Last week began with a short reading of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The study asked these questions:
“What do you think hinders most Christians from giving everything to God? Is there anything in your life that you haven’t fully given to God? If so, what?”
“For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body”
(1 Corinthians 6:20, NASB)
Each of us has been bought with a hefty price – the blood and life of Jesus Christ. Our lives were valuable to Him and He thought the price worth the sacrifice.
He gave all and yet we hold back at times. As I typed that sentence the words to an old hymn came flooding back to my memory – Jesus Paid It All.
“Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe…” Â
He gave all then and He gives His all to us each and every day – His power, His peace, His forgiveness, His love, His wisdom, His understanding – and so much more.
Lord, we confess we hold back at times. Help us to give our all to You, whatever that may mean and require of us today. In Your Precious Name we pray, Amen.
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Mid week found us reading Isaiah 6:8 and Hebrews 12:1.
The question in Isaiah is a haunting one – “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (NASB)
Perhaps like me, you also never took note of the word “Us”.
We are going forth in this world as representatives of so much more than ourselves or families. We are going for Them – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
I had to give that a few minutes to sink in a bit.
He calls each of us “go” somewhere each day- to our neighbors, to our places of work, to our schools, to our churches, to our hard to love family members.
We may go out of a sense of responsibility or obligation, and even in those times – we are representatives of Them – the One who has sent us.
This morning I am asking myself – Am I willing to go? and Am I prepared to represent Him?
Isaiah didn’t ask any questions, he just quickly and willingly responded.
“Never underestimate what God can do with one willing worker.” (Wiersbe Study Bible, page 992)
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We closed out the week with 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Races, competitions – we enter them for one reason – we want to win. Even our children desire a trophy, or a ribbon, or a medal.
“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things” (verse 25, NASB).
Self-control in ALL things. {{Ouch}}
Not some. Not in the areas I desire or find easy. In all things. I turned to Warren Wiersbe to discover these thoughts:
“Discipline means giving up the good and the better for the best.”
“There is nothing wrong with food or fun, but if they interfere with your highest goals, then they are hindrances and not helps.”
These quotes present a challenge for us, in the best of ways. What good and better thing do we need to give up for the best? What is hindering us and not helping us?
The answer to those questions is what will move us to achieve our highest goals in life and God’s purposes in our lives.
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Owing Him my all,
may I have a willing heart and
give up the good for the best.
Photo 2:Â by Emma Simpson on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
Joanne, there is so much meat to chew on in your post. As soon as I read the words, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe…” the words and tune began filtering through my head. what an important truth to remember when life challenges us or people hurt us or things go very differently from what we’d expected. I also appreciate the reminder that we go into the world in the name of our God””the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jeanne, lately as I read Scripture, and/or blog posts, simple truths and old tunes come back to mind. I’ve been wondering if God, in His gentle and guiding way, is saying to hold onto those foundational truths for they will keep us standing firm and steady. Blessings to you and yours today.