WE MAKE a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give – Winston Churchill.
So many times, we make a life without knowing it—and every giving begins with 'why.'
Ruth made life by what she gave—and God moved her from emptiness to vindication and finally redemption. (Ruth 1)
WE WORK with others without realizing how much impact we have on them—and having a godly influence on someone is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Elijah understood this enormity when God told him to anoint Elisha to take his place. (1 Kings 19:16)
God wanted him to pour what he had learnt into Elisha, so he became a brain to pick, someone to listen to and a push in the right direction.
Elijah mentored Elisha. He wanted to leave the earth empty.
Is God calling you to mentor someone this season?
ONE of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and help them navigate a course to their destination – John C. Maxwell.
Jesus saw what the enemy planned to do to Peter, and he prayed for him. (Luke 22:31-32)
Satan isn't far behind when the Lord is powerfully at work in your life.
But God knows that the enemy is after you, and he is praying for you. (Rom. 8:34)
ELIJAH could see the future, so he said to Elisha: "Tell me what you would like me to do for you before I am taken away from you."
As your successor, I'll like to have twice the portion of your power.
What you have requested of me is challenging, but it will be done if you witness my departure. But if you do not watch, you will not have your double portion. (2 Kings 2:9-10)
James H. Taylor said, "There are three stages in the work of God: first it's impossible, then, it's difficult; then, it's done."
It was difficult, but he saw when God took him and got his request.
EVERY LIFE endeavour begins with a conviction. Then, a decision.
One to take a stand; follow through with a promise, and make a change.
They took a stand when the Sanhedrin called them in and told them not to speak again in the name of Jesus.
So Peter and John replied, "Which is right in God's eyes: listening to you or him? You are the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18-19)
They told the sect why they had to speak in that name.
You are either in the Word conforming to the image of Christ or in the world, and it is squeezing you into its mould ― Howard Hendricks.
WE MUST allow the Word of God to confront us, disturb our security, undermine our complacency, and overthrow our patterns of thought and behaviour ― John Stott.
When the three Hebrew sons: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to bow to the gold statue, their stance threatened their lives, obliterated their complacency and overthrew their behaviour patterns.
You cannot please God without risking something.
When you hear a filthy joke next, let the scriptures confront your attitude.
God is better served when you try to please Him in all that you do.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
EVERYTHING God does begins with the 'why': God so loved the world that he gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
In the Kingdom of God, you believe your way in.
It's time to believe in His Name!