Give Thanks!!

We live in a very selfish society.  Many people believe they deserve credit for everything because of who they are or what they have accomplished.  God tells us however, that He gives to all graciously as He sees fit.  He gives rain to the just and the unjust.  Our job is to be thankful for all that He gives and does for us.

We certainly have much to thank God for.  America has been blessed by God.  There are always things we would like to see get better, but on the whole, we are a blessed nation.  We still have freedom to worship and speak and live out the pursuit of happiness.  Have you fallen into an ungrateful attitude because of bitterness or regret?  Remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This verse teaches us that there is nothing for which we cannot thank God! Even the difficulties of life can be used by Him to shape our character....which is worth much gratitude!

Efficiency in Christian Living

Efficiency is making the most of the time and resources afforded to you!

There is much laziness and entitlement in our culture.  Many people believe that they "deserve" something, or more than what they have.  We are sent messages all the time that tell us in advertising that we should have things our way or that we have rights.  It is true, that man has innate rights given to him by God the creator because we are made in God's image, but God spelled out more about responsibilities in Scripture than He did about rights.  We have a responsibility to tells others about Him, to use our gifts for His glory and to be good stewards or caretakers of what He has given to us.

Jesus tells us a story of 3 servants who were entrusted to care for some possessions of the master while he was away.  One was given 10 talents (or sums of money), one was given 3 and the last one was given 1.  We know the story.  The first 2 invested what the master gave them, making efficient use of time, energy and resources while the last one put what he was given into a hole and hid it.  When the master returned, he wanted an account of the possessions he gave out.  The first 2 servants had a 100% return on the investments and were praised while the lazy servant simply returned what he was entrusted back to the master unused.  He also seems to mis-characterize the master in his description of why he did nothing with what he was given (The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28))

.Here is the modern day application: God has entrusted certain gifts, abilities and "things" into our care.  They are not ours to do with what we want, but His that we are supposed to invest for the advancement of His kingdom and the glory of His name.  Are we being efficient in investing what He has given us for that purpose?  

Luke 16:10 - He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

This verse teaches us that a man's character is defined by faithfulness in the details of life, recognizing that we work for God in all that we do!  If we are responsible and efficient with what He gives us, He will give us more responsibility.  Be efficient in our use of resources and time!!

Long Time No See

I've been away for quite awhile.  I have decided to contribute more on a regular basis in an attempt to improve my communication to the world.
Currently, my baseball team (Foundation Academy - Winter Garden, FL) is competing in the FHSAA Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals against either Merritt Island Christian or Covenant Christian.