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Post by mike on Oct 19, 2017 6:45:15 GMT -6
As is my common practice, on the way to work this morning I was talking to at the Lord/praying, (singing a little too ). I was pondering what many of us have been feeling here on the site, the desire to go HOME! I think its safe to say that I can speak for just about everybody when I say " we are all tired of this world as it has nothing to offer". The world system and sin continue to degrade further and further away from HIM, a sad state indeed. So as I was saying out loud "Lord we (the body) want to come home, we want to be united with You (the head)", I thought "well I know what we want but do you want us there yet?" then I also thought obviously my answer is "no not yet" as we are still here. Immediately I "heard" Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come... As much as we want to go the Holy Spirit is saying the same thing!! Wow I thought like wow, He wants Jesus to return and reign as much as more than we do. No sooner than all of this go racing through my head, I was quickened/checked/heard " there is still time, continue to WORK". Although we desire to go, it is more beneficial for us to remain! I am taking this verse slightly out of context for illustration " Php 1:23 - For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you" Can we take the context of Paul writing to a believing group of Philippians and replace the "you" at the end of verse 24 with "the world" and apply it to the unbelieving who are currently the object of Gods wrath? The time is still short and we need to show people who Christ is, not just with our words, here typing on the forum, but also in our actions towards others! Show His character in thoughts, words, deeds everything we do. Will we mess up? I know I will! But by His grace and His mercy I will endeavor to be a light and witness until he plucks us outta here. Who's with me? ==> to further confirm this I receive a daily devotion from "In Touch", Love Charles Stanley! Here was todays, which solidified what transpired on my morning drive. The Reward of the Believer - 1 Corinthians 3:6-15 Our God-given purpose is to glorify our heavenly Father. Ephesians 2:10 sheds light on the means by which we accomplish this: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” As believers, we are responsible to do God’s work. One day, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be held accountable for our service. “Judgment” can be a daunting term. Remember, though, that Jesus redeemed us by His death and resurrection and paid the penalty for our sins. He took our punishment, and we no longer face condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Christ’s judgment for Christians determines His rewards for each believer. During this evaluation, God will test our actions. Today’s Scripture passage likens this to proving the quality of a substance through fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Once the fire burns away impure motives and worthless tasks, the Lord will give recompense for that which remains. From the outside, we may look as if we’re living obediently, striving to honor Jesus. So many tasks appear selfless and honorable, yet underneath the noble appearance, there can be ugly motives. We often deceive even ourselves about the reason for our actions. Since our desire should be to please Christ, we can ask Him to purify and change our hearts. Consider your actions over the past few days. How much time and energy did you spend serving Christ for His glory? This can include any area of involvement—not just efforts related to church. Ask God to reveal whatever is driven by a selfish motive and needs to be brought under His authority.
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Post by Natalie on Oct 19, 2017 7:40:01 GMT -6
Thank you for this, Mike. I have been struggling with this too, and it's the encouragement I needed. Today I will be thankful that He has given me one more day to teach my kids something about Him. It's where He has placed me and where my work is. I must continue until He calls us Home even if all I really want to do is go sit outside and wait for Him.
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Post by MikeTaft on Oct 19, 2017 10:00:23 GMT -6
Thank you for sharing this mike! I read that verse in Philippians last week and it's been resonating in my heart as well. As much as we and the Spirit want to go home, we still have time to be about the Lord's business and continuing to be the light in this world. Not only that, but it gives us time as believer to mature in our relationship in Christ and through our works, a greater reward will be given in heaven and I believe a greater position in His kingdom based on what we do here now. We are called to be servants as Jesus was here on earth. That is how we emulate Christ to the world is by showing others love by putting them before ourselves. "Matt. 20:16, So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." We are last by placing ourselves below others and serving them, even though we are heirs with Christ. Till He comes let our our light shine in this every darkening world! Amen!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2017 11:23:04 GMT -6
Great word mike. Our desire for Him is so strong - but when given the opportunity to describe who He was to those on earth, He reminded them that He was in the "least of these." I heard a story once of a man who set out to treat everyone he would meet on his day to day path the same way that Jesus would treat them. This worked for awhile and people were blessed by his works. But somehow it didn't set right with him. Eventually, he figured out that he had it backwards. The next day he set out to treat everyone he met as if they were Jesus. He said, that changed his perspective enormously. We are so anxious to sit at the feet of Jesus, to serve as kings and queens, in His kingdom - what would happen if we sat at the feet of the lowly and sinners today? What if we served in His kingdom now? As the age comes to a close, we can still touch lives and give hope! Not because we are concerned about our reward - but because we love. Thanks for sharing this mike.
