The Amazing Opportunity

Imagine if our country’s leader gave us a private invitation to come into their office to make a personal request.  Then, providing no laws were broken, he or she would do everything in their power to fulfill that request.  What an opportunity!  What would we ask?  Our request could have a great impact on so many lives.

God is far more powerful than any president or prime minister.  In fact more powerful than any king or queen that has ever lived.  He is the God of the universe.  Every living thing depends on Him.  The laws of science, time and space are subject to Him.  He has unlimited power with all the riches of the universe at His fingertips.  He has also given us the amazing opportunity of going boldly into His ‘Office of Grace’, to obtain mercy and help in time of need.
However, there is a problem.  As with every good ruler, God is restricted by His own laws.  He created mankind with freewill - we are free to succeed and free to fail - we are free to use God’s power and free to use our own.  We should remember this next time we point our finger accusingly at God and say, ‘Why did You let this happen?’
God will sadly reply, ‘I did not desire for that to happen but no one asked me to help.   If I had acted without being invited, I would have broken the Laws of Freewill.’  Then, God will point a finger at us and say, ‘My office was open 24/7.  Why didn’t YOU take the time to come and ask?’

Eternal Dividends

Investing is quite often a very scary venture.  We are told to invest in our future.  So do we invest in superannuation, property, shares, or stuff our money in a mattress.  Some investments will make us rich – others will take the shirt from our back.  The truth is that even if we are extremely successful investors, we can’t take it with us and our children and grandchildren can’t take it with them either.

However, God has given us a golden opportunity to invest in our eternity.  We must stop thinking we are doing God a favour each time we give sacrificially or serve in a spiritual capacity.  God does not need us or our money because He has at his disposal the riches of the universe.  God could have easily chosen the angels to do his bidding.  Instead He chose us.  We must ask the question: Why would God use us as we make such bad servants?  Answer: God is giving us the opportunity to invest – our spiritual service is His currency.
We should weigh up each and every investment portfolio.  Do we put all our energy and resources into earthly investments that will eventually be taken away?  Or do we invest our energy and resources in the Bank of God which promises to pay dividends that will continue throughout eternity.  Let us hope we are not kicking ourselves forever because we let the greatest of all investment opportunity pass us by.

Childish Gifts

Quite often a child is motivated to draw pictures, pick flowers or even give rocks to their parents as an expression of their love.  Children don’t have any resources themselves and usually the flowers they pick are from their parents’ garden, pictures are drawn on their parents’ stationary and gifts are purchased with their parents’ money.  However, a good parent doesn’t dwell on these things.  They are aware that their child is trying to show appreciation in their own unique way.  A good parent sees the motivation behind a simple gift and proudly displays such little trophies so all who enter their home may see their child’s gratitude.

God has told us to be childlike and there is no better way to be childlike than in giving.  When we are focused on God, like a loving child is focused on their parent, we will be motivated to give as an expression of our love.  We should be delighted to draw pictures (spiritual service) and give flower to our Divine Parent.  But if we do it begrudgingly (because we feel we have too or out of guilt), it just illustrates how ungrateful and selfish we are – guilt gifts bring no glory to God.  We should do it with delight or not at all.  God always sees (and rewards) the motive behind the gift – never the gift itself.

Extinguishing the Fires

We are all equal before God, so why are some Christians more effective with prayer than others? 

To successfully put out the fires in our life, God has given us prayer.  Prayer is our fire hose.  As Christians, we are all issued with an identical hose and they are all connected to the same water supply, (God’s Power).
We must unravel the hose and connect it to God’s water supply, (the right procedure of getting in fellowship, 1 John 1: 9). 
Then we must check that there are no kinks in the hose, (false motives or unresolved issues, Psalms 66:18, James 4: 3).
Once the hose is prepared we must turn the tap fully on, (faith in God’s power, Mathew 21: 22). 
If we are standing on the hose we should remove our big foot, (allow God to have His way without interference, Psalm 37: 34, Psalm 130: 5). 
It always helps to aim the hose in the right direction, (knowing God’s will, 1 John 5: 14).
Finally, we must persevere until the fire is extinguished, (persistent prayer, Psalm 55: 17)
Sometimes, one organized person following precise procedure can quickly extinguish a raging fire, while a thousand clumsy people untangling their hoses cannot.

