Friday Fellowship: Are You Chosen By God?

The story in Matthew chapter 20 and in Numbers chapters 13-14 answers are question. Matthew is the story that defines who is chosen. Then it is reinforced in Numbers.

Matthew 20:16

^“So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”

The story is about a man who hires labourers to work in his vineyard. He hires labourers from an early hour(FIRST). Then hires those at a late hour(LAST). When the day was done he paid all the workers the same, but he paid first the workers that arrived LAST. In the end of this story he says the verse already mentioned.

Matthew 20:16

^“So the LAST shall be first, and the FIRST last: for many be called, but few chosen.”

So what caused this statement? This story tells us that the LAST were chosen. Being first is beingCHOSEN. When you are faced with many choices in anything in life, what you CHOSE would be referred to as your first choice. So in this story the people that were LAST, were CHOSEN.

 The man who hired the labourers offered all of them the same wage and said the same thing to them all.

What the man said to FIRST: “ ⁴ And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.”

What man said to LAST: “⁶ And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?”

^“7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.”

These verses show they were all called by the same message, but the only difference was the hour at which each group was called. At end of the work day and the money was being paid we see the LASTgroup was CHOSEN. The LAST was CHOSEN to be paid first.

The differences in each group:

·         First People: Proud and unthankful. They forgot they were once unemployed and felt entitlement to those who came later to work. They were not thankful that most of the day they had a job.

·         Last People: Humble and thankful. They stood all day waiting for work and when asked about it, they were without pride leading to honesty about their situation. Yes, we stood here all day without job. Pride would’ve hid this, and said I just been out here for a hour. Being thankful and humble go hand in hand, can’t have one without the other.

The book of Numbers we see the people of Israel. They were like the FIRST group.

Children of Israel relating to first group: Unthankful, they complained to God that they were going to be destroyed by the inhabitants of their promise land. Prideful and lack of faith as they complained to God instead of standing on his promise.

Joushua and Caleb related to the last group or the CHOSEN: Humble as they rent their clothes when the children of Israel were complaining, renting their clothes was a display of humbleness toward God, similar to Moeses and Aaron bowing down to God. They were thankful for God’s word demonstrating that by trusting it.

^“8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.”

Be CHOSEN of God today through humbleness and thankfulness. When you are CHOSEN of God….Glory, Honor, Riches, Health are only some of things associated(Read more bible find CHOSENbenefits)

“With God nothing shall be impossible.”

Luke 1:37

Friday Fellowship: Christian

Thirsty Thursdays: In All Things Praise Him

God has done so much for each and everyone of us. Some things we acknowledge, some we don’t. Some of the wonderful things God has done we take for granted, others we take on the “what have you done for me lately” mentality that plagues our society. We forget about past miracles and deliverances. We complain about our current situation as if God was never there for us. The going gets tough and we forget all that we say we believe, all the past blessings, and begin to get frustrated, flustered and even angry with God. Instead of this negative attitude, we need to learn to praise him at all times, worship him, trust him and thank him.  In our Happy moments PRAISE GOD, in our difficult moments SEEK GOD, in our painful moments TRUST GOD and in EVERY moment THANK GOD.

“4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said who shall give us flesh to eat? 5 we remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlick: 6 but now our soul is dried away : there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” Numbers 11:4-6. Here we see the Israelites complaining about not having meat to eat and they were upset with God. How quickly they forget, God had parted the Red Sea and allowed them to escape to freedom; for in Egypt they were slaves.

Trials are a part of life. As discussed in my wonderful bible study class Tuesday night, trials help increase our hope, strengthen our faith and prove to God our genuineness. “6…though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” 1 Peter 1:6-7.  Continue to trust God in hard times. Continue to praise his name and thank him for all he has done. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have, be thankful for what we do have. In our happy moments PRAISE GOD, in our difficult moments SEEK GOD, in our painful moments TRUST GOD and in EVERY moment THANK GOD. 