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Post by yardstick on Oct 19, 2017 11:42:50 GMT -6
+1
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Post by nana on Oct 19, 2017 11:44:33 GMT -6
As is my common practice, on the way to work this morning I was talking to at the Lord/praying, (singing a little too ). I was pondering what many of us have been feeling here on the site, the desire to go HOME! I think its safe to say that I can speak for just about everybody when I say " we are all tired of this world as it has nothing to offer". The world system and sin continue to degrade further and further away from HIM, a sad state indeed. So as I was saying out loud "Lord we (the body) want to come home, we want to be united with You (the head)", I thought "well I know what we want but do you want us there yet?" then I also thought obviously my answer is "no not yet" as we are still here. Immediately I "heard" Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come... As much as we want to go the Holy Spirit is saying the same thing!! Wow I thought like wow, He wants Jesus to return and reign as much as more than we do. No sooner than all of this go racing through my head, I was quickened/checked/heard " there is still time, continue to WORK". Although we desire to go, it is more beneficial for us to remain! I am taking this verse slightly out of context for illustration " Php 1:23 - For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you" Can we take the context of Paul writing to a believing group of Philippians and replace the "you" at the end of verse 24 with "the world" and apply it to the unbelieving who are currently the object of Gods wrath? The time is still short and we need to show people who Christ is, not just with our words, here typing on the forum, but also in our actions towards others! Show His character in thoughts, words, deeds everything we do. Will we mess up? I know I will! But by His grace and His mercy I will endeavor to be a light and witness until he plucks us outta here. Who's with me? ==> to further confirm this I receive a daily devotion from "In Touch", Love Charles Stanley! Here was todays, which solidified what transpired on my morning drive. The Reward of the Believer - 1 Corinthians 3:6-15 Our God-given purpose is to glorify our heavenly Father. Ephesians 2:10 sheds light on the means by which we accomplish this: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” As believers, we are responsible to do God’s work. One day, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be held accountable for our service. “Judgment” can be a daunting term. Remember, though, that Jesus redeemed us by His death and resurrection and paid the penalty for our sins. He took our punishment, and we no longer face condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Christ’s judgment for Christians determines His rewards for each believer. During this evaluation, God will test our actions. Today’s Scripture passage likens this to proving the quality of a substance through fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Once the fire burns away impure motives and worthless tasks, the Lord will give recompense for that which remains. From the outside, we may look as if we’re living obediently, striving to honor Jesus. So many tasks appear selfless and honorable, yet underneath the noble appearance, there can be ugly motives. We often deceive even ourselves about the reason for our actions. Since our desire should be to please Christ, we can ask Him to purify and change our hearts. Consider your actions over the past few days. How much time and energy did you spend serving Christ for His glory? This can include any area of involvement—not just efforts related to church. Ask God to reveal whatever is driven by a selfish motive and needs to be brought under His authority. I love Charles Stanley too. Funny thing is, he reads out of a different bible but quotes the KJV many times.
J Vernon McGee was good to listen to, Adrian Rogers, Zola Levitt were too, they have gone home.
God always opens the door to speak to someone if you are willing.
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Post by mike on Oct 19, 2017 12:59:47 GMT -6
Great word mike . Our desire for Him is so strong - but when given the opportunity to describe who He was to those on earth, He reminded them that He was in the "least of these." I heard a story once of a man who set out to treat everyone he would meet on his day to day path the same way that Jesus would treat them. This worked for awhile and people were blessed by his works. But somehow it didn't set right with him. Eventually, he figured out that he had it backwards. The next day he set out to treat everyone he met as if they were Jesus. He said, that changed his perspective enormously. We are so anxious to sit at the feet of Jesus, to serve as kings and queens, in His kingdom - what would happen if we sat at the feet of the lowly and sinners today? What if we served in His kingdom now? As the age comes to a close, we can still touch lives and give hope! Not because we are concerned about our reward - but because we love. Thanks for sharing this mike. Thanks...As someone who had always had the line blurred between working (to earn or maintain relationship with Him) and genuine serving, one thing above specifically jumps out at me. Throughout the forum here I see instances of folks talking about our rewards in heaven. Don't get me wrong here, I think earning our crowns is a "nice touch", but up until recently that was more of the goal I had. I'm not saying others feel that way but I know I once did. Earn those crowns ==> "look at me". A rhetorical question of sorts...shouldnt my focus be on exactly what you indicate, loving those around us (the lost, the broken, the brothers & sisters who have it all together) EVERYONE! Lately my sentiment towards crowns/rewards is I dont want it. I know thats not scriptural, but I cant earn this gift. Why should I earn a crown. Maybe I'm rambling now, maybe I just need more revelation. We get to cast them at His feet, which is likely the reward I'll really want!
