Isn’t that what it’s all about? If you want a thing, you work hard for it, and every measure of hard work mandates sacrifice. The bodybuilder can’t eat a box of donuts and the salesman can’t sleep in on the weekend.
So, the Wednesday Word for the Week is STRIVE!
Luke 13:24, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” (NLT) It is an absolute fact that we are saved by grace. In other words, our salvation isn’t based on our worth, works, or deservedness. Instead, it’s active in the lives of the believer by no other but the love of God. This means that I have the hope of heaven in my life, not because of my living; I have it because of His love. But here’s an additional and crucial fact: salvation is His gift, but it comes with a price of sacrifice. That is, I must give up my own will and sinful desires to take on God's will. In doing this, I not only forsake my desired action but must also abandon my active desires. I (like all) have passions within me that do not agree with the life that God has for me. He says to forgive when I seek a grudge. He says try when I want to quit. He says to believe when I think to doubt. And He says love when I’m inclined to hate. Yes, He gave the gift of salvation, but this gift has a cost, and He graciously asks, “Kevin, after all, I’ve sacrificed for you; what are you willing to give up for Me?” Isn’t that what it’s all about? If you want a thing, you work hard for it, and every measure of hard work demands sacrifice. The bodybuilder can’t eat a box of donuts, and the salesperson can’t sleep on the weekend. They have goals that require commitment; the difference between those who want it and those who talk about it is their willingness to STRIVE. Christ informs me that Heaven is a prepared place for all; however, here’s a brutal reality, all aren’t prepared for it. After the sacrifice of His life, we MUST accept our inescapable need to make righteous sacrifices for Him. God’s giving cannot be beaten; however, His commitment must be imitated. Know this: “Because Jesus Saves, we must STRIVE!” Your thoughts? Let me know below. Peace and love, family. Imperfectly, @kevindjonessr.
8 Comments
Clarissa Sharie Jones
10/19/2016 09:33:45 am
👍🏾
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K. Jones, Sr.
10/19/2016 09:49:29 am
?
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Ben Kelly
10/19/2016 09:34:38 am
I agree, the scripture explains a sacrifice that many are unwilling to make, however, the gift is what people want so you must work for it, many examples can be given and its up to the person to understand what they need to do to achieve the desired outcome of their lives
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K. Jones, Sr.
10/19/2016 09:43:59 am
That is absolutely correct Ben. Our goal is to recognize that and strive to confront it. Your words are spot on. Thanks.
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Jock McRay
10/19/2016 10:19:37 am
This is particularly why I have reason to believe that in prayer, it is better to have heart without words, than words without heart. Meaning: I or we all may find ourselves not knowing what to say within prayer to God while alone, but, truth be told, He knows thee secrets of the heart and He knows we are "STRIVING" ... those who truly are indeed. What a blessing with this 1 here, Sir Jones. Glory to God...thanks ah billion!
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K. Jones, Sr.
10/19/2016 10:23:10 am
No sir! Thank you!
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Debbie Kudehinbu
10/19/2016 10:36:35 am
(Being transparent at the moment) I would label myself as a quitter. When things get too hard for me, I find myself giving in and moving onto the next thing. This is something that I've known about myself and I can I say that I'm working on daily through prayer. I see bright spots and I see growth daily. What has really helped me overcome the fears, which is ultimately the real issue for me, fear of failure, is meditating on His word! There's a comfort that I get and a sense of strength I feel, which in turn has helped me keep fighting.
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K. Jones, Sr.
10/19/2016 10:41:41 am
God bless you for your transparency my sis. However, I think that if you consider what you're doing now, it's hard to honestly refer to you as a "quitter." Quitters run from problems; however, when a person transparently acknowledges a problem, that's called confrontation. I would urge you to continue to focus on the Word and trust that if He did it for them, He can do it for you. Also, never forget, you are not alone. Take care and be blessed.
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