Messages from Above devotional 2012

Week 18 - Sharing the Good News

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Day 4 

Get Serious

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. psalm 37:5

Class clown, always joking around, never taken seriously and the first to be in trouble. Not really the best attributes one can have. I remember growing up and going through a giggling stage and everything that happened was absolutely hilarious. During lessons I would giggle, I would only have to look around the room and already something would be funny, the teacher would stand up to begin teaching and I would be on the floor in stitches. Let's just say I wasn't teacher's pet at this stage of my life, I also found that whenever something would go wrong, or a laugh could be heard - my name was the first to be called, even when I was in a different class. I started to realise that this was not fun, neither was it good for my reputation and on top of that I didn't think it was fair. So I got to thinking that things needed to change. I had to get serious if I wanted a good chance at life and if I wanted to be seen in a good life. I needed to change for the better. I had to commit to staying focused and not losing sight of the end result, no time for giggling continuously but instead I had to behave appropriately to my environment.

When I started to think about sharing the goodnews, I started to realise the same principles should apply, yes it's good to have a laugh and a good time but if my laughter is getting in the way of me being a good example to others, or my blaze attitude is turning people away from me and not taking me seriously, how can they take my God seriously. Commit to God, trust him and he will do the rest, but you have to GET SERIOUS!

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Day 5 

Full-Time employment 

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5

All day, everyday - never deviating from the plan, stealth like movements towards one common goal, working silently without request of recognition or show. Inching closer to the prize, but yet letting others share the reward teaching them how to run the race  that you run, in the best way they can.

Full-time employment.

The drudge of the 9-5 day seems to be all that is associated with the above phrase. The working mum whose day never seems to end, the couple who's bills grow daily but money decreases monthly, a hopeless situation. 

Only one type of employment promises a retirement plan that cannot be matched by any others, a life insurance without no hidden charges or loop holes, all terms and conditions set out clearly, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus". The character of God, given through faith by grace and all we have to do is adopt the mindset of Christ, he will help us every step of the way, to complete our employment quota and in life's time rota, so that we can share the goodnews with others, whilst living with Christ in our minds, working to gain our eternal prize

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Day 6

Love conquers all

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

There are always those people that no matter how many times you help them or try to be kind to them they just seem to dislike you. Many a time we choose to do nice things for the people around us we get on with, or that do good things for us, those we consider to be our friends.

To give up ones life to save someone elses, that is the highest sacrifice one can make. Many times we here many people say they would give their life for another person they love but what about total strangers. Jesus came and died for everyone, those who called him friends and those who didn't. Imagine this, he even died to save those who nailed him to the cross, love doesn't get more perfect than this.

He calls you friend will you make Him yours and share his love with others.

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Day 7 

Forever isn't that far away

 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2,3

A place to be prepared for me, sounds like a hotel advert. We journey through life, packing our bags with the esentials for the final journey to heaven. No extra weight allowed, only life experiences and stories of battles fought and victories won, the Prince of peace is hotelier, preparing rooms made to measure for the weary travelers arrival. Each guest pass being prepared with paycode,covered by the blood check out date not applicable. Name - reedemed child of the King, Gift - starry crown, luxurious robe and harp, window overlooking river and tree of life.

VIP stay in Hotel Heaven for eternity, there is no limit to the number of guests as Jesus has paid it all.    He asks that we share the good news and get ready for the mansions prepared for us above.