"‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.’"
—Matthew 25:29
Does this text seem fair to you? After all, why would someone who has an abundance get more? And shouldn’t the person with nothing receive something?
Jesus described the principle of this passage on five separate occasions in different forms. This verse is the basis for the principle of use: “Use it or lose it.” We see this principle at work in a variety of contexts. For example, in the physical realm, the arm of the blacksmith or the body of the football player becomes more and more muscular through exercise. In the work world, the person who has the ability and desire for a job usually finds more opportunities to work and improve his or her skills. As for moral conscience, our character develops in proportion to the Bible-based choices we make day after day.
And, of course, this principle applies to the spiritual realm. Charles Spurgeon spoke of two great principles of grace. The first one is that God gives grace to the empty, needy, poor, and humble. The second one is that to those to whom God has granted His grace, He continues to grant more. The more grace we need, the more grace He makes available to us.
To receive more grace from God, we must use the grace He has already given us. Some people are like the little boy riding the rocking horse—they exhibit a lot of motion but little progress. These people keep bustling with activity in hopes of earning salvation, but they haven’t taken advantage of the grace God has already freely given. Others may resemble a grapevine that doesn’t grow because, instead of being planted in deep soil, its roots dangle into an empty well. Instead of growing in grace, some people wither spiritually because they haven’t planted themselves in God’s grace from the start. And others are like a sailboat with sails full of wind yet unable to move because it is still anchored to the ocean floor. Instead of moving forward in God’s grace, people like this let sin weigh them down.
Have you received the grace God makes available to us all? Determine today that you will use to the fullest all the grace God has given you. Then watch as he gives you more!
Quote of the day:
When God pours out his initial grace upon us, it is a harbinger of grace to come.
He Didn't Lift Us Up To Let Us Down
Matthew 25:29
April 22, 2023
To See God
April 30, 2023
‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’ —Matthew 5:8 Some have called the concept of seeing God “the brightest star in the Beatitudes’ constellation.” For ages, Christians have longed to see God. The mystics of the Middle Ages rejoiced in the concept of seeing God, calling it the “Beatific Vision.” This vision was the great quest of theology and even the quest of science as originally constructed—through the examination of the cosmos, humans hoped to more clearly see the Creator. But Scripture explicitly states that no human can see God directly and live. Yet many still seek to do so. Philip the Apostle said to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Even pagan princes have sought to see God. In the ancient Roman Empire, Trajan said to a believer in the true God, “I understand that you believe your God is everywhere…I should very much like to see Him.” The believer responded, “I am afraid, sire, that no mortal eye can look upon His glory.” Nonetheless, the king commanded the believer to show him God. The believer suggested to the king that he first look at God’s ambassadors before he look God in the face. With that, the believer led the king outside on a bright, dazzling day and told the king to look at the sun. The king responded, “I cannot, for the light dazzles my eyes!” The believer then explained that if the king could not look at a mere ambassador that carries a message of God’s creation, how could he possibly look into the face of God Himself? We cannot see God with our limited human eyes. But we can see Him with our souls, experiencing His joy, His peace, and His serenity. I hope that you have the blessing of seeing God this way as you foster a pure heart. "Jesus, the very thought of Thee, with sweetness fills my breast, but even more Quote of the day: Thy face to see and in Thy presence rest." — ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVEAUX
Sacrifice
April 29, 2023
‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ —Mark 8:34 Have you ever noticed how virtually all of the people we call heroes have made great sacrifices in one way or another? To achieve the ends they deemed worthwhile, these people sacrificed their time, their finances, their health, even their lives. And because they willingly relinquished any claims to these things (which we take for granted), we view these people as heroes, worthy of honor and emulation. Throughout the centuries, God has used sacrifice as the marble from which He carves greatness. Here are some people we call heroes for the sacrifices they made: •the apostles who gave their lives at stakes, on crosses, and in other torturous ways; •the early Christians in the Colosseum of Rome, who watched iron grates rise and famished lions charge; •Christians who were tied to stakes and watched as torches ignited kindling beneath them; •the Pilgrims who, in the dead of winter, sailed across tumultuous seas to the inhospitable coasts of New England; •George Washington and his brave soldiers at Valley Forge, who left bloody footprints in the snow as they departed; and •Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice, His life, at Calvary. What sacrifice can you offer to God this day? What material will you give Him so that He can carve greatness from your life? Quote of the day: "There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering." — THEODORE ROOSEVELT
All Things For Our Good
April 28, 2023
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28 Have you ever looked back on a difficult time in your life and been amazed at how, in an entirely unforeseen way, it turned out positively? As we go through life, God operates behind the scenes, working everything for good on behalf of those who love Him. We may not recognize it in this lifetime, but when we get to heaven and God replays the pictures of our lives, we’ll discover the positive end to each trial we’ve endured. I hope you’ll claim this truth today. I hope you know God has everything under His control, even the chaotic times in your life. He has a plan for everything you undergo. You may face an avalanche of trial, trouble, and tribulation. Maybe you face it even today. Anyone in that situation would feel discouraged. I have often found myself in the deep, dark pit of despair and discouragement, wondering how I’d ever get out. But in those times God encourages me by reminding me of His promise: He works everything for good. We must view everything that comes our way, even the most difficult situations, through the filter of God’s love. I invite you to do that today, whatever trial you face. Remember that God has a perspective on your problems that you can’t see as a limited human being here on earth. Be encouraged that God can see the big picture and that He’ll put the pieces of your life together to an end far beyond your wildest dreams. Quote of the day: God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. — WILLIAM COWPER