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Post by MikeTaft on Oct 19, 2017 14:14:26 GMT -6
Great word mike . Our desire for Him is so strong - but when given the opportunity to describe who He was to those on earth, He reminded them that He was in the "least of these." I heard a story once of a man who set out to treat everyone he would meet on his day to day path the same way that Jesus would treat them. This worked for awhile and people were blessed by his works. But somehow it didn't set right with him. Eventually, he figured out that he had it backwards. The next day he set out to treat everyone he met as if they were Jesus. He said, that changed his perspective enormously. We are so anxious to sit at the feet of Jesus, to serve as kings and queens, in His kingdom - what would happen if we sat at the feet of the lowly and sinners today? What if we served in His kingdom now? As the age comes to a close, we can still touch lives and give hope! Not because we are concerned about our reward - but because we love. Thanks for sharing this mike. Thanks...As someone who had always had the line blurred between working (to earn or maintain relationship with Him) and genuine serving, one thing above specifically jumps out at me. Throughout the forum here I see instances of folks talking about our rewards in heaven. Don't get me wrong here, I think earning our crowns is a "nice touch", but up until recently that was more of the goal I had. I'm not saying others feel that way but I know I once did. Earn those crowns ==> "look at me". A rhetorical question of sorts...shouldnt my focus be on exactly what you indicate, loving those around us (the lost, the broken, the brothers & sisters who have it all together) EVERYONE! Lately my sentiment towards crowns/rewards is I dont want it. I know thats not scriptural, but I cant earn this gift. Why should I earn a crown. Maybe I'm rambling now, maybe I just need more revelation. We get to cast them at His feet, which is likely the reward I'll really want! The thing is mike, the reason I've talked about crowns and rewards in the Kingdom of God, is that I want to give it all back to Him. I don't want to end up in heaven and say "I can't give anything to you Lord." Whatever we do here on earth as we serve ( In loving others) is not for the recognition of man, whether here or in heaven. It is us seeking recognition from God and God alone. I understand where you are coming from, but I know from scripture God wants to recognize us. He created us in His image and it is all for His glory. I'm not looking to be the top dog in God's kingdom, but I don't want be at the bottom of the barrel either. That would mean I was not a good and faithful servant while here on earth if that makes any sense.
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Post by mike on Oct 19, 2017 16:36:12 GMT -6
MikeTaft totally makes sense. Lemme just backtrack for a second. I didn't do a great job elaborating on what I said. SK knows some of my background so since my response was really towards his post and directed at him I really failed to consider everyone else reading, DuH! 😄 So a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...oops wrong story 😎 I was indoctrinated in a "word of faith" type church, also very strong shepherding type. So mostly everyone aspired to be like the pastor (unfortunately rather than like Christ). My own fault for ending up that way, I own my mistakes but the point is I aspired to achieve the approval of the pastor (as did most of the church), so my reward was the recognition of men. It's an experience I wish I never had but also one I'm thankful that I learned from and learned how NOT to be. So I apologize as none of what I said was directed at you or anyone specifically, just because of my experience, I have a bit of an adverse reaction to us receiving our crowns. Hope it makes sense
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Post by MikeTaft on Oct 19, 2017 18:11:37 GMT -6
No worries mike. Completely understand. There are times when I wish we could all meet in person so we don't have to understand each other through a screen
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Post by mike on Oct 19, 2017 18:34:34 GMT -6
No worries mike. Completely understand. There are times when I wish we could all meet in person so we don't have to understand each other through a screen Somebody mentioned a while back that if we're still around in the Spring we have should have the first (hopefully not annual) Unsealed conference
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Post by MikeTaft on Oct 19, 2017 19:22:50 GMT -6
No worries mike . Completely understand. There are times when I wish we could all meet in person so we don't have to understand each other through a screen Somebody mentioned a while back that if we're still around in the Spring we have should have the first (hopefully not annual) Unsealed conference Well we may have that conference with lodging and airfare covered *cough, harpazo, cough* man I hope I'm not comin' down with something.
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Post by yardstick on Oct 19, 2017 21:26:55 GMT -6
Great word mike . Our desire for Him is so strong - but when given the opportunity to describe who He was to those on earth, He reminded them that He was in the "least of these." I heard a story once of a man who set out to treat everyone he would meet on his day to day path the same way that Jesus would treat them. This worked for awhile and people were blessed by his works. But somehow it didn't set right with him. Eventually, he figured out that he had it backwards. The next day he set out to treat everyone he met as if they were Jesus. He said, that changed his perspective enormously. We are so anxious to sit at the feet of Jesus, to serve as kings and queens, in His kingdom - what would happen if we sat at the feet of the lowly and sinners today? What if we served in His kingdom now? As the age comes to a close, we can still touch lives and give hope! Not because we are concerned about our reward - but because we love. Thanks for sharing this mike. Thanks...As someone who had always had the line blurred between working (to earn or maintain relationship with Him) and genuine serving, one thing above specifically jumps out at me. Throughout the forum here I see instances of folks talking about our rewards in heaven. Don't get me wrong here, I think earning our crowns is a "nice touch", but up until recently that was more of the goal I had. I'm not saying others feel that way but I know I once did. Earn those crowns ==> "look at me". A rhetorical question of sorts...shouldnt my focus be on exactly what you indicate, loving those around us (the lost, the broken, the brothers & sisters who have it all together) EVERYONE! Lately my sentiment towards crowns/rewards is I dont want it. I know thats not scriptural, but I cant earn this gift. Why should I earn a crown. Maybe I'm rambling now, maybe I just need more revelation. We get to cast them at His feet, which is likely the reward I'll really want! Mike, I read what you say here and completely understand because I feel the same way. I dont much care about the crown. Now, I know I said that wrong, because it gives the wrong impression. The correct way I want to express what you are saying is that I am not motivated to do what I do by the potential receipt of a crown. In the vernacular: I ain't doin' it for a crown. I am doing it for Jesus.
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Post by mike on Oct 20, 2017 3:56:26 GMT -6
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