What's Your Motive?

'...do not do your charitable deeds...to be seen...' Matthew 6:1 NKJV

God measures your giving in two ways: (a) Your means; how much do you have? (b) Your motives; why are you giving? 'Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in Heaven...do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.' (Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV)

Here are two stories that illustrate the point Jesus was making.

Story one: In 1977 a couple agreed to donate the three million dollars needed to build a new children's zoo in Central Park, New York. But problems arose because the 5 cm tall plaque acknowledging their gift wasn't big enough. Plus, a couple who'd donated half a million dollars thirty years earlier to build the original zoo had a bigger plaque. It was proposed that the names of the original donors be replaced by the names of the new donors. When the park commission refused, the couple withdrew their gift. Story two: It's said that Charles Spurgeon and his wife would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, 'You may have them if you pay for them.' As a result the Spurgeons were misrepresented as being greedy. Only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. All the profits from the sale of the eggs went to support two elderly widows. Apparently the Spurgeons were more concerned with how God felt about their giving, than how people felt.

Do the Numbers

'...My entire lifetime is...but a breath.' Psalm 39:5 NLT

Talking about a friend's funeral, Bryan Wilkerson says: 'The man...was a Christian - bright, hardworking, and dynamic. He helped start two hospitals...the local soccer association...travelled...sang in choirs around the world...a man of remarkable energy and ability...But nobody spoke of his spiritual influence. He introduced many to soccer but few...to Christ. The pastor could say nothing of his contribution...except he critiqued the sermon at the door on Sunday. His wife and children had few words; they got the short end of his attention and energy. Imagine what he could have accomplished by offering his time and talent to God. Compare that to another funeral I attended. This man was also...highly regarded in the secular community. But he was careful to number his days and resources and offer them to God. People didn't speak about his success and influence in the marketplace, but of his spiritual impact...how he pointed them to Christ...his leadership and support of Christian ministries...his years of church service...his mission trips to Moldova. His family spoke of his love of Scripture...his love for them...his faithfulness as a husband and father. I remember...wishing the whole church could be there to see what God can do with somebody who offers...every day of their life to Him.' So, how many people have you pointed to Christ? Where are you investing your time, treasure and talent? God's gifts are never loans, they're deposits and He expects a return. The only even thing in this world is the number of hours in a day. The difference between winning and losing is how you use them.

Do the Numbers

Just a reminder to our Tuesday night fuel Group: there will be no fuel Group for the next two Tuesdays. We will resume on January 4th 2011 @the Clark's. This Friday December 24th @7pm is our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service @Calvary. Come celebrate with your family the birth of Jesus our Savior...Merry Christmas!

'...seventy...or...eighty years...pass quickly...' Psalm 90:10 NCV

Our souls aren't hungry for fame, comfort, wealth or power. Those things create as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning. We want our lives to matter. The Psalmist writes, 'Our lifetime is seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty...' (Psalm 90:10 NCV) Eighty years is just under 30,000 days. Think about that in financial terms: $30 000 will buy you a car or make a deposit on a house. It's not that much money and it's not that much time. None of us knows how many years we've left, but we know how many we've been given till now. If you were to draw a line and add them up, eternally speaking, what would you have to show for your life? Job said, 'My days fly faster than a weaver's shuttle...' (Job 7:6 NLT); '...they flee away...' (Job 9:25 NAS) Bryan Wilkerson says: 'Teens count the number of friends they have, the number of colleges they get into. College students count grade points...credit hours...how many countries they've visited... Adults measure success by the number of bedrooms in their house, cars in the garage...or the yield on their investments. Most make two mistakes...they think they've so much [time] they can afford to waste it, or so little time they can't possibly do something significant, so they don't try. Our days are like suitcasesall the same sizebut some can pack more into them than others. 'A person who chases fantasies has no sense.' (Proverbs 12:11 NLT) Numbering your days means offering them to God and seeking His direction for your life.'

Peace Out

'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.' Colossians 3:15 NIV

When God speaks to us He gives us a deep sense of inner peace to confirm that the message is truly from Him. Beware of false peace! When we have a strong desire to do something it can produce a false sense of peace that actually comes only from our excitement. As time passes this false peace disappears and God's true will for our lives emerges. So we should never move too quickly on important decisions.

When the devil speaks to us he cannot give us peace. And when we try to solve things with our own reasoning, we cannot get peace. 'But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is...peace.' (Romans 8:6 NLT) Lay your decision on the scales of peace. Don't proceed if your inner peace cannot hold its weight against what you think or hear. You don't have to explain to others why you don't have peace about it; sometimes you won't know why. Just say, 'It's not wise for me to do this because I don't have peace about it.' There's power in having peace! And once you know you've clearly heard from God, you must do all you can to 'keep your peace' and not become anxious.

Peace is an inner 'knowing' that your actions are approved by God. 'Let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which...you were also called [to live].' (Colossians 3:15 AMP) God leads us by peace. His peace is like an umpire who decides what's 'safe' or what's 'out'. No peace? It's 'out.'

Your Self-Esteem Must Come from God

'...I have called you by your name; You are Mine.' Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

Dr Martin Lloyd-Jones said, 'Though you are one of the teeming millions in this world, and though the world would have you believe that you do not count and that you are but a speck in the mass, God says, 'I know you.' How wonderful is that? Take a moment and consider the things in life that rob us of self-esteem. Words such as, 'I don't want you; I don't love you anymore.' Or 'You're unsuitable for the job; sorry, we have to let you go.' Or, 'You keep making the same stupid mistakes. You'll never get it right.' Or, 'Why can't you be like your brother, or your sister, or so-and-so?' Understand this:

(1) Your self-esteem cannot be based on what you do for a living. Because when you can no longer do it you'll feel worthless. Think about some of the famous people you know: athletes, artists, speakers, etc. When they can no longer do what they do they often get depressed, even suicidal.

(2) Your self-esteem cannot be based on what you own. Recently the US housing market lost up to 40% of its value in one year. Millions of people saw their social status go down and their financial security go up in smoke.

(3) Your self-esteem cannot be based on other people's opinion because it will always make you vulnerable to rejection. What's the solution? Discover what God thinks about you and build your life on it. '...thus says the Lord, who created you...who...redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.'(Isaiah 43:1 NKJV) It doesn't get any better than that!

Integrity

'May integrity...protect me...' Psalm 25:21 NIV

Though repeatedly tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph said no. Faced with similar circumstances, David said yes. But the story doesn't end there. David married Bathsheba; when their son Solomon grew up 'He had seven hundred wives...and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.' (1 Kings 11:3 NIV) Integrity may not seem like a big deal now, but your lack of it will have far-reaching consequences. Integrity means keeping commitments, even though the circumstances in which you made them have changed. One leader points out that when integrity is the referee, your lips and your life will be in agreement. Your beliefs will be mirrored by your behavior. There'll be no discrepancy between what you appear to be and what you are, whether in good times or bad. Integrity is not only the referee between opposing value systems, it's the decision maker between being at peace and being fragmented within. It frees you to become a whole person no matter what comes your way. There's a story about a job applicant who was asked why he was discharged from his last position. He replied, 'Because I wanted to take work home with me.' When asked who he worked for, he replied, 'The First National Bank.' We smile, but in a recent survey of employees, 55% said they didn't trust their top management. Are you trustworthy? Will Rogers said: 'People's minds are changed through observation, not argument. People do what people see. What they hear, they understand; what they see, they believe and follow.' That's why a corrected and contrite Psalmist prayed, 'Guard my life...let me not be put to shame...May integrity...protect me...' (Psalm 25:20-21 NIV)

Integrity

'...I have walked in...integrity...' Psalm 26:1 NKJV

To protect themselves from the barbaric hordes from the north, the people of China built the Great Wall. It was so high nobody could climb over it and so thick nobody could break through it, so they settled back to enjoy life. During the first hundred years of the wall's existence, China was invaded three different times. Not once did the enemy try to break down the wall or climb over it; they simply bribed the gatekeeper and marched in. While those who built it were relying on their wall of stone, they neglected to teach integrity to their children. As a result they grew up without moral and spiritual principles to guide them. Have you ever watched a big tree fall while others around it stood tall? How come the same storm that builds strength in one, topples another? You'll find the answer in the tree's core and roots. Getting the idea? When it comes to building integrity, here are some questions you should ask yourself regularly:

(1) Am I the same, no matter who I'm with?

(2) Am I willing to make decisions that are best for others, even though another choice would benefit me more?

(3) Can I be counted on to keep the commitments I've made to God, myself and others? Can you say like the Psalmist, 'Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in...integrity...'? (Psalm 26:1 KJV) Life is like a vice: at times it will squeeze you. In those moments whatever is inside will come out. Image-building and self-interest promise much but produce little, but integrity never disappoints. So, work on your integrity.

