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Category: Fishers of Men

Published: Thursday, 20 August 2009 02:11

Written by Mark Neddeau

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There are things given to you on your journey in the Lord.  We are going to try to break down some things, and see what the Word says about our walk in Him.  It is not about the destination, per se, as we each have our own way to go, but it is more about what we do with what we have.

V21 - We have humbled ourselves to seek a straight and right way.  So you have decided to come back home.  You have requested protection along the way.  God is going to send you along the way with your protection knowing that he will protect those who diligently seek him.  That is a good start.  No journey, particularly one with God, is going to go well if you don't start with the act of contrition and prayer.  Even a first time repentence is only a return to the creator.  Start at home (charity begins at home).

v23 - Now you know God has heard you.  You have felt his presence, you have seen action on your behalf.  This is the one that I am seeing as the point where action on your side is due.  You have bragged up God, how that he heard you and protected you, and now you must take action yourself.  They sorted out 12 leading priests. They sorted out vessels and gold.  This is the action for them.  You must sort out your kit for the trip, so to speak.  You must know that you are at least going, even if you are not sure where God will have you go.  So take action!  Count the cost, prepare yourself for the long haul, knowing that God has started you out with protection and will keep you protected.

v25 - During this time you are given certain things:  Healings, word, deliverence; things to take care of - things to be proud of and to be a steward of.  These things are the keys to your success and given especially TO you and FOR you.  Your walk is not mine, and vice versa.  Keep your faith and work with the things you are given.

v29 - Guard the talents you are given carefully.  They are measured specifically for you.  The measurements are made in the chambers (prayer closets) of the Lord.  Time shows forth the evidence of your preparation, do you understand what I mean?  Time in your journey will reveal your efforts, preparation and commitment. 

v32 - so we arrive - by prayer and determination.  Nothing happens until we set it in motion and nothing is complete until we stick to it and see it through. 

v34 - everything was accounted for - the entire weight, all the talents provided were in operation and evidence.  Are they in you?  Remember that we don't just hold them for accounting purposes, we don't just treat them as gifts to be held and not put into motion and activation.  Things given you are to define you and release you and prepare you for more gifts, talents, and reward.  From the beginning God knew you, He selected you, therefore He is able to keep and provide for you. 

Numbers 18:8 - God expects what he has given you to be returned.  He wants it back!  You must keep it (your talent, your skills, your gifts) from the fire!  Fire burns away, the wrong fire can burn away good things just as quickly as his fire burns away the dross.  God gives you what you need before you go, but it is YOU who must keep it in pristine condition and use it along the way!

v29 (Ezra 8) - The best and holiest parts of everything you are and have belong to the Lord.  The healings and blessings and deliverences are yours to enjoy and use, but God's to keep.  Happiness, peace, joy, salvation, all these are ours to enjoy on our journey, but it is the stewardship and return of these items that God is most interested in!  What we have done with them is the determining factor in our rewards through Christ Jesus! 

v32 - You will not be guilty if you give it back and in the condition expected!  Even happiness is shared when you smile.  Even peace is returned to you when you thank God and become a peacemaker.  Even joy is released when you testify.  To lock these things up is to be a poor steward of the gifts of your journey.  The best and most holy parts are the Lord's!  Don't hold them back and hold them in.  Release them, share them, use them, and they will be in the right condition when God comes to claim them.  Lock them up and they will tarnish and rust and be of no use.  Then what would God say?  "Depart from me you slothful servant, I never knew you."

Be well, and be active.  And find your way in your journey!

In love,

Elder Mark

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