God never leads us by the ear into salvation. He never forces us to acknowledge Him against our will, or badgers us until we finally give in. No, a tiny seed is planted within us and it becomes our responsibility to tend and grow it, or let it lie dormant and eventually whither away.
Do you worry about the salvation of your family members? Are you a believer who doesn't trust that their household is faithful? Well, take heart, your belief has saved them all. By your faith and your example you are bringing the Word of the Lord into your home and family.
Are we prepared to do the Father's bidding? I am not talking about the things you consider to be the grand tasks of heaven, but rather the trivial and menial jobs. Those that occur every day as we live out our lives; the ones that humble us and define us as servants.
Have you prepared yourself for the challenges of faith ahead? Are you ready for the trials that lie before you, or are you totally out of spiritual shape? Be as Jesus was... ready for the moment of God's calling... be ready to join the Father in the race of your life.
Do you claim the glory of God for yourself? When doing great things you have been called and gifted to do, do you puff out your chest and swagger as if they were about you? We are tempted as men and women of the world to claim rights over God's work when it moves through us into the physical world, but we must defeat that inclination lest we be humbled.
Do you feel particularly unworthy this morning? When you arose did you feel dulled by the world as if you had lost your spiritual sheen? Well, cast that off because you are a living stone... a piece of heaven. When you look into the mirror rejoice, and see yourself a reflection of the Kingdom to come.
Are you tripping over your feet if faith? Do you begin to run in the understanding of God's will in your life only to fall flat on your face? Well, what do you do when that happens? Do you spring at once to your feet, slowly pull yourself up, or just lay there and cry? Then again, maybe the Lord delights in your way and you do not fall at all.
Have you always wanted to be the kind of Christian that is a blessing to others? Perhaps you have watched saints in your church and wished you could touch other people in the same way that they do. Well, don't discount yourself because you may be rippling out blessings at a much higher rate than you think!
How do you pray when you're broken? What do you pray for when you have nothing left, and your life is a shambles? How do you lift your spirit high enough that you can face God with your desires? We are often embarrassed when we have totally failed in life; we cover ourselves in leaves and hide as Adam and Eve did. Is that really what we should do? Is our faith that shallow? Has our God given us up to our despair?
Do you wake up in the morning to the life of a free man or woman, or have you given control to something or someone? Are you independent, or have you given yourself over to a grand idea, your family, job, perhaps drugs, or some other thing, how about God? Is being free really a choice you can make, or are you owned, and just being rebellious? Let's explore our freedom, God, Jesus, and faith.
What do you do with fruit of great sacrifices that have been made for you? Do you take them like provisions into your larder? Do you consume them like a fine wine? Or, perhaps you distribute them among the deserving? This begs the question... what do we do with the great sacrifices, what do we do with the blood offering of Jesus?
Are you satisfied with what God has done in you? When you look in the mirror in the morning are you pleased and at ease with the fact that Jesus has filled you with His teaching and that the Holy Spirit has expanded you to the point of popping at the seams? All of this is wonderful, but what is really asked of us isn't to reach self-fufilment, but rather that we Channel all we are given to those around us. Our measure is in service, not in volume.
Have you set yourself apart for God? In other words, are you holy? If you think you are then let's go a step further and ask ourselves "am I perfect!" These are hard questions and we often deflect them by saying that only Jesus is perfect, so how could I possibly be.
Has Jesus given you a joy like His, or do you anticipate that you will one day have joy like the joy of Jesus? Well, I am going to burst your bubble and then give you a new hope regarding joy. Our anticipation should never be to have a joy like Jesus' because we won't have one like His!
Do you celebrate the great things you do for the Lord? Is your life dedicated to accomplishing those tasks that you feel will advance the Kingdom of God? Well my friend the things of real value to our Father are not about what we do for our faith, but in maintaining a good relationship with Him, and allowing His work to flow through us.