DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT WEDNESDAY – THE COST OF COMMITMENT. # 2.

American artist James Whistler, who was never known to be bashful about his talent, was once advised that a shipment of blank canvases he had ordered had been lost in the mail. When asked if the canvases were of any great value, Whistler remarked, "not yet, not yet." - Today in the Word.

Large crowds were travelling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. - Luke 14:25-27. TNIV

When 16-year old Eliza married the 20-year old tailor, he had never been to school. Others might have written his education off as a lost cause, but Eliza didn't. She taught him to read, write, and spell. Those days were difficult, but he proved to be a fast learner. In fact, he learned so well that years later he was elected president of the United States! When he ran for a second term he lost, but refused to give up. Instead, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate. Who? our 17th president, Andrew Johnson. - Today in the Word.

As we conclude our series on ‘The Cost Of Commitment’, it is good to remind ourselves that when Jesus looked at His disciples, He always saw the potential rather than their current condition. And when He looks at us, He sees in the same manner, otherwise none of us would have a chance.

At the time we come to Him, there is little in us to recommend us to the world, much less to God. We have to be taught to look at what could be, rather than what is.

Our Potential In Christ Is Much Greater Than We Realise...

For starters, there is the power of our prayer… For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." - 1 Peter 3:12.

What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use--men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.- E.M.Bounds.

Then there is, the power of our witness… And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2.

A good witness isn't like a salesman, emphasis is on a person rather than a product. A good witness is like a signpost. It doesn't matter whether it is old, young, pretty, ugly; it has to point the right direction and be able to be understood. We are witnesses to Christ, we point to him. - John White.

And finally, the power of our giving… Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will alsoreap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever." 2 Corinthians 9:6-9.

J.L. Kraft, head of the Kraft Cheese Corporation, who had given approximately 25% of his enormous income to Christian causes for many years, said, "The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord."

J.D. Rockefeller said, "I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 per week." - W. A. Criswell.

We need to look at our future, realise our potential in Christ, and begin to operate in what God can do with us, as we commit ourselves afresh to Him.

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit help me to commit my prayer, my witness, my giving, and myself, for your service, and your glory. I ask this in the wonderful and majestic Name of Jesus. Amen.

Be Encouraged!
GBYAY