Rehearsing Or Regretting?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #455

As I’ve been thinking about the truth that we have freedom to choose—not only in this country we live in, but more importantly before our God.  We can choose to be born again, or we can reject Jesus and His gift of salvation.  We can choose whether we will serve Him in faithfulness or serve ourselves, extending into so many areas of life.

Having lost my husband recently, I can look back knowing that we chose to live our lives with few regrets.  We served our Lord, and we faithfully served each other, and others whom we had the opportunity to serve when there was a need.  One of the things I loved about my husband was his heart to help others, and he was generous to a fault, it’s one of the things I learned to love and appreciate in him.  And I can truthfully say that we tried to live so as to have few regrets, and by God’s grace, direction and help we were, I think, rather successful at it.

In my grief and loss, my hope and intent is to follow Jesus in this same manner of life.  We don’t have to have unlimited resources, but we do need an unlimited heart of compassion and openness to whatever God directs us to be and do!  It’s so much better to rejoice in what we have shared with others—not just family but with any God brings across our path.  God’s Word says it better than I can.  And I pray that you will share your life with those around you (yourself not just your possessions), before it’s too late and they are gone.  We can never get back those missed opportunities—of our time shared, our resources used to honor God and help others, or our love to others, especially those who need to see Jesus in us (for remember people are watching whether you notice it or not!)!

Paul’s example sets the bar high!

“I have coveted no man’s

silver, or gold, or apparel.

34 Yea, ye yourselves know,

that these hands have ministered

unto my necessities,

and to them that were with me.

35 I have shewed you all things,

how that so labouring

ye ought to support the weak,

and to remember the words

of the Lord Jesus,

how he said,

It is more blessed to give

than to receive.”  Acts 20:33-35

We are to have a heart attitude of giving not just getting. Yes, we are to work to provide for our needs and to share what we have.  I’m reminded of one of my husband’s favorite sayings about what we’re not to be or do: “Get all you can, can what you get, and sit on the can!”  Food for thought.

“6 But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich

fall into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men

in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money

is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.”  1 Timothy 6:6-10

It’s not money that is evil, but Paul reminds us that it is the “love of money” that is the pitfall of many.

Jesus put it this way to those around Him.

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

35 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake

and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

       if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:34-36

All of our choices matter, and when it comes to relationships, Jesus is the defining choice!  If we are following Jesus, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on HIM and when we take up our cross, that isn’t our daily trials or troubles—it means I die to self and live to and for Jesus, treating others, as Jesus said, as I’d like to be treated; and no one wants to be neglected or forgotten!  Remember that, so your tomorrows won’t be filled with regret for words not spoken, visits not made, or relationships not attended to.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

And just a few scriptures that I hope you’ll find encouraging and helpful today!  Work on those relationship skills!

“Then he said unto them,

Go your way,

eat the fat,

and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them

for whom nothing is prepared:

for this day is holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry;

for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”Nehimiah 8:10-(reading this whole chapter will bless you!)

And a couple of passages with advice and encouragement from the Apostle Paul.

“But this I say,

He which soweth sparingly

shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully

shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth

in his heart,

so let him give;

not grudgingly,

or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound

toward you;

that ye, always

having all sufficiency in all things,

may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“Let him that is taught in the word

communicate unto him that teacheth

in all good things.

7 Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10

Let’s live each day rehearsing God’s Word and the grace that HE has bestowed upon us, rather than living only for self, leading to a boat load of regret one day.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test. (And perhaps coming very soon!)

Amen and Amen!!!