Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

As Christians, we are given a life-long assignment which is described in 2 Corinthians 5:19 (TLB) “For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men’s sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to
tell others.” 

God knows that words are often better received when they are accompanied by love and action. And so, God’s Word also teaches us that we should all use our God-given gifts and abilities to also serve others in His behalf, so that others are able to see Jesus in us prior to hearing the wonderful news of reconciliation. The Apostle Paul in speaking to people who have financial affluence wrote: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV)

Paul teaches the affluent that when they are using their gift of financial affluence to help promote the gospel, and as a means to build the church, they are serving God and others and building a reward they will eternally experience in the life to come! “Laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

This exhortation isn’t just to financially affluent people. This truth and exhortation is for all Christians at all times! When we use whatever God has given us in gifts, talents, and abilities, to serve others from a pure heart and motivation of love, then we are building our future—“a firm foundation in the coming age.” We do have another life to live in the world to come. It will be the life God initially intended for us to have. It will be without the curse and defilement of sin upon all things that we presently live with in this world. When we help others come to know Jesus and when we serve them, we lay up rewards for the next life. We also help them experience the touch and flavor of God’s love as we let our light shine and be the salt of the earth. And every rightly motivated action of love becomes a seed planted in their life that helps lead them to salvation through Jesus Christ so that they may one-day discover what you already have… “…that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 

When you take up the attitude of serving others as a life-style in obedience to God’s Word, you’ll experience your own personal transformation, the development of godly character, and experience the Lord in a more intimate way than you ever have. It will bless your life in more ways than you could have ever imagined. And the cherry on top is, it will produce eternal rewards that are forever and beyond description in your life to come! 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT2) “…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 

So don’t wait any longer. In behalf of Jesus, begin a life of service to others now and watch it all begin. Never give up serving God and reaching others with His love. It is “…taking hold of the life that truly is life.”
 
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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Published by Pastor Tim Burt
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