PINIMAGESeek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
Several years ago, I read a quote that spoke deeply to me. I knew I must put it in print and hang it where I could see it often. It was a source of perspective. So, I created a piece of wall art to hang in my office.
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Although the quote may seem peculiar, it has often reminded me that I am in service to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, my Savior and conqueror – Jesus Christ. That’s what is true. However, I live in a world where daily cares and desires chain me down like a prisoner in a cell. In fact, it seems, if the pleasantries of this life cannot dissuade me from a life of purpose and service to my King…the hardships take their turn (the rainy days).
Recently I’ve seen the rain falling heavily around me and I’ve reflected on the stark contrast between what’s important and what is not. It comes down to this…in the best and worst of times…
Live for the King.
When I was a little girl, I remember hearing a song sung at our church. It’s probably been more than thirty years since I’ve heard it sung and yet, I believe I could sing it all from memory. It is yet another “perspective builder” and it speaks into my life during these rainy times.
VERSE 1
It matters so little
How much you may own
The places you’ve been
Or people that you know
For it all comes to nothing
When placed at His feet
It’s nothing to Jesus
Just memories to me
VERSE 2
You can take all the treasures
From far away lands
And take all the riches
you can hold in your hands
And take all the pleasures
Your riches can buy
But will it help
When it’s your time to die
CHORUS
Only one life
So soon it will pass
Only what’s done for Christ will last
Only one chance to do His will
So give to Jesus all you days
It’s the only life that pays
When you recall
You have but one life
VERSE 3
The days pass so swiftly
The months come and go
The years melt away
Like new falling snow
Spring turns to summer
Then summer to fall
Autumn brings winter
Then death come to all
CHORUS
Only one life
So soon it will pass
Only what’s done for Christ will last
Only one chance to do His will
So give to Jesus all you days
It’s the only life that pays
When you recall
You have but one life
Are you experiencing a season of rain? Go before the King. The truth is the King is loving and kind! He leads His subjects on in triumphal victory, tending to our needs, nursing our wounds from battle.
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Cor. 2:14
Don’t cast aside the invitation to serve Him. He is rich and generous. He will take care of all your needs as you seek His kingdom.
I talked earlier of the stark contrast in perspectives that war for our attention and our loyalty:
Give everything up and enlist in His service. or
Fend for yourself and get what’s yours.
Don’t be foolish and choose the latter. I want to leave you with a familiar story that I’ve heard for many, many years.
The Miserly Beggar
PINIMAGE
The king was to pass by a beggar’s hut and the man was beside himself with excitement, not because he was about to see the king but because the king was known to part with expensive jewels and huge sums of money when moved by compassion. He saw the king’s chariot just as a kindly man was filling his begging bowl with uncooked rice. Pushing the man aside, he ran into the street, shouting praises of the king and the royal family. The chariot stopped and the king beckoned to the beggar. “Who are you?” he asked. “One of the most unfortunate of your subjects,” said the beggar. “Poverty sits on my doorstep and follows me about like a dog. I haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon!” “Have you nothing for your king except a tale of woe?” said the ruler, putting out his hand. “Give me something.” The beggar, astonished, carefully picked up 5 grains of rice from his bowl and laid them on the king’s outstretched palm. The king drove away. The beggar’s disappointment was great. He raved and ranted and cursed the king again and again for his miserliness. Finally, his anger spent, he went on his rounds. When he returned home in the evening he found a bag of rice on the floor. “Some generous soul has been here,” he thought and took out a handful of rice from the bag. To his astonishment there was a small piece of gold in it. He realized then that the bag had been sent by the king. He emptied the rice on the floor, feeling sure there would be more gold pieces in it, and he was right. He found 5, one for each grain of rice he had given the king. “It is not the king who has been miserly,” thought the man, sadly. “If I had been generous and given him the whole bowl of rice, I would have been a rich man today.”
What have you placed in the hand of the King? Don’t miss the opportunity to give Him all!
Now, come along with me. Let’s ride!
