The first shall become last

Luke 22:25-27 NIV Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Jesus came to this earth not to rule but to serve mankind. Jesus did not assume authority over all, which he could have been being God himself, but instead humbled himself as a servant to all. Jesus lived out his life as he taught and likewise we need to follow.

finally being 30 years old, desire to be well off has been greater than ever. I'm not sure how much longer I have in this world, but I need to put my life in perspective being a Christ follower. Like he said... We are to serve as serving is greater than being served. The world standard is not what God intended our lives to be. It's great to be blessed monetarily but that does not mean that I sit back and squander gods blessing for myself. Service whether by material acts or gifts should be used to help our brothers and sisters. In the end... To love on others is the best thing to do.

Jesus help me to live my life more meaningful in the acts of service rather than taking the role just receiving. Help me to be a person that seeks out the heavenly riches rather than the earthly ones that rot away. Give me the desire God to forego my sinful nature of wanting to be on top for my own comfort. In the end it is you i want to please as those gifts do not rot away but I can take it with me once I die.

In Jesus name amen

God and Money

¹³ “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

Luke 16:13

Jesus gives a parable about a manager and how he deals with money. Knowing that his time at his job is coming to an end, the manager deals with all the people who owe his master money and settle debts. I'm not sure whether or not the people who owed his master money were going to pay anytime soon, but he gave incentives to them to pay up and also gain friendship. 

Jesus says

 ⁹ I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

Rather than being so consumed with money, the manager did what he can to gain favoritism. Money did not dictate his actions, but used it to make friends. Likewise when I gain money, I mustn't be so consumed with gaining more and being worldly successful, but focus on using that money to build connections and further his kingdom. Lately i've been struggling with the drive for success and at times it has been consuming me. I know money isn't a bad thing, but the struggles that come with gaining material wealth has its issues too.

Father help me to focus more on you. Help me to seek you first and your kingdom. I know I haven't been tithing as regularly so I pray that you'd help me to be more responsible in giving back to you. In your name I pray

Amen

Father's Business

⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”^[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Luke 2:49

The word house is another word for business. In otherwords, "didn't you know I had to be in my father's business". The "Father" mentioned in this passage refers to the heavenly father and not Joseph. When Joseph and Mary approached Jesus, they were confused because they did not know what Jesus was referring to. It was almost like Jesus had a compulsion to be with God the Father in his response to his Parents. There was a sense of confidence in his words that he wouldn't be anywhere else, but discussing scripture and learning from the other Rabbi's regarding God's Words. 

Though Jesus had a duty of obedience to his earthly parents, he did not neglect what was important in finding fellowship with God himself. Jesus was so intuned with God, that he lost track of time, even to the point of being left behind for 2 days without seeing his parents. Though its not so much of a stretch to serve where I can, I miss out on the more important matters of being ingrained in the Father's business. God's business is in the act of changing lives and bringing them to salvation. It has certainly been a while since I've done this.. To be involved in "my Father's business". I need to find more opportunities to share the Gospel to non-believers

Jesus forgive me for keeping your word to myself. Holy spirit lead me to spiritual conversations in which can lead to changing of lives and ultimately salvation through your precious blood. 

In Jesus Name
Amen

Words Never Fail

³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.

Luke 1:37

From beginning of time, God's promises never failed. When God kept his promises his favor lasted for generations. 

Joshua 21:45
Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

Because of God's covenant with Abraham, He kept his promises with Israel and never forsaken them. God kept his word with the Israelites even in the many instances of rebellion. The words that were written about the messiah were all fulfilled in the death of Christ on the cross. 

For eternity and beyond, God's word will endure and never fail. I feel so grateful to know that there is a constant in my life. I know the promises I make will at times fail, as my words have no merit in comparison to the unbreakable words that God decrees. As a man I need to strive to keep my words, especially to God. When I genuinely ask God for forgiveness, I need to change my ways, and keep my promises of not sinning. In 2013, I want to do my best to keep my word. Especially when I make a promise with God of breaking the habit of sin. I know alone I will fail, but with the help of the Spirit, I know I can do all things to overcome the habitual sins I commit. Secondly I need to be more appreciative of God for his mercy. Every time I fail, it makes it more evident that Christ's promises of mercy and grace is something to be all the more appreciative. He forgives seven times seventy seven. Even as my sins nail him over and over on the cross. I know he loves me and shows himself as a willing sacrifice on my behalf. 

Jesus help me to live a life more set apart in 2013. Help me to be a man of integrity and one that keeps his promises to thoughts around him, but more importantly to you. Thank you for being unchanging. God you have never failed and it brings hope that one day I will be glorified into a being in which I am perfect. Till then, I pray Jesus that you would continually cloth me in your righteousness.

In Jesus Name
Amen.