Stay Thirsty My Friends

 Thirsty Thursdays

Warrior Wednesdays: Guidance for Your Journey

A pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire during the night provided direction and protection to the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness. The cloud and fire were physical representations of God’s presence and the tangible evidence of him guiding his people.

“And so it was, when the cloud abode even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.” Numbers 9:21-22 

The Israelites journey was based on God’s guidance. They traveled and stayed as God guided. When we follow God’s guidance, we are exactly where God wants us to be. Whether moving or staying still, we are where God wants us to be. Instead of asking God what should we do next, we should ask God what do you want me to do while I am right here? God’s guidance is not only for our next move. He has a purpose in the place we are currently in. Discovering what God desires us to do now will help us begin to understand God’s purpose for our lives.

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!!

Transforming Tuesdays: Giving Back!

Sometimes going through life can become so mundane and routine.  Often times we forget our reasons of being here.  We can become so consumed with what we’re doing or our own personal successes that we forget what really matters.  Our goal of living in eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should always be the meaning to life here on earth.  No matter how crazy this world gets, we have to always keep our eyes on the prize!  Also, we have to find ways to give back to others just as Christ has done for us.

When we get to heaven we can’t take any of these things that we have with us.  We can’t even take a Bible with us!! This is because Heaven will supply all of our needs and wants, mainly because that is our home.  The thought of it is just beautiful, kind of like a vacation that you never have to leave.  The big question is trying to figure out how to get there.  One of the big things that you have to realize in order to get into heaven is understanding why Jesus died on the cross.  He did all of that to forgive us of all our sins.  He was crucified so many years ago for sins that he knew that you and I would commit in 2013.  He is truly amazing!

In Matthew we are introduced to the story of the servant who was shown mercy when he could not pay his debt.  The master was initially going to sell him and his family into slavery until the servant begged for mercy and the master changed his mind.  The master eventually canceled the man’s debt and the servant was put into the same situation as his original master.  The servant was owed money by someone who was just like him, and instead of showing the same compassion that he was shown, he had the other servant thrown into jail.  I found this odd considering he was just shown mercy, but then it made me think of my own personal experiences.  How many times do we refuse to show the same compassion that we are offered?  How many times do we think of ourselves before we think of others? 

This story reminded me of my day yesterday.  When I woke up for school I was so exhausted that I suddenly got worried.  Although I am not one who gets a lot of sleep, I can usually survive on maybe 4-5 hours of sleep a night.  This past week I have been having the worst sleepless nights where it feels like when I close my eyes I feel like I have to get up.  Well I contemplated on whether or not I was going to go to school or not, but then I remembered that I had promised to participate in a college fair for high school students.  My initial thinking was that other people were going to be there so I didn’t have to go.  As it turned out, I had an amazing time connecting with the students in their search for higher education.  I was able to laugh, encourage, and inspire, and I grew less tired.  On my way home at around 6:30pm I was able to reflect on how important it was for me to be there and give back.  What if everyone who has inspired, helped, or encouraged me were too tired to meet me???  That thought alone should encourage you enough to do better in your life.

 

We all need each other in life especially in our daily walk with Christ.  The start of 2013 opened my eyes to allow me to realize that I have 6 other people who are just like me and who are striving to be better (Jael, Brittney, Ron, Christian, Hannah, and Steven just to name a few) and who give back in ways unimaginable.  The idea of giving back doesn’t have to be big or extravagant, it could possibly be by listening or even praying for someone.  One of the biggest forms of giving back is by using your negative past experiences and making them positive so that other people can grow from them.  The servant in Matthew was in a predicament to give back the same mercy that he was shown and he failed to do so.  The same notion works for forgiveness!  You are supposed to forgive 77x7, which is a huge number.  Just as Jesus forgave us of our sins we should do the same.  It’s not hard and that is where some of your blessings come from.

