Good morning everyone. As the Lord let’s us continue this journey, please understand that we are to learn from every situation, good or bad and give all glory to God. The subject matter of this message has been shared by me numerous times over the years.
Today’s Prayer
Father, So many things just look impossible. Sometimes we wonder how we will make it through this trial or how will we survive or where is this problem leading? But, when we stop concentrating on the problem and look to You and Your promises, we are relieved. For we know that all things are possible through You. You are in control and will make all things work to the good for those who love You. Thank You for those promises and for the “breath of fresh air” we feel in knowing You are here with us, for us, and in us through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Understanding What God Has Given
Today’s meal deals with understanding. Not worldly understanding, but spiritual understanding.
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. – 1 Corinthians 2:12
God desires for us to know what He has freely given to us. One of the responsibilities of the Holy Spirit is to reveal His plans and purposes to us. They may be hidden for a time, but if we seek Him with our whole heart, we can know what He has given to us.
John the Baptist understood this principle. When asked if he was the Messiah, he replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven” (John. 3:27). John understood his role in the Kingdom of God. He came to pave the way for the Messiah; he was not the Messiah himself. His ministry on earth was very brief, yet Jesus described his life in this way: ” ‘I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he’ “ (Mt. 11:11).
Once we understand what God has given to us, we can walk freely in our calling. However, if we strive to walk in a role that He never gave us, it will result in frustration and failure. God wants to reveal His plan to us by His Spirit. This requires a willingness to seek and accept what He gives us. It may be different from what we thought. It may require adjustments to follow His path for our lives. As we learn from the life of John the Baptist, obedience requires death to our own wills.
Ask God to reveal what He has freely given to you. Pray that you receive and embrace only those things He has reserved for you to receive and to accomplish in your life. Then you can be assured of a life full of meaning and purpose, and you can look forward to hearing those all-important words someday, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
Quote of the Day
What if thou hadst committed the sins of a thousand? What if thou hadst committed the sins of a million worlds? Christ’s righteousness will cover, Christ’s blood will cleanse thee from the guilt of all.
George Whitefield
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY