| |
Spiritual Vitamin
By Erica Brooks
Extra, Extra, Read all about it…
“Christian BAILOT - Denied”
What is really going on? Everywhere you turn banks, auto manufacturers, individuals and even the mortgage gurus Fannie and Freddie are seeking a bailout. Ask yourself, as a Christian, am I also looking for a bailout? Well, there’s no need to write congress - "Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price…” I Corinthians 7:23”Christian Bailout Denied!
The ‘bailout’ mind-set of some Believers is mind boggling. It is God’s will for us to prosper where we are. Examine the life of Joseph. Joseph was in jail and with the natural eye, his situation deserved a bailout; however, Joseph operated in the spirit, not the natural. Instead of Joseph murmuring and complaining to God about bail money, bail restrictions, and bail mates, he choose the high road using his gift (interpreting dreams) and prospering right where he was. Joseph interpreted the dreams of two men while in jail and they forgot about him. Here’s shouting news; God never forgets about us! Years later King Pharaoh had dreams that needed interpretation… and Joseph was brought from the dungeon to Pharaoh to operate in his gift. Verdict: Joseph used what God placed inside him and was promoted instantly “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:40.
Are you still thinking that Christian Bailout is the solution? Well let me give you an earthly example. Martha Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison and ‘bailout’ was not an option. The press did not focus the positive things that occurred, but what we do privately, God will reward us openly. Martha requested extra time in pottery class and sculpted a Nativity Scene with ornate clay forms of the baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, three camels and many others, show fellow prisoners the true meaning of Christmas. Martha also labored in the prison’s kitchen sharing Martha Stewart’s favorites that many of us were free to enjoy for years. Martha simply “used her gifts” right where she was. When her time was served, Martha Stewart stock became higher than it ever had been. (What the enemy meant for bad, God will turn it around for our good.)
Serve your time, exercise your gifts, endure the season that you’re in and most importantly, and keep your eye on the prize (God). Just as the Lord gave favor to Joseph and Martha S., He will do it for each of us. Why? “God is no respector of persons. Acts 10:34” Christian Bailout Denied!
Prayer: Lord Thank you for not bailing me out. I am not my own, you paid the price for me. I will walk by faith and not by sight. Lord thank you for my test for a test-imony and mess for a mess-age. Thank you Jesus that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Thank you that my later days will be greater than my past. In Jesus Name, Amen.
|
|