Prayer Cowboys

Cowboys are often defined as wild, loudmouthed, self-absorbed, gun-tooting individuals who shot their pistols without aiming and shoot their mouth off without thinking.  The cowboy mentality is rarely seen as an asset to any organization. 

Sadly, most of us Christians are prayer-cowboys.  We make a lot of noise shooting off numerous prayers, but we rarely hit the target.  We try to impress those around us with our fancy prayers but when alone we hardly pray at all.  We talk the Christian talk but don’t walk the Christian walk.  We are easily distracted with the things of this world and find it hard to focus on God’s plan.  When we do privately pray we are impatient, self-absorbed with our own needs and rarely consider God’s will.  
True, if we shoot off lots of prayers one or two are bound to hit, but on the whole prayer-cowboys don’t make good Christian soldiers.  In times of combat, the cowboys are usually the first casualties.

Prayer Snipers

A sniper is one of the most feared soldiers in warfare.  They are seldom seen and can cause complete disruption to the enemy’s plans.  Snipers are patient soldiers who excel in marksmanship and are experts at concealment.  They use long range rifles, usually equipped with silencers, so as not to draw attention to themselves.  A good sniper does not waste bullets – every shot must hit its target.

God desires His Christian soldiers trained up to be prayer-snipers – elite spiritual warriors, whose prayers always hit the mark and cause complete disruption to the enemy’s (Satan’s) plans.
We rarely know who the prayer-snipers are.  These Christians are experts at concealment and bring little attention to themselves.  They know the spiritual terrain and do not waste time on unnecessary prayers.  They know God’s will and pray accordingly.  They have the ability to focus on a prayer-target without being distracted and their every prayer hits the mark.
Though we may not know who the prayer-snipers are now, we will certainly know them in Heaven - they’ll be the ones with all the medals and awards.

Joining the Family Dinner

A very rich man sat at his dinner table and watched his three children fight over the TV remote.  He decided to make his children an offer.  If they would stop what they were doing and come to the table as a family for dinner, then join him afterwards to clear away the dishes, he would generously reward them.  He told them that his private jet would fly them to the world’s best theme parks with each being given a million dollars spending money.  Then they could tour the world to find a beautiful mansion to be filled with everything they personally desire.  Added to this, they could invite all their friends and the same offer would be made to them.
Two of his children eagerly leapt from their chairs and joined their father at the dinner table - this was an extremely generous offer not to be missed.  They were so overjoyed, that spending ten minutes afterwards doing the dishes was just an opportunity to discuss the fantastic wonders to come.  As for phoning their friends with the invitation, that certainly wasn’t a chore. 
However, one son didn’t join the family dinner - his favourite show was on.  He gave away a lifetime of riches to watch a half hour sitcom.

When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are ‘reborn’ into God’s family.  As our father, God has made us a generous offer, which makes the above offer look dull.   God has said, if we join our family at the table (Christian fellowship), help with the dishes (Christian service) and invite all our friends (witness), He will give us fantastic rewards, far beyond our imagination and expectation.    What we do in life does have repercussions throughout eternity.  Life is so small compared to forever – less than a half hour sitcom.  We would be pretty stupid not to switch off ‘life’s distractions’ and join the family dinner for an eternity of riches.

Motivated Rewards

A church bus returning from a function slid off the road and dropped over a cliff.  All the church members died.  They were welcomed into Heaven to angels cheering and trumpets blazing.  A great victory feast was held in celebration.  At the end of the feast God called the church members forward.
‘Before I show you all to your mansions there are some rewards outstanding.  John Smith – you have focused your life on Me.  You served because you saw in My plan something to believe in and worthy of sacrifice.  Well done My good and faithful servant.’  God then showered him with eternal rewards.
In anticipation, the other church members looked at each other excitedly, for they had worked sided-by-side with John Smith.  God turned towards them. ‘Well, all rewards have been paid in full.  Let me now show you to your mansions.’   The church members looked aghast.  It was Jill Jones who first spoke out, ‘Begging Your pardon, Lord, I think there’s been a mistake.  I have done as much as John Smith, if not more, and I haven’t been rewarded yet.’ 
God looked at Jill tenderly and replied, ‘Yes you have.  Remember, you served so that your fellow workers would like you - most did (some didn’t) and so you have already received your reward.  Joe Bloggs, you served out of guilt.  Whenever you gave or worked didn’t your guilt temporarily disappear – you also have been paid.’  God then pointed to each one and told them what they already knew, ‘You were motivated by power, you by fear, you by bullying, you by jealousy and you by competition.  You all sort your rewards on earth and have been paid in full.  Only John Smith was motivated by the love for Christ and has waited until now to be rewarded.’

We must question our motives every time we serve God.  If we are not serving for the love of God, we are simply creating a lot of wood, hay and stubble to be burnt at the Judgement Seat of Christ.  We must remember: a right thing must be done for the right reasons.

Working Side By Side

Parents know how hard it is to get their children to help around the house.  On rare occasions when a child helps out with a happy heart, it is pure delight to the parent.  But when the child is uncooperative and works with a sulky, moody attitude, or out of guilt - it brings no pleasure at all.  Most of the time, it is easier for the parents to do the work themselves. Yet, in so doing, they deprive their children of the opportunity to improve themselves.   Also, when people voluntarily work side by side it brings them closer in their relationship.  When you work with someone, you truly get to know them.

God doesn’t really need our help in the ‘Kitchen of Life’.  We may think He does, but God is all-powerful and we only get in His way.  We are like little children – when we help, God usually has to tidy up after our tidy up.  No matter how good we think we are, we generally make a horrible mess of things.  With this in mind we should seriously consider: if we are not helping out with a happy heart – why are we helping at all?  If we aren’t freely giving – why are we giving at all?  Working with the wrong attitude or from feelings of guilt, brings no pleasure to God. He has given us an amazing opportunity to be part of His work, and in so doing we begin to know Him better.  God knows that nothing brings two people closer than voluntarily working side-by-side.

Missing Dessert

Eating vegetables is absolutely necessary if we are to maintain a strong healthy body. To encourage children to eat their vegies parents often place sweets in front of them and say, ‘If you don’t eat your vegies, you won’t get dessert.’

When we refuse to follow God’s plan, we may wonder why nothing bad seems to happen.  Have we got away scot-free?  No we haven’t - God is not mocked.  Sometimes discipline comes in the form of withholding something wonderful that we may have otherwise received.  Just like eating vegies, God’s rules are for our benefit.  Abide by them and we will be stronger, healthier Christians.  God desperately wants to bless us but our capacity to handle blessing must always come first.
God is not bribing us with blessings – He only wants what is best for us.  Just as the child benefits when they eat vegies – we benefit in so many ways when we follow God’s mandates.   God has simply dished out personal blessings (before time even began) and put them in front to encourage us to eat our vegies (learn and act upon God’s word).  It’s like a double blessing: we benefit in life by following His rules and are blessed for doing that which is good for us.
Alternatively, if we refuse to eat our vegies (follow God’s mandates) here on earth, when we arrive in Heaven won’t we kick ourselves when we find out all the sweets we ‘could have had’ in life and the many rewards left unclaimed for eternity! 

