WHAT'$$ YOUR NET WORTH?

Not your bank balance--I'm not interested in that.  Current estimates by scientists place the chemicals comprising your physical dwelling at around $600.00. (But don't try to convince your bank to advance a loan with this as collateral!)  

Your worth depends on the family and friends or admirers, who appreciate something good or unique they see in you. Of course, politicians and those in leadership roles believe they are far more valuable, but our own opinions have no impact on the basic value of all of us. We spend each day either selfishly, for our pleasure or invest it in lives of others who could use our love and help; either way, each day can never be a do-over: We're here today, gone tomorrow.

Each of us form opinions of ourselves, often changing, based on our latest accomplishment or failure, and comparison with others. But there is One whose opinion of us is most important.  If you're not sure, reread the Christmas story and the Easter story. Picture His life in Heaven, in His Father's palace      

What value does Jesus Christ see in you? He knew you long before He placed you in an earth-suit, a temporary dwelling which fit you to live in this world. He decided when you would enter the world, which parents would raise you, all the obstacles you will face in this world and offers wisdom when you ask how to deal with our days--if you ask! 

Some days are harder than others, much harder! He knows about those. He was thinking of you when He left His Father's side and came into this sinful, damaged world to offer His life for yours, accepting the death penalty each of us deserve for our sinful, selfish lives. Why would he give Himself to save those who loved themselves instead of honoring God? How can we choose to continue living for a moment's pleasure, when Eternity with Him in Heaven is available to us, the moment we accept His great love?

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21

 The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.  Deuteronomy 33:25

    

It's Not the SIZE of the DOG--

It's the size of the fight in the dog! You've heard that, but when facing something really scary, it's not easy to remember. It all comes down to good training from someone who loves and supports the one in the fight We have the instincts of an abandoned pup and either wing it or search for someone or something to give us an edge against the bully in the neighborhood who will always steal the biggest bone and the softest bed in the neighborhood. (And there's always some "expert" nearby, eager to help) We always think next time, we'll defeat him, yet, have we chosen the best source of help?

Dr. Jeremiah spoke of a small fish living in crushing pressure deep in the sea, thriving where most fish cannot survive. God provides this tiny fish with that exact internal pressure needed to remain safe. So long as the fish remains in its home created just for him, he remains safe. Beware: venturing into foreign waters, nearer the tempting sunshine above, he is at risk from many predators.  

It's the same for us--God knows and provides exactly the amount of inner pressure we need to overcome any and all external pressures we may encounter.  God created a safe place for His children to dwell and thrive.  So long as we trust Hia wisdom and obey His teaching, we are guaranteed safe from the predator bent on destroying us. All we have to do to become its prey is to turn aside from our heavenly shelter and we are no match for his evil ways. 

To avoid the temptation to wander into uncharted, forbidden waters, we need to exercise the muscles He gave us to trust and follow His guidance. God's children can access all the wisdom, good judgment and power provided to us by studying His Word and practicing what we learn.

When we receive a gift, we unwrap it, right? Then put it to good use. But we're new at this; what are we to do? How are we to fulfill His best intentions for us, going forward? Now He gave us each our own gift (not one-size-fits-all) If we were all feet, where should we go? If we're all eyes, what would propel us forward? He promised we each will have all we need to succeed each day's tasks on that day, not years or even days ahead--that's His gift! Remember what you do with a gift? Open His Word and read His instruction manual. All we need to know is there for us. Isn't that great?

It's up to each of us to follow His Word--or strike out on our own, weak and lost, if we failed to exercise, depend on, and use the spiritual muscles of faith which could have provided victory in our lives. 

Another truth you have no doubt heard is very wise: "Use it or lose it".

4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.           2 Peter 1:3-4           

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15               

23“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25“For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”   Mark 4:23-26

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.   James 1:2-4

 16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,`  2 Corinthians 4:16-17

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,   

   16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,   2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work--Exodus 23:12

 

 

Mark 4:1-9, 4:24