|
THIS WEEK: Homes
God builds the house, but a person must pay the mortgage…
The story goes that a church member invited his pastor to his farm. As they drove up the two-mile driveway and the pastor viewed the beautiful landscape, meticulously kept farmland, miles of fencing and all of the impressive barns and out buildings, the clergyman remarked, “God has really blessed you!”
“God?” said the indignant farmer. “You should have seen this place when he had it!”
You can be assured that the farmer was as much of a Christian as the pastor. He just may have preferred that his pastor say, “My, you must have worked your tail off to have an expansive place like this be in such good order.”
Or, the farmer may have wished to hear, “Your hard work here is an exemplary testimony.”
More likely, the farmer would have liked the pastor to ask, “Is this a first-generation farm?” At which, the farmer would have proudly said, “My great-granddaddy started this with just a nickel in his pocket and I’m making sure to keep up the family’s good name.”
The farmer knew that God had given him the talent and administrative abilities to grow and maintain such a successful enterprise. But day in and day out, his farm was nothing but work.
Perhaps it was the farmer’s turn to ask a question of God, “Why did you ‘bless’ me with so much sweat?”
At which, God may have replied, “It isn’t always what it looks like, is it?”
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: The “house” or character of the person doesn’t just come together with talent or potential. It’s a lifelong partnership project built on love that will end up feeding many - just like a farmer.
I will show him how much he must suffer for my name...I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth…So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work…You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works…As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work…If I have…but have not love…The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Acts 9:16 NIV, 1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV, Nehemiah 4:6 ESV, James 2:22 ESV, John 9:4 NIV, 1 Corinthians 13 ESV, John 21:17 NIV
Write to norepcom@gmail.com
PHOTO: RJL
A NOTE TO NEW READERS: Some of you were inadvertently dropped from "Journal With God" and "Portals to Heaven" and we apologize for the lapse. We hope you'll enjoy this weekday devotional that comes with no strings attached as we never ask for money. Our hope is for you to learn how to spot God in the every-moment through these "portals to heaven."
| 