The Tide

Two men took their boats out to sea to fish.  After a very good catch, they rowed their boats back toward the shore, but while they were fishing the tide had gone out leaving their cars some distance from the water.
The first man decided to wait for the tide to turn and started cleaning his fish. However, the second man became very frustrated as he had many things to do and didn’t have time to wait for the tide.  So he jumped out of his boat and started dragging it over the long stretch of beach.  It was exhausting work as his boat was very heavy and laden with fish, but being a stubborn man he was not easily deterred.
It soon became evident that he was getting nowhere fast so he decided to lighten his load.  He threw out his oars, lines, nets and catch of fish then kept dragging.  Step by agonizing step he advanced.   Every few metres his boat caught in the sand or wedged on a rock.  In anger, he lifted it free then heaved it out.  Ever so slowly he advanced closer to his car.  Finally, with the last of his strength, he dragged his boat to the top of the beach.  He laughed in exhilaration and shook his fist defiantly at heaven.  Then, to his complete surprise, he noticed the tide had come in behind him.  He watched, speechless, as the other man rowed his boat effortlessly to his car, placed his oars, nets and cleaned fish into the back, then lifted his boat on top and drove away.  The second man fell down exhausted - he did not have the strength left to lift his boat.

God has told us there is a time for everything.  When delayed, we should be patient.  We should do the things that are within our reach and relax about the things that aren’t.   If we trust in God, He will turn the tide at exactly the right time.  All our stubborn efforts, worries and fears are just a waste of energy and will leave us frustrated, discouraged and exhausted.

Missing the Boat

A naval ship’s purpose is to serve and bring glory to king and country.  In order to do this, every ship needs to be manned by a captain and a crew.  Each person has their own specific and individual duties that are necessary for the ship’s daily function.  The ship’s effectiveness will be determined by the captain’s focus, leadership and preparedness and the crew’s training, eagerness and dedication.  Ships fail to reach their objectives when captained by a man seeking personal glory, or occupied by a mutinous crew.  Every ship is given missions for the glory of king and country.  Some will be accomplished solo and some missions as part of the fleet.  The ships that successfully complete their missions, great rewards and decorations await them on their return home.

A church is like a ship of the navy.  Its purpose is to serve and bring glory to God in Heaven.
God has commanded us to board one of His ships and become a member of the crew (we are directed to find a church that is fulfilling its spiritual missions and use our spiritual gifts to help that ship reach its objectives).  There will come a day, when we are in Heaven, where everyone is applauding the successful missions of certain ships (churches).  Let’s make sure, that we aren’t one of the regretful people, saying, ‘I could have been aboard that ship and been part of their successful spiritual assignments.  But alas, I didn’t want to get my feet wet or risk leaving the comfort and safety of the harbour.’

The Busy Robin

A little robin built a nest and laid her eggs.  One day, while the little robin was busy gathering food, a cuckoo came and laid an egg in the robin’s nest.  When she returned, she didn’t question why a new egg had appeared - she was far too busy for that.  When her chicks hatched, she didn’t question why one of her chicks was distinctly different from the others - she had too many jobs to do.  And she did not question why one chick ate three times as much as the others - she just worked three times harder to feed them.
One day, while she was busy at work, the cuckoo chick pushed the other chicks out of the nest.  When the little robin returned, she did not question where her other chicks had gone – no time for that as the cuckoo chick was demanding to be fed.  The cuckoo chick continued to command attention around the clock.  The little robin exhausted herself trying to obey.  Never did she once question why the chick was three times her size, sounded nothing like her and shared none of her characteristics.

Ritual without reality blinds us from the truth.  When doing things, we must always check our motives.  We should continuously test our priorities lest something of no eternal importance starts taking up all our time and energy.  We should guard our beliefs against impostors otherwise it is easy for Satan to lay an egg in our nest (life) for us to raise.

Resistance Fighters

In the main, resistance fighters are average citizens fighting for freedom in a territory over run by the enemy - often at great risks to themselves and their families.  Resistance takes many forms: gathering intelligence, producing underground newspapers; sabotaging enemy plans, assisting escaped POW’s and allied troops.   Resistance fighters rely heavily on outside help to provide them valuable information and supply needs crucial in continuing their opposition.

