Leftovers. For many, they’re not very appetizing. So why do we repeatedly offer them to the Lord ? Those remaining bits and pieces of our time and money in a rather half-hearted attempt at devotion. God doesn’t want our leftovers. He wants our utmost. He doesn’t want what’s left…He wants our very best.
Tag: kingdom of god
Isaiah 25:1 ” O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”
Elsewhere in Isaiah it says, “The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.’ ” Lord, I give You thanks and trust that everything, both big and small, that happens in my life has been prepared long ago. Each wonderful, miraculous, and extraordinary thing that has and will happen to me You have planned out far before I was even born. And I know you have much more for me to be doing, and I look with eager anticipation to the future and Your plans for me. And everyone said, Amen.
Exodus 4: 11-12 ” The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ “
Moses had many excuses of why he wasn’t the person to go to the Pharaoh and demand release of the Hebrew children. But the Lord countered with an airtight defense of why Moses was just the right man for the job. We want to argue with God, but speaking from very personal experience…you’ll never win. We can object all we want, but God desires obedience exclusively. For if He calls you to something, He can and will give you whatever skill is needed to accomplish that task. With God, arguing will get you nowhere…obedience on the other hand, will move His Kingdom forward.
II Kings 19:31 ” The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah talks about the zeal of the Lord six times in the Bible. God’s zeal…His passion, intensity, and fire for His people is evident in the countless times that He intervened on their behalf….achieving miracles only God could perform. The zeal of the Lord Almighty is still working on our behalf today…carrying out His will for His people.
John 18: 36 ” Jesus said, ‘ My Kingdom is not of this world.’ “
This everlasting Kingdom was setup by God and given to His Son, Christ Jesus. And as Believers, this Kingdom dwells within our hearts. And in this, comes the rub. For like this everlasting Kingdom, we too are in the world, but not of it. Our lives here on earth are transitory, but at the same time filled with the repercussions of living in a fallen, broken world. So what are we to do? We walk this earth as aliens and foreigners longing for home, but also recognizing we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Our citizenship may not be of this world, but while we’re here… we’re to be about our Father’s business.
Colossians 3:22 ” Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”
In ancient Greco-Roman Society, slaves were looked upon as a commodity…but often it was slaves that served in stations of great responsibly, with rank and privilege. Fast forward to modern times and the common work place. Your approach at work will speak louder than any Bible verse you have taped up at your desk. Your manner of helping others without an ulterior motive will shine brighter than any religious plaque . When you honor God in the everyday grind by being that positive, giving individual…(even when the boss isn’t watching)…you show others what it’s like to be Christ-like. Like the ancient slaves, you have been given great responsibility in your workplace…it’s to be an ambassador for Christ, and a lover of people.
Acts 28:31 ” Boldly and without hindrance he preached the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul was under house arrest in Rome and confined for 2 years in a little house under constant guard by the Roman soldiers. He could have had quite a pity party…but he instead chose to use his situation for good. Yes, he was confined in one spot…but his spirit was free, for the Kingdom of God was within his heart. He could have been intimidated by the soldiers, but he chose not to have restrictions and limitations placed on God’s Word that he preached. Paul’s fearless teaching to all who wandered into that house…including the soldiers listening, was a way of him saying, “What can man do to me? My physical body may be incarcerated, but my soul is free.”
Proverbs 13:10 ” Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
Taking offense against another person only fosters conflict and produces anger. When our feelings are hurt, we rise up in righteous indignation and can easily allow arrogance to take over at that moment. We feel disrespected and insulted, not even listening to the wise counsel…for all we hear is an attack on our belief system…even if that belief system is corrupted. The world likes to take offense over the craziest things…But as a Believer, we need to be wary of allowing pride to color our interactions with others. Proverbs 9:9 states, ” Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.”
I Chronicles 11:10 These were the Chiefs of David’s mighty men – they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised…”
All of Israel came together to support King David…just as we are to advocate for our local Pastor and Church Leadership. Being a Pastor isn’t just about running a business…it’s interacting with the congregation…a delicate balance of administration, counsel, compassion, and grit. Be that mighty warrior for your Pastor…pray for him daily, encourage him often, speak well of him in public. Pray also for the Leadership at your Church…instilling confidence and hope whenever you can into their lives, for most are volunteering their time, energy, and commitment for the Lord.
Ezra 4:24 ” Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a stand-still until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.”
The book of Ezra recounts the efforts of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to rebuild the Temple. Sixteen years would pass between the laying of the foundation and when work would take up again. God gave them the vision for the Temple…it was started…but then suspended. Just like the exiles, we too hear from God and plunge forward only to be sometimes detained. Sadly, it’s usually at that stoppage we throw in the towel and claim failure. But just because there’s a delay doesn’t mean it’s a defeat. The Lord never goes back on His promises, and any vision He’s given you…even if it’s been years…is still viable in His eyes. Remember, a delay doesn’t mean a defeat.
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