Do it Gods way

'The thief comes only to steal...' John 10:10 NIV

Using his own home as a demo, TV anchorman Brandon Brooks showed his viewers how to protect their homes from robbers. He installed double locks on all the doors, windows that can't be opened from outside, sophisticated alarms the works. But what he failed to take into account was that thieves were also watching and learning the details of his security system and where the TV, VCR and furniture were located. The following week, while Brooks was on the air, they cleaned him out because that's what thieves do!
Satan is a thief! Jesus said he '...comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that [you] may have life...to the full.'(John 10:10 NIV) Henry Blackaby says: 'Since...Adam and Eve, people have had to choose whom to believe. Satan convinced them that [disobeying] God would gain them everything. Instead their disobedience robbed them of all they had. For the rest of their lives they experienced only a fraction of the blessing God had intended...The world seeks to convince you you'll find fulfillment by adopting its standards of morality for your marriage, raising your children, and advancing your career...If you believe this you'll never experience the blessings God intended... Sin brings death (Romans 6:23)...Jesus wants you to live your life with security, knowing that you are a beloved child of God. If you're not experiencing His love, joy and peace, you have settled for less than God intends... If you have been making excuses for why you're not living an abundant and joyful life, determine today to settle for nothing less than God's best. Instead of following the world's way...listen to the Savior's voice and...find...fulfillment.'

Making Marriage Work

'...if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.' 1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT

Former US Education Secretary William Bennett attended a contemporary wedding where the bride and groom pledged in their vows to remain together, 'As long as love shall last.' Bennett said, 'I sent them paper plates as a wedding gift.' If you want to build a great marriage, one that will go the distance, you must concentrate on doing these four things:

(1) Take responsibility for your own happiness. By blaming your mate you never have to face yourself honestly or change your own behavior. That's a cop-out! Relationships aren't dumping grounds. Happiness is an inside job; it comes from having a healthy self-esteem and a growing relationship with God.

(2) Be a friend. Ever notice how easily we accept our friends as they are, yet have trouble doing that with the one we're married to? Look out, familiarity breeds contempt! Doesn't your partner deserve at least the same respect, loyalty, patience, gratitude and appreciation you give others?

(3) Have a shared goal. You always need something to plan for and work toward together. Doing this will enrich your relationship and take it to higher levels. So, what's your next goal?

(4) Have courage. There are no perfect situations in life. You need courage to face whatever comes, to realize that what you can't solve, you can out-last and out-love! So work on your marriage today!

Prayer Gods Way

'After this manner...pray...' Matthew 6:9 KJV

Jesus taught us to pray: 'Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one: For Yours is the kingdom...the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.' (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

When it comes to praying, Jesus gave us a blueprint:

'Our Father' establishes the basis of your relationship with God. It reminds you that you're not just part of His creation, you're His child! Think about it; you can create something without being related to it, but once you father it, it's always part of you. 'In Heaven' affirms your connection to the God of the universe. 'The Lord...made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything.' (Psalm 103:19 NLT) You are acknowledging God's power and His unique qualifications to answer your prayers. 'Hallowed be Your name' reminds you that God is holy; that being His child doesn't give you the right to disobey or take Him for granted. When you 'Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise' (Psalm 100:4 NIV), it gets His attention, because by exalting His name you're recognising His character. 'Your will be done in earth' is reminiscent of Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane: '...Your will...be done, not mine.' (Matthew 26:39 NLT) Christ taught us to seek God's agenda, not our own; to have the same mind as our heavenly Father; to walk with Him by praying in agreement with Him.

Conquering Worry

'...do not...be anxious about tomorrow...' Matthew 6:34 AMP

Most of the stuff we worry about never happens, or turns out better than we anticipate. Worry, like faith, is a spiritual force. Like a magnet, it attracts the very things we fear, clouds our judgment and distorts our perspective. God never intended us to carry tomorrow's burdens along with today's. So, here are three steps to help you conquer worry: (1) Replace it. Telling somebody not to worry doesn't work. Worry is like an emotional spasm; the only way to break it is to replace it. '...whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.' (Philippians 4:8 NIV) In other words, switch the channel! (2) Dissect it. '...fear involves torment...' (1 John 4:18 NKJV) Worry torments you; your imagination runs amok, conjuring up all kinds of scary scenarios. But it's also illogical; when you take it apart rationally and systemically, it loses its power to control you. (3) Rise above it. A well-known pastor was flying over the Mississippi River one day when the sky grew dark. 'We can't see where we're going!' he exclaimed. Calmly the pilot replied, 'We just need to rise above the ground heat, dust and smoke.' After climbing another 300 meters they emerged into a clear, beautiful world. Corrie Ten Boom called faith 'the radar that pierces through the fog.' When worry tries to fog you in, you can rise above it by placing your trust in the Lord. '...those who trust in the Lord...will soar...like eagles...' (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

Put away your old Measuring Rod

'...it was a river...' Ezekiel 47:5 NKJV

Paul writes, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) You say, 'With my lack of education, limited income, poor health and past mistakes, I don't see how I can succeed.' When you're dealing with God, put away your old measuring rod! Ezekiel had a vision. He saw a river flowing from the temple: 'When the man went out...with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim...Then he said to me...it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live...Along the bank of the river...will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary...' (Ezekiel 47:3-12 NKJV) Notice, this river flows from God. He is the One who determines your future and decides your abundance. No matter who sows or who reaps, '...God...gives the increase.' (1 Corinthians 3:7 NKJV) Who determines the extent of your blessing? God! So put away your old measuring rod!

We all Matter

'How good...when [people] live together in unity.' Psalm 133:1 NIV

Synergy is when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And creating positive synergy means having the right people, in the right place, at the right time, focusing on the right goal. After World War II, Chester Nimitz, Chief of US Naval Operations, wanted to keep alive public interest in naval aviation. As a result the Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron was created and performed its first exhibition within the year. To this day the team has clear objectives. They select only qualified candidates who consistently operate at peak performance. After being carefully screened, a pilot must receive sixteen votes from the existing members. If one votes no, the candidate is out of the running. No reasons or explanations required that's the level of trust and respect the members have for one another's judgment. As a Blue Angel your teammates become like your family, and when a new member is enlisted you're entrusting him with your life. Making the squad isn't a one-shot deal either. You're responsible for playing your part, demonstrating your value and pursuing excellence on a daily basis. You have to earn the right to wear the crest. Nothing short of total commitment is accepted. So, would you qualify to be a Blue Angel? Are you a sole-trader or a team player? Are you loyal and reliable? When the chips are down, can others rely on you to put their interests ahead of your own?

We All Matter

'...God has arranged the parts...just as He wanted them...' 1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV

Ever tried to complete a jigsaw puzzle with a piece missing? It changes the end result, doesn't it? In the church God is building today, everyone has a place. Paul writes, '...the whole building...fitted together, is growing...' (Ephesians 2:21 NAS) A bundle of sticks is stronger than a single twig. So, '...in Christ we...form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.' (Romans 12:5 NIV) A non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms. In Nehemiah's day, it was the farmers of Tekoa who helped repair the wall, '...but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work.' (Nehemiah 3:5 NRS) Bricklaying wasn't part of their job description, so they let others do the heavy lifting. We all know people who subscribe to that philosophy! Never underestimate the significance of your assignment. '...parts...that seem...least important are...the most necessary.' (1 Corinthians 12:22 NLT) Think about who's more important: a world leader or a sanitation worker. When Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, although he was the leader of the free world, it was 'business as usual' for the nation. Conversely, when Philadelphia refuse collectors went on strike the city descended into chaos as piles of rotting refuse built up everywhere. The point is, you don't have to be a seminary graduate to pray and read the Bible, or a prophet to hear from God, or a specialist to minister to hurting people. To do great things for God, be faithful in little ones (Luke 16:10). Until you are willing to serve time on the assembly line, God can't promote you to management!

Are you to Busy?

'...that Satan might not outwit us...' 2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

Addressing a worldwide convention of demons, Satan told them: 'As long as Christians stay close to God we've no power over them, so:

(1) Keep them busy with non-essentials.

(2) Tempt them to overspend and go into debt.

(3) Make them work long hours to maintain empty lifestyles.

(4) Discourage them from spending family time, for when homes disintegrate there's no refuge from work.

(5) Over stimulate their minds with television and computers so that they can't hear God speaking to them.

(6) Fill their coffee tables and nightstands with newspapers and magazines so they've no time for Bible reading.

(7) Flood their letter boxes with sweepstakes, promotions and get-rich-quick schemes; keep them chasing material things.

(8) Put glamorous models on TV and on magazine covers to keep them focused on outward appearances; that way they'll be dissatisfied with themselves and their mates.

(9) Make sure couples are too exhausted for physical intimacy; that way they'll be tempted to look elsewhere.

(10) Emphasize Santa and the Easter Bunny; that way you'll divert them from the real meaning of Christmas and Easter.

(11) Involve them in 'good' causes so they won't have any time for 'eternal' ones.

(12) Make them self-sufficient. Keep them so busy working in their own strength that they'll never know the joy of God's power working through them. Do these twelve things faithfully. I promise it'll work!' Have you figured out the difference between being busy and being successful in what God's called you to do? Sometimes being B-U-S-Y just means Being Under Satan's Yoke!

Decide To Change

'Examine yourselves...' 2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV

If you are serious about changing:

(1) The first person you must know is yourself. Human nature seems to endow us with the ability to size up everybody except ourselves. If you're not comfortable with yourself, you won't be comfortable with others. And if you don't believe in yourself, your lack of self-worth will undermine you in life. One marriage counselor says, 'The most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. You've got to be your own best friend first.' But how can you be best friends with someone you don't know, like, or respect? That's why it's important to discover what God's called you to be, then work at becoming that person. And you won't get there overnight; it's a process one that requires a mindset of honesty, frequent repentance and constant self-correction. But if you commit yourself to it God will help you.

(2) The first person you must work on is yourself. Dr. Samuel Johnson said, 'He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove.' The Bible says, 'Examine yourselves.' Only as we examine ourselves before God do we discover where our true battles lie. Then we've a choice. We can be like the man who visited his doctor and found out he'd serious health issues. When the doctor showed him his x-rays and suggested surgery, the man asked, 'Ok, but how much would you charge just to touch up the x-rays?' Or, you can decide to change!

Handling Family Problems

Blessings in Christ Everyone! What a positive Spirit filled day yesterday. Worship rocked the house and God did several healings in our midst! The Word was powerful and led many to the altar for prayer and reflection. Keep your eyes of faith open this week, do your journaling, and spend sometime in prayer and watch what God can do.

"...in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' Genesis 12:3 NKJV

In order to bless all the families of the earth, Abraham had to start with his own family. Before a man could qualify for leadership in the New Testament church, they examined his home life (1 Timothy 3:5). Their thinking was, 'If he doesn't succeed there, don't enlarge his territory.' But if you're going to enjoy God's blessing as a family you must learn to cope with difficulties.

So:

(1) Try to remember that you're all on the same team. Don't take your frustrations out on your loved ones. Too often, home is where we go when we're tired of being 'nice'.

(2) Before you speak, get the facts. Nothing's more damaging than jumping to conclusions. 'Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.' (Proverbs 13:3 NLT)

(3) Handle it with wisdom. List all your options and you'll be more objective. That's how you'd handle a problem at work; why not do the same with your family?

(4) Find something good in the situation. 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...' (Romans 8:28 NKJV) No matter how bad things seem, every situation holds something positive, look for it.

(5) Make sure they know you love them. It's okay to express how you feel so long as you do it graciously. Make sure your family knows you love them. When people feel loved they can weather almost any crisis. Think: when do you need God's love most? When you deserve it least? Try to follow suit and see what God does.

Don't Play the Fool

'...I have played the fool...' 1 Samuel 26:21 NKJV

Your obituary says a lot about you. Towards the end of his life, King Saul said, '...I have played the fool...' (1 Samuel 26:21 NKJV) Israel's first king was destined for greatness till he decided to do things his own way instead of God's way. When the Philistines attacked Israel he tried to rally his troops, who were immobilised by fear. He knew he should wait for the prophet Samuel to come and offer a burnt sacrifice as required by the law. But he said, 'I'll just do it myself. Under the circumstances, God won't mind.' That one act of disobedience ended his career. He died by committing suicide on the battlefield; a life filled with promise, ended in disgrace. You play the fool by:

(1) Disregarding God in little things. Saul's fall didn't happen overnight. Little sins morph into big ones. Thinking, 'It's no big deal,' Saul took matters into his own hands. He said, '...I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself...' (1 Samuel 13:12 NLT) Note the words, 'I felt.' It can feel so right, yet be so wrong. Only trust your feelings when they line up with God's Word.

(2) Trying to justify your behaviour. Saul rationalised, '...I saw my men scattering...you didn't arrive when you said...the Philistines are...ready for battle.' (1 Samuel 13:11 NLT) Stop rationalising, repent, and obey God!

(3) Letting resentment control you. Though he had the makings of a great leader, when David started to gain popularity, Saul's resentment ended up destroying him. Most people learn from their own mistakes; wise people learn from other people's! Learn from Saul; don't play the fool.

