He Is No Fool Who Gives What He Cannot Keep…

...to gain what he cannot lose.

Jim Elliott penned these words in his journal shortly before his death, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim and four other missionaries paid the ultimate price when they were killed while participating in Operation Auca, during an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people in Ecuador.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

They gave their temporary lives, which were not theirs to keep, to gain what they could not lose, i.e. eternal life and the blessings of heaven.

Please click here to learn more about Jim Elliot.

I don’t know what it’s like to be truly persecuted, imprisoned, tortured or martyred for the Christian faith.

But, I do know the backlash that comes from not siding with the majority. I have been ridiculed in my defense of the Bible. I do know the painful separation of loved ones who walk paths I cannot follow. I know the sting of rejection from expressing unpopular viewpoints.

It feels lonely sometimes, yet I am not alone. Jesus is with me and He is worth it all.

In Luke 14:28-30 Jesus said,

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’” (NIV)

Salvation is free but there is a price to pay if we want to be disciples of Jesus. 

Jesus wants us to estimate the cost of what we might have to spend or give up to follow Him, such as our time, finances, relationships and lives.

Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (NIV)

We spend our time and money on any number of things to accomplish our hopes, dreams and wishes. This isn’t necessarily wrong. But, are we willing to sacrifice and surrender these things to follow Jesus?

Jesus wants us to submit to Him and surrender everything to His Lordship or rule.

He loves us and knows that unless we put Him first in our lives, other things and people will vie for that position and take His place.

Matthew 16:25-26 says, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (NIV)

It is better to gain what you cannot lose than to gain the world and forfeit your soul.

If we live life on our own terms without Jesus, we will lose it for eternity.

Lastly, the Bible teaches that we will be compensated for what we have given up.

Matthew 19:29 says, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (NIV)

What might Jesus be asking you to give up to follow Him?

Remember: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

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Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• The Goal of the Great Commission is Disciples

• Podcast: What’s the value of 1 to 1 discipleship?

• The Power of Mentoring

• 4 Great Questions to Ignite Passion for Evangelism in a Lost World

• Please DO Call Yourself a Christian If…

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The Shortest Distance Between A Problem And A Solution…

…is the distance between your knees and the floor.

Is the shortest distance between a problem and a solution found through prayer as this quote suggests? We all have problems and we are no doubt looking for solutions. But, why do we try to fix problems on our own or enlist the advice of others before we pray?

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Maybe, we are looking for a quick fix. But as I think about it, prayer is the quick fix because God always answers prayer.

A few weeks ago, I encountered the problem of being locked out of my car at the grocery store. My key fob wasn’t working. As I began walking the mile home, praying and venting, I sensed the Lord asking me to thank Him for my blessings. So, I began thanking Him, though it was a little challenging at first.

Then I thought, maybe I should call my husband to see if he has left work early, which he rarely does. Remarkably he was just 10 minutes away. He showed me the emergency key hidden inside the fob. Problem solved.

If only every solution were that simple.

God is the great problem solver and He can help us find a solution to every problem we face.

Prayer is simply talking to God, but first we have to make sure that we are right with Him.

We do this by confessing our sins, receiving His forgiveness and coming into a relationship with Him by receiving His Son, Jesus Christ.

To receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord click HERE.

After receiving Jesus, we remain in fellowship with the Lord through Bible reading, worship, prayer and keeping a short account with Him of our sins through regular confession.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)

Jesus assures us in John 14:14, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (NIV)

Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to keep praying:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”(NIV)

Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (NIV)

While God does answer prayer and His solutions are always best, they may not be the easiest or most convenient.

A problem and a solution might seem impossible. Sometimes the solution comes quickly and other times the solution may be for us to continue praying and trusting in Him.

The truth is that God in His perfect wisdom, doesn’t give us everything that we pray for, because not everything is in our best interest.

But, we can trust that He is working for our good as Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

In addition to prayer, God will often give a solution through His Word. Therefore, we need to develop a habit of letting