God has called all Christians to be resistance fighters in a territory (the Devil’s kingdom) over run by the enemy.  We are citizens of humanity, fighting for the spiritual freedom of our fellow man.  Outside help is crucial to our resistance.  We rely on God to supply our needs.  He has supplied our essential information (the Bible), and equipped us with weapons (not physical - but spiritual). 
As Christians, we can do many things to aid the resistance: (1.) Gather intelligence (learn Biblical truths). (2.) Spread that information (the Gospel) any way possible.  (3.) Arrange Christian meetings in safe locations (church).  (4.) Sabotage the enemy’s (Satan’s) plans - through prayer.  (5.) Refuse to participate in things (sin) that aid and advance the enemy’s cause.  (6.) Aid fellow resistance fighters (teachers of God’s Word, missionaries, etc) in any way possible.   
As with all resistance, the risk can be great, but there will come a day when the occupying enemy is cast out and all sacrifices (great and small) will be remembered and rewarded.

Nothing Ventured - Nothing Gained

Two honourable, hard-working young men considered what to do with their money.  The first saw great potential in the property market.  He extended himself to the length of his finances, going without holidays, fancy cars and other luxuries.  Every spare cent was invested in his financial venture. 
The second man was not as enterprising as the first.  He put half his money safely in the bank and spent the other half on making his life comfortable. 
After many years, the first man retired early to live the rest of his life like a king.  However, the second man could not stop working as he was unable to live off the small amount he had squirreled away.  He had done nothing wrong with his money, but at the same time he had done nothing right.

God has opened the Heavenly market for all enterprising Christians.   Our time on Earth is the time to invest - in Eternity it is too late and we’ll wish we had invested more.  Now is not the occasion to be spiritual fence-sitters.  We must study our investment portfolio (the Bible) and watch the market for opportunities (things to pray for, give too and openings to serve).  How we live when we retire in Heaven will be determined by what we do on Earth.  God will not punish us for refusing to do the ‘right’ thing, but we will not be rewarded either.  Won’t we kick ourselves in Eternity when we see the divine fortune that could have been ours.  Remember: Nothing ventured – nothing gained. 

Wasting Great Potential

A crane used to lift a matchstick is a great waste of resources, as is a truck to deliver a pizza, a battleship for a fishing weekend or a team of surgeons to fix a stubbed toe. 

God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient) and is everywhere simultaneously (omnipresent).  He owns all the riches of the universe and has legions of angels eager to do His bidding.  Amazingly, God has placed all at every Christian’s disposal - and yet our prayers are often insignificant.  We ask for such little things of limited consequence.
 We rightly pray God will lift our matchsticks, but forget we have an incredible opportunity to move mountains.  God has given us power to affect the course of nations, to resolve international conflicts, to bring divine light to billions in darkness - and it’s ours simply for the asking.  Without realizing it, we are all guilty of limiting God’s power.  God has ample strength to handle our daily dilemmas as well as any world crisis.  He can turn tragedies into eternal triumphs – but He must wait for our prayers inviting Him to intercede.  How frustrating for God to have the potential to preform miraculous surgery on a sick world, but all the patients ask for are bandaids. 

Spiritual-War-Memorial

A War Memorial is a monumental structure that commemorates the sacrifice of men and women in times of war.  Nations build these structures so citizens will always remember the names of gallant heroes and heroines that have served their country faithfully, bravely and at great personal cost.

As Christian soldiers, we are presently in the middle of a spiritual warfare that has been raging for thousands of years.  When the war is over in the eternal future and we are all safe in Heaven, there will doubtlessly be a Spiritual-War-Memorial built by God to commemorate certain people that have served faithfully, bravely and at great personal cost.   Christ’s ultimate sacrifice will be the central exhibit.  The lives of Apostles and other biblical heroes will be well documented.  The martyrs will probably have their own ‘Hall of Valour’.  Teachers and missionaries will not be forgotten and those Christians who faithfully served but never received any recognition on Earth will be duly recognised.   Various medals and crowns will be on display and stories of the recipients will be written in stone to stand as an everlasting testament to the glory of God, Christ and Christian patriotism.
We should immediately ask ourselves the question: How will I be remembered in the Spiritual-War-Memorial and does my life bring glory to God?  One thing is for certain - if we neglected to don the armour of God and serve our Heavenly Nation we will not be remembered and our name will not be listed amongst the honoured.