Don’t miss out on your blessings that come from being a blessing to others.  Learn to smile more, laugh harder, encourage as much as breathe, inspire before you hinder, when you stumble get back up, and when you get back up bring 2 other people up with you.  Life is temporary so while you’re here we should all try to be the best that we can be while keeping God at the forefront.

Look how this lady found a way to give back although her past seemed as if it were in turmoil.  This is how you can turn a MESS into A MESSage.

It's never too late to Transform Your Tuesdays!

Transforming Tuesdays: Jamera

Merciful Monday: Work Hard, Sleep Well

Has there ever been a time when you have been unsatisfied with your job or career? Have you ever felt like the work that you do is meaningless? There is nothing wrong with wanting to better ourselves, but we should not be full of discontent when it comes to our jobs. Ecclesiastes chapter 5 says that we should enjoy “work done under the sun during the short life God has given us” (5:18). Furthermore, it states that “to enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this indeed is a gift from God” (5:19).

This reminds me of Hannah’s post on Saturday, encouraging us that no matter where we are right now, we are there for a reason. You should enjoy your job (or maybe lack thereof) right now because you never know what the alternative could be. So remember to work hard and do your best despite your current situation. The bible gives this practical advice: those that work hard sleep well!

I found these fun facts about careers and sleep:

According to a study, the 10 most sleep deprived jobs in America are:

            1. Home Health Aides 

2. Lawyers
3. Police Officers
4. Physicians, Paramedics
5. Economists
6. Social Workers
7. Computer Programmers
8. Financial Analysts
9. Plant Operators
10. Secretaries

According to the same study, the 10 most well-rested jobs in America are:

1. Forest, Logging Workers
2. Hairstylists
3. Sales Representatives
4. Bartenders
5. Construction Workers
6. Athletes
7. Landscapers
8. Engineers
9. Aircraft Pilots
10. Teachers

From the International Business Times at http://www.ibtimes.com/top-10-most-sleep-deprived-jobs-america-your-career-list-417618

Merciful Mondays: Jael

^“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31

Salvation Sunday: Get the stepping

Has God given you a task? Has God given you a task to fulfill? Have ya done it? If not, what's the issue? Are you waiting on someone or something? Well, in today's reading, Jesus talks to His disciples and questioning why they made no moves.

Jesus tells His disciples that He is not going to be there all the time. He says all you need faith as small as a mustard seed in order to work with God. So, if God has called you to do something and its your time, exercise your faith. You cannot wait on others to finish the task. You cannot depend on others to get to heaven. Therefore, get the stepping and do your work. God has given you everything you need in order to be successful. All you need is to trust God and put that faith into action.

Finally, if God has a blessing for you, go get it. Praise God now and in advance for that blessing or for what you are expecting for God to do in your life.

Stay blessed!!
Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable

Saturday Sacrifice: Once Upon a Time...

SILENCE ON THE SET!!... READY!!

 

 

God knows our beginning and our end. He is the author of your life and the author of my life. He directs our life, like a director directing an actor in a movie. However, God gives us a choice whether to follow his direction or not.

Believe following God’s way is always the best choice.  We would just mess up our life even more. If we keep God first in our life he is directing our steps. God promised it to us, he said “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 

In a movie, the director directs the actors in every scene. I believe the Lord directs his people in every aspect of their life. In other words, God strategically places his people (those who keep God first and acknowledge him) in places where he can bless them, teach them, and prepare them so in the end he can be glorified.

“…no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.  No one can see the BIG picture that God has for their life. If we did…OMG!! Lol.  Some of us would be scared thinking “God, are you serious?! I can’t do that!”…and then some of us might jump the gun due to our confidence  that would we rush the process and try to get to the HAPPILY EVER AFTER perfect ending when we are not ready for it yet.

There is a time for everything. Where you are right now, trust that God has you there for a reason. That it is a part of the grand plan or purpose God has for you. In the mean time don’t forget what he has done for you and where he has brought you from. Be thankful for the big and small miracles. For it says that, “…ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.” Romans 8:28

 

 

Stay in God’s Peace, Not in Pieces =)

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah