couldn't possibly" have the knowledge or ability to do the things we do. But let's be clear, wisdom is a gift from God. When God gives wisdom, he also provides the opportunity to obtain whatever training is needed to accomplish that which he has set before us. Wisdom and the ability to act often accompany each other but it's up to us to act when God provides the perfect timing.

1 Kings 10:6-7
6 She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.

Sometimes it is hard for others to believe no matter what the circumstances are surrounding the disbelief. Understand that we don't have to prove anything, the Lord will reveal who we are in him. Whether others believe or not isn't really our concern. We just have to obey him and he will take care of the rest.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Doors Are Closing

Luke 13:24-25
24"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

In the scripture above Jesus was explaining the concept that God will not wait on us forever to get our act together. We all have choices to make. Jesus has an appointed time to return and once that time has arrived, it's too late. And no matter how much we beg, the door will not be opened again.

The truth is that God operates the same way in every area of our life, not just spiritual. The doors of opportunity are only open for an appointed time. Once that time has passed, the doors are closed. We spend so much time on the fence thinking we have time but that's not the case.

Matthew 24:50
50The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.

It is indeed a shame when God's grace has run out and the doors are closed. It's only at that time do we often realize what a great opportunity we just missed.

AMEN PRAISE HIM!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Chosen Ones

Matthew 13:16
16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.

In the scripture above Jesus was addressing the disciples because they wanted to understand why he spoke in parables. Jesus explained that it wasn't meant for everyone to understand his teaching but those who did, were blessed and meant to see and hear. The truth is, it's not always meant for everyone to understand what we see and hear spiritually but they are only to see the outcome. God has blessed us because there is a role for us to play. The next time God gives us revelation and we try to explain it to someone else, if they don't see it, don't be alarmed or upset. It only means that we have been chosen by God to see and hear.

Matthew 22:14
14"For many are invited, but few are chosen."

It's time to look at every area of our lives and see where we've only been invited and where we've been chosen. Have we missed the boat on anything because it wasn't meant for us or because we've been afraid to be one of the chosen ones?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Fool's Gold

Haggai 1:5-6
5 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

In the scripture above the Lord is speaking through the prophet Haggai. The Lord is explaining that no matter what is done by the people, they cannot prosper the way they desire. Disobedience to God will transfer into every area of life.

Proverbs 17:16
16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

God is the embodiment of wisdom. When we do not heed to his ways we are setting ourselves up to loose anything and everything he has blessed us with. People, opportunities and material things can all be blessings from God. When we take for granted what he has placed before us then we stand to have it taken from us and given to someone else who is ready to receive.

Joy T.J. Riley