| Subject: Devotional #23; August 22, 2001 |
Author:
Gail
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Date Posted: 06:47:53 08/22/01 Wed
Topic—Servant Leaders
Power Point—You can’t lose what you’re freely willing to give away.
This Week’s Memory Verses—Matthew 20:27–28
Access Database—Matthew 19:16–30
Advance to the Bonus Round
by Eric Partin
We saw yesterday that the first step to being L.A.S.T. is to Leave Everything. However, there are always rewards that accompany God’s conditions. In fact, Peter asks, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus answers him, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers and sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will receive eternal life." Whew! What a promise…and it’s all true! Don’t believe me? Check this out…
Remember that I gave up sailing to pursue Jesus and all He had for me. Well, I didn’t sail for 12 years. I worked for UPS, ran the youth ministry part time and studied the Word and whatever else I could do for God. In 1995, I gave up my job as a UPS driver and became a youth pastor full time, which is a total blessing. I can’t believe I get paid to do what I used to do for free. But that‘s not all. Just this year I was given a 32-foot sailboat. Given! This boat is worth $45,000. Because I was able to seek His kingdom first, all these other things were added unto me. You see, when you delight yourself in the Lord, He gives you the desires of your heart. Now, I can take my family sailing without sailing being my god.
Now, why would God ask us to give these things up just to give them back? Why did He ask Abraham to give up Isaac? Why did He freely give up His own son? Because giving is one of the foundations of Christianity. While the world is out to take, take, take, God requires us to give, give and give. This includes our possessions, our time, our talent and even our lives. As we said yesterday, this requires complete trust in Him. It also helps us to see where our hearts are focused: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
What the rich, young ruler failed to realize was that he couldn’t lose something that he was freely willing to give away. If you know that God wants to bless you and take care of you, what are you waiting for? The time to advance is now! Believe me, what lies ahead is much greater than what you are leaving behind!
Now go back and read Matthew 19:16–30 one more time.
Identity Matrix—Disciples of Christ...
Know God—In what way did God reveal Himself to you as you read His Word?
Live for God—What one lifestyle change is God calling you to make?
Love Others—In what way is God calling you to minister to someone in need?
Bear Fruit—In what ways will you set the example and the standard for others to follow?
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