Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Do not fear that life has an end, fear that it has never begun.”
Anthony of Saint Anne Galvão (1739-1822).
Today’s Brazilian saint reminds us that in Christ we fear the opposite things that the world fears. The world fears death. For us, death is gain as we attain to heaven as noted by the Apostle Paul. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
But that’s not all the world fears.
The world fears running out of money. So, most people do not live, give, serve, and love as conduits of blessing. They serve as containers. This leads them to have a scarcity mindset and have a sedentary existence that never really lives.
Today’s Scripture reveals that enjoying and sharing God’s blessings is the only way to grasp life.
I have a bit of a rigorous schedule in Brazil. Preaching at two churches today. When God opened the door for that only 10 days ago, I could have taken the easy route and declined the opportunity. I jumped at it without fear!
I was confident God could give me two different messages for two large churches. He did!
What fears tempt you to miss out on life? What fears cause you not be the person He made you to be or to make the contribution He wants you to make?
Yesterday I got some great answers from people. If you did not submit, keep them coming. Here are a few.
One said, “I am a guitar in the hands of the Lord. He is playing different chords with me in different places where he has called me to serve.” Another said, “I am a note or word of blessing meant to encourage someone.”
One person messaged me, and I replied to them saying, “You are a pair of glasses. You help people see Jesus.”
Another said, “I am a flashlight in the hand of a God who reorders, shining the light of His Word where the world’s wisdom has cast shadows.” Still another said, “I am an icebreaker to prepare the way or make space and opportunities for people to pay attention to God’s presence and call on their lives.”
Thanks for these inspiring answers. Let’s be these tools or instruments in the hands of God.
Pray for my preaching morning and night, please. And get out there today and live, give, serve, and love generously and without fear! Do it in dangerous places. “Do not fear that life has an end, fear that it has never begun.”