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24 June 2007
Part of a special themed week of Reflections based on The True Apprentice" (Matthew 10:38-42) written by Terry Eckersley
Matthew 10 v 42
"The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing."
Jesus has called you to be a True Apprentice. But is that what you want? Your local church leader can encourage you - that's great. Your boss can give you a great appraisal - that's great too. But nothing compares to affirmation from Jesus Christ. Nothing lasts like it. Everyone else has bad days but when you get affirmation from Jesus, you can take it to the bank. It's yours to keep forever.
What small things can we give? Give forgiveness. It's a gift. And don't wait - give it now. Give forgiveness quickly and receive it quickly. If you don't receive it, if we carry guilt and bitterness around, we're making a mockery of what Jesus did on the cross. He died so that we can be forgiven.
It says in 1 John 1 v 9 ". . . if we admit our sins - make a clean breast of them - he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing." So as soon as you've done something wrong - and you know it - repent quickly. Repenting is not about beating yourself up, it's about changing the way you think. But if you ask forgiveness you'll be cleaned.
It's easy to love people who love you back. But to be a True Apprentice you must love the people that hate you, who are out to get you.
You're not here to judge. Instead be gracious and compassionate. Be a True Apprentice with your time, your kindness, your smiles, your money. Develop a generous spirit and a generous lifestyle.
God uses people, so give and receive from people and God. But start small! A True Apprentice builds his house on firm foundations, listens to the word of God and puts it into practice.
Lord, help me not to lose out on the calling and amazing future you have planned for me. Help me stay a True Apprentice. Amen.
Written by Terry Eckersley The True Apprentice
Part of a special themed week of Reflections based on The True Apprentice" (Matthew 10:38-42) written by Terry Eckersley
Matthew 10 v 42
"The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing."
Jesus has called you to be a True Apprentice. But is that what you want? Your local church leader can encourage you - that's great. Your boss can give you a great appraisal - that's great too. But nothing compares to affirmation from Jesus Christ. Nothing lasts like it. Everyone else has bad days but when you get affirmation from Jesus, you can take it to the bank. It's yours to keep forever.
What small things can we give? Give forgiveness. It's a gift. And don't wait - give it now. Give forgiveness quickly and receive it quickly. If you don't receive it, if we carry guilt and bitterness around, we're making a mockery of what Jesus did on the cross. He died so that we can be forgiven.
It says in 1 John 1 v 9 ". . . if we admit our sins - make a clean breast of them - he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing." So as soon as you've done something wrong - and you know it - repent quickly. Repenting is not about beating yourself up, it's about changing the way you think. But if you ask forgiveness you'll be cleaned.
It's easy to love people who love you back. But to be a True Apprentice you must love the people that hate you, who are out to get you.
You're not here to judge. Instead be gracious and compassionate. Be a True Apprentice with your time, your kindness, your smiles, your money. Develop a generous spirit and a generous lifestyle.
God uses people, so give and receive from people and God. But start small! A True Apprentice builds his house on firm foundations, listens to the word of God and puts it into practice.
Lord, help me not to lose out on the calling and amazing future you have planned for me. Help me stay a True Apprentice. Amen.
Written by Terry Eckersley The True Apprentice