Thoughts on Elisha

'...that your fruit should remain...' John 15:16 NKJV

Elisha served others until he died. We read: 'Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him [for advice].' (2 Kings 13:14 NKJV) On his deathbed, Elisha gave the king a strategy for defeating his enemies. So, you can lift others even when you yourself are down. You can feel like a hypocrite because things aren't so great in your own life, yet still minister to them. The truth is, when you reach out in love to someone else it takes the focus off you, your discouragement lifts, and it works for your good. Elisha's impact continued after he died. One day '...Elijah said to Elisha, "...what can I do for you...?" [He replied] "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"...' (2 Kings 2:9 NIV) Elijah, his mentor, performed seven major miracles recorded in Scripture. When he died, Elisha had performed only thirteen. Did God fail to grant his request? No. 'Then Elisha died, and they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land...So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.' (2 Kings 13:20-21 NKJV) Miracle fourteen; Elisha got his double portion! Jesus said, '...I chose...you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain...' (John 15:16 NKJV) So pray, 'Lord, give me a legacy of righteousness. Make my impact greater than my lifespan. Give me fruit that remains.'

Run the Race

'...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...' Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

In Greece there's a place tourists seldom visit. The writer of Hebrews may have had it in mind when he wrote, '...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and...run with endurance...' (Hebrews 12:1 NJKV) It's where the Isthmian Games, a forerunner to the modern Olympics, were held: a place where athletes were hailed as heroes. To develop muscle they trained with weights strapped to their legs, but on the day of the race they stripped off anything that wasn't essential. There's a lesson here. We think what we're clinging to is important. If we didn't, letting go wouldn't be a struggle; we'd simply set it down.

The Christian life is a race that starts the day you accept Christ and ends when you meet Him face-to-face. In order to cross the finish line as a winner you must eliminate: (1) Anything that slows you down. In other words, anything that hinders your spiritual progress. In and of itself, it may not be wrong, but it becomes a 'weight' when it stops you from living for God to the fullest. (2) Anything that causes you to stumble short of the finish line. You must constantly monitor the level of your commitment to Christ, the growth of your faith, your home life, your relationships, your integrity, your work ethic, your thought life and your habits. Make up your mind to stay focused on the prize. Greek athletes who won received a garland that eventually withered, but '...you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade...' (1 Peter 5:4 NIV) Isn't that worth running the race for?

Use Your Gifts

'A spiritual gift is given to each of us...' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

One of the great benefits of finding and fulfilling your life's calling is that it settles the question of what constitutes true success. Many of us have a faulty definition. We've bought into the idea that success is measured by how well we do compared to how well others do. That's a recipe for frustration! No matter what you do, someone else will always do it better. But when you define success in terms of God's purpose for your life, the standard changes completely. True success is not what you've done compared to what others have done, but what you've done compared to what God assigned you to do: 'A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT) Jesus said He was successful because He accomplished the work His Father had sent Him to do (John 17:4). Paul could say at the end of his life, '...I have finished my course...' (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV) By this standard, success may mean leaving a lucrative job to follow God's call. It may mean using your talents for His glory, instead of chasing fame and fortune. Whatever it is, once you know you're in your calling you can stop comparing yourself to others or wishing you were someone else. The Bible says we are each given gifts '...for the common good.' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NAS) Only when you're using your gifts to bless others will you experience true satisfaction. Pay checks and promotions are good, but they can't take the place of divine purpose. Only in your calling will you experience lasting joy.

Pray!

'Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.' 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV

To help you remember the four parts of prayer, think of the acrostic P-R-A-Y:

P - Praise the Lord! Not sure how? Think you'll run out of words? Not if you use the Scriptures. David gives us a beautiful example in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13. It's one you can use: 'Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour...Yours, O Lord, is the Kingdom...In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.'

R - Repent of your sins! Just as heat forces impurities to the surface so the metal refiner can remove them, your prayer time will reveal attitudes that must be changed, habits that must be broken, and barriers to blessing that must be removed. It's not enough to tell God about your sins. He already knows them. You must ask Him to help you turn away from them. This is true repentance.

A - Ask for yourself and others! Your prayers invite God into the situation, and your faith activates His power to change it. There's no distance in prayer, no culture or language barrier it can't overcome. It's like throwing on a power switchthings begin to move when we pray. Jesus said, 'I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven...whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in Heaven.' (Matt 16:19 TLB)

Y - Yield yourself to God's will! Declaring the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your life is like signing your name to your autobiography, and inviting Him to write your life's story.