Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Legacy thru Discipleship
                   1 Chronicles 29: 1-9

“Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?” (1 Chronicles 29:5b)

Ten-time NBA All-Star David Robinson retired from professional basketball in 2003, but he has continued to “play hard” in another arena – education. Motivated by the love of Jesus Christ, David and his wife, Valerie, founded “The Carver Academy” in inner city San Antonio.   “We wanted to leave a legacy in San Antonio that would continue to positively influence people long after we were gone,” said Robinson. “Our vision was to give children an education that would prepare them for success not only in their work, but also in their relationships with their families and communities.”  Robinson realized that he had been blessed by God and was willing to give unto others with a willing and generous spirit.
In today’s passage, David prayed before the assembly of Israel’s leaders when the plans for building the temple were given to Solomon.   The people of Israel were given the opportunity to give toward the construction of the temple.  In order to be a consecrated disciple we have to have a willing spirit and heart.  In other words, our giving and worship should be both generous and good spirited – our very best.  
What other characteristics are evident in a consecrated person?
A consecrated person will offer willingly to the Lord. When Jesus gave himself, He did so “counting it all joy”. Every time we do anything for the Lord it should be done willingly.
A consecrated person will offer with thanksgiving to the Lord.  The mark of a spirit filled life is “being thankful”. A spirit filled person who is thankful will sing praises unto the Lord. God does not want us to give “madly but gladly”.
A consecrated person will offer himself and everything he has with the knowledge that he receives everything from the Lord. Remember, God owns everything; God has endowed us certain talents; we are only stewards and we are accountable for our stewardship.
A consecrated person will offer knowing that his time on the earth is very short. We are here for just a little while – we are sojourners. Remind ourselves that God knows the heart. The “love of Christ should constrain you”.
May we all be helped as we serve Him who gave us His ALL. If we call ourselves as disciples, we must live as Christ did – in accordance with the word of God. A true disciple is the same on the inside as he is on the outside, and that requires that we apply the Word of God to our lives.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me to be a true disciple who lead others to you and bring glory to God the Father.   Amen.

Mathew K. Lukose, Epiphany MTC, NY



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