Matthew 11:25-26 NIV
[25] At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
Quick! You’ve just been given one of the greatest secrets of the universe. To whom will you tell it? Would you even think about sharing that secret with a child? More than likely you would head to the nearest phone and try to dial the president or some other world leader.
Jesus was known for his countercultural actions and sayings. After acknowledging the rejection he experienced in some of the leading cities around the Sea of Galilee, he made a declaration that probably shocked his listeners: God had revealed his truth to children.
He explained his meaning a little further in the Gospel of Matthew: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3 NIV).
Children accept truth at face value. They don’t “quantify” it or “spin” it to fit their own beliefs. They simply believe. They also trust without reservation. Is that the kind of disciple of Jesus you are?
GOD’S PROMISE TO US
• I reveal my kingdom to those who are willing to trust me.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV
[1] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Matthew 9:36-38 NLT
[36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. [38] So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
If you are already a disciple of Christ, do you still spend most of your compassion and focus on yourself or on the lost? Jesus said He will make ours lives worry free so we can have compassion on others Are you a willing worker for the Lord or mostly still a worker for yourself because your aren’t obeying and believing Gods promises?
If you are mostly worried about your needs being met, do you believe Gods Word? He promises to meet your needs so you can serve HIM without worry.
Do you have a pattern of lacking the money to cover the costs of your life? Ask yourself, what is God trying to teach me?
GIVE CAREFUL THOUGHTS TO YOUR WAYS!
Haggai 1:3-7 NIV
[3] Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: [4] “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? ” [5] Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. [6] You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” [7] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
In response, God sent lack of fulfillment, disillusionment, and failure. He withheld His blessing till His people rediscovered their priorities
Maybe your idea of your life style isn’t Gods idea. Are you living above your means to pay for your choices? Maybe you are making unwise choices about how you spend your money. Maybe you struggle with laziness and are unmotivated.
Romans 12:11 NLT
[11] Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
If you are over 18, are you going to college to reach the goal of obtaining a skill to have gainful employment?
If you didn’t choose the college route, then you should be working 40 hours a week at least as a pattern. If you are in a job that you can’t promote in, then maybe you should think about a trade school to learn the skills that will make you valuable in the job market?
The bottom line is that God promises to meet our needs, so we can be workers in His Kingdom.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT
[6] Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. [7] After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. [8] So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
Matthew 6:31-33 NIV
[31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
[18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
All authority has been given to disciples of Jesus to make disciples of all nations. All the International Christian churches around the world are preparing to give a special offering for the church plantings and needs of God’s Kingdom in November. Here in the Orlando International Christian Church, every member is doing their part to meet our church’s goal!
When the eyes of one’s heart are opened to God’s Word, they understand the meaning of this life and the life to come!
From an Unworthy servant,
Chris Chloupek
Lead Evangelist