Here's the Keys

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:31-32 NIV

When I was in my teens I had a bit of a dare-devil, Evel Kneivel, in me. So, by the time I was old enough to drive my dad (wisely) told me if I wanted to drive I could, I'd just have to pay for the car and insurance myself. Because I really was into sports I didn't have the time to work enough to pay for a car and insurance. 

Eventually, I got my drivers license but not a car. I actually was just graduated from high school and no longer living at home. I was working for  a construction company and driving the company truck. One day my day called me up and said I could use his truck. It was a very nice two-toned four wheel drive pick up truck with mag wheels. He said he noticed me driving the company truck and if I was responsible enough for that then I was responsible enough for him to let me use his. 

In the same way my father was pleased to let me use his truck, our Father in heaven is pleased to give us the kingdom. He will care for our needs. We just have to seek his kingdom, seek to be faithful, seek to lift up Jesus in our lives. 

I encourage you, seek first his kingdom. Let him be king in you today where ever you go and what ever you do. 

What Will You Do With Those Gifts?

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 

Matthew 25:14

Yesterday was Christmas. Today I will start to decide what I am going to do with the gifts I was given. Matthew 25 was the chapter I read today. It is a good reminder to take stock of what God has given me and check myself to see if I am seeking to build his kingdom or just mine.  

What gifts has God entrusted you with? 

How will you use them today? tomorrow?

Is Jesus Welcome Here?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:1-5 NIV

Do you welcome Jesus? 

You can seek success, do your best and try to be the best at what you do. But, do you welcome Jesus? 

I ask myself, is Jesus welcome in my life? Today as I go to work and deal with middle school students, fellow teachers and staff members and probably a parent or two, I have to ask myself, is Jesus welcome? 

As a child I didn't know how my parents provided breakfast, lunch and dinner. I just knew they did. I didn't know they had to pay the mortgage. I just went home, and lived in our house.  

I think humility is knowing who you are in Christ. A child is just a child and they generally don't even think about it, they just are. Every now and then parents do remind their children they are still children, they're not adults yet. If you have a teenager you know what I mean. The funny thing is even when a teenager tries to tell you they are an adult they still expect you to pay.

My point: Know Jesus. Welcome him. Remember that he is your Lord. He is your Redeemer and Savior. Trust him. He is faithful and will complete the work he is doing in your life. 

Is Jesus welcome in you life?