Follow His Footsteps

Most of us are familiar with the story FOOTPRINTS (in the sand), but I want to tell you a story about FOOTSTEPS (in the snow).

When our son was little (maybe 2 or 3 or 4), I saw him following behind his father, who was walking in the snow.  The snow must've been knee-high for my husband (but hip-high for my son)...so, to make it easier for our son to follow him, he shortened his steps and slowed down his pace.  That made it easier for our son to follow in his father's footsteps.  And father was setting a good EXAMPLE for his son to follow.  He led him and kept his eye on him--both walking close together.

In like manner, we are our Father's children...and we are to follow Him.  He keeps His eye on us and we're to stay focused on Him....following in His footsteps....following His EXAMPLE.

Remember--some may only be able to "see Jesus" through your EXAMPLE!  So beware--they're watching you...and some might follow your lead.  Therefore, BE A GOOD (CHRIST-LIKE) EXAMPLE!!!

Read the following EXAMPLES in Scripture: 

I Peter 2:21 - Christ's example.
II Thessalonians 3:9 - Be an example yourself.
I Timothy 4:12 - Paul was Timothy's example (his spiritual father and mentor); Timothy was an
     example to others.
Jude 7 - Two cities who set bad examples.

What Are You Investing In?

There was a RICH FARMER who had so much grain that he had to build BIGGER barns to hold it all (or should I say "hoard" it all)!!!  In other words--he didn't share with anyone...he kept it ALL for himself!

His SIN was not being rich....his sin was that he didn't include God in his decision-making re: his riches (investments)!  His error was in asking the wrong question.  He asked, "What shall I do?"  He should have asked, "What do You [God] want me to do?"

Jesus had warned in Luke 12:15 -- "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."  Later, the farmer spoke this to Jesus:  I will say to my soul, SOUL, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry."  But the Lord replied to him:  Fool!  This night your soul will be required of you, then whose will those things be which you have provided?  So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not RICH TOWARD GOD."  [vs. 19-21]    That night the farmer fell DEAD!  He woke up bankrupt (in hell)!  And great was his fall!

There are many HOLLYWOOD HOARDERS and BEVERLY HILLS' residents who will all fall from fame and fortune....finding themselves BANKRUPT of faith.  Oh--not only in Hollywood or Beverly Hills....but all over America--who will find themselves filthy rich, but spiritually poor!
Many celebrities have six or seven mansions all over the map; they make millions on their movies, and live luxurious lives.  Some (praise God) give to the poor and invest in worthy projects to help those in need.  But too many--withhold from the poorer while they become richer.

Many in political and high government positions have robbed from the poor and given themselves great paychecks.  There was a man in Jesus' day who worked for the government--he was a tax collector named Zacchaeus.  After meeting with Jesus for lunch, he did a complete turn-around.  He gave half of all he possessed to the poor and restored fourfold what he had taken under false pretenses.  He was a CHANGED MAN!

What's in the HEART of the investor is what counts, for "where your heart is, so lays your treasure!" [Paraphrased from Matthew 6:21]

Is your heart filled with faith and love for the Lord.... or is it filled with the love of worldly goods?

DAMAGED GOODS

Damaged goods--merchandise that's been "marred" due to too much use, misuse (not used for its original purpose), or abused (carelessness...."I-could-care-less" kind of people)--has now been tossed aside, devalued, and tucked away in an attic.

It was once a fine piece of pottery--but it was passed down from one generation to the next.  The 2nd generation passed it over to the 3rd generation; they passed it by--not realizing its value.  Now, a 4th generation family member found it stored away in a dark corner of the attic and recognized its worth. 

This family member took it to the only place where it could be restored--"The Potter's House."  The Master Potter knew exactly what he wanted to do:  He made it again....he made it into another vessel.

It was once A VESSEL of DISHONOR--used to collect garbage (hate, fear, unforgiveness, pride, unbelief, jealousy, greed, etc.)....but now he redesigned it/re-created it to be filled with fruit ("Fruit of the Spirit," which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).  He transformed it into A VESSEL of HONOR.

The Lord, of course, is "The Master Potter," and we are His "vessels."  What kind of a vessel do you want to be?  The choice is yours!  You just have to make yourself pilable and moldable in His Hands.