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WEDNESDAY WORD OF THE WEEK: "STRIVE"  (POST #4)

10/19/2016

8 Comments

 
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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 on the basis of our worth, works, or record.  Rather, it’s active in the lives of the believer by no other justification other than the love of God.  This means that I have the hope of heaven in my life, not because of my living; rather, I have it because of His love.   

But here’s an additional and very important fact:  yes, salvation is His gift, but it comes with a price of sacrifice.  That is I have to give up my own will and my own sinful desires, so that I might take on the will of my Heavenly Father.  In doing this, I not only forsake my desired action, but I subsequently must also abandon my active desires. 

I (like everyone else) have desires within me that are not conducive towards the life that He has for me.  He says forgive, when I seek the grudge.  He says try, when I want to quit.  He says believe, when I think to doubt.  And He says love, when I’m inclined to hate.  Yes, He gave a gift, but this gift has a cost,
and He graciously ask, “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 mandates sacrifice.  The bodybuilder can’t eat a box of donuts and the salesman can’t sleep in on the weekend.  They have goals that mandate commitment, and the difference between those who want it and those who talk it, is their willingness to strive. 

Christ informs me that Heaven is a prepared place for all; however, here’s a tough reality, all aren’t prepared for it.  After the sacrifice of His life, we stand disillusioned concerning our inescapable need FOR US to sacrifice for Him.  His giving can’t be beaten; however, his commitment must be imitated. 

Know this:  “If 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

👍🏾

Reply
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

Reply
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.

Reply
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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    Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

    I'm just an imperfect guy, serving a Perfect God, and doing my best to share Him with everyone I can.

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