Blood, Sweat and Tears

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Philippians 2: ¹⁷ Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.

 

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Working hard, day and night, seemed to pay off. Our team won an award and we were recognized throughout the company. We came together and traded “war” stories. “Remember when things seemed awful?” we reminisced.

 

• I worked hard to accomplish something for a job.
• I poured many hours into something I believed in at the time.
• I was part of a team who also shared in the pain and the reward.

 

Paul considers the hard work and hardship he went through as his “life’s blood.” He was not looking at this like a trophy or an accomplishment for a workaholic. He knew it took sacrifice to give up a life for GOD and the believers in JESUS were worth it.

 

My Observations

• It took JESUS’s blood to save me for eternity.
• It took HIS sweat like blood as HE prayed for me to be saved.
• It took HE tears as HE cried over me knowing I did not know what I was doing while sinning.

 

Blood, sweat and tears is a human term for someone’s life’s work. I mean, many people pour themselves into something they may or may not be known for. GOD sees how we spend our time and has criteria unknown to us that creates rewards for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

We fight, get knocked down and get back up because we serve people to bring many to CHRIST. We do not do this alone. We serve JESUS together and share in the joy when we see HIS fruit. I am glad to be part of an adopted global family who seeks joy through CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer excited about?
• What does faith have to do with life’s work?
• Can you share your joy with others so they can be encouraged that you are serving the LORD and are determined to continue at all costs today?

Gladly Received

Gladly Received

Acts 2: ⁴⁰ And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” ⁴¹ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. ⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

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“Finally!” I said to myself. After this particular leadership class, I got it. I didn’t know if it was the right mix of instructors, or the information or whether I could simply hear the information, but something clicked that I took to heart. Afterwards I was promoted five times.

• When I hear good news I get excited.
• When I hear good news I take it to heart.
• When I hear good news I gladly receive it and take action.

Peter preached to church goers who were led astray by leaders who had their heart set on greed and power. He urged them to “Be saved from this perverse generation” turning them to eh One who truly saves, namely JESUS. They gladly received his message and acted on it.

• GOD wants me to gladly receive HIS message.
• GOD wants me to desire HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to accept the need for salvation so I can tell others about the great news of JESUS.

Heartfelt words are gladly received. Unfortunately some words can come from places opposing GOD. A heart that needs attention or wants something that GOD says “No” to, may choose to go their own way. BUT GOD loves hearts that gladly receive HIS message. HE enables true power and enables gladness and simplicity  of the heart. I am grateful GOD give me joy.

• Are you seeking happiness and think you will find it with superficial relationships?
• Do you think the void in your life can be filled with various philosophies?
• Will you remove yourself out of your own way and accept GOD’s love so HE can fill your heart today?

Being Excited

Psalm 45: ¹ My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

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“I am finished!” I declared as I ran down the hallway of my dorm. With my first set of finals under my belt, I was filled with elation. I could not hold the words inside. I gleefully galloped down the hall, slipped and hurt my shoulder! I went to the infirmary and they placed my arm in a sling.

The sling could not hold back my joy.  The semester was a difficult transition for me and the mystery was now complete.

• When I am excited I can face pain.
• When I am excited I can face problems.
• When I am excited I can face difficulty.

Discouragement is exactly what the enemy wants me to feel. There is no excitement on discouragement, in fact, discouragement leads to dragging everyone around me down to the ground. Soon, I look around and there are nothing but sad faces and pain for miles. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to wake up praising HIM for the things HE has done.
• GOD wants me to be excited about this new day rather than approaching it with dread.
• GOD wants me to focus on the fruit of the spirit rather than the waste that flies out of the body of pain.

Whatsoever is good, whatsoever is true whatsoever is pure; think on these things keeps my mind clear and sharp. Excitement about this new day makes my heart leap with joy as I look forward to what GOD has in store for me!

• Are you excited about life?
• Can you recognize that the ALMIGHTY GOD has a wonderful plan for you today?
• Can you stop thinking about how GOD is doing things and let HIM masterfully weave a tapestry of love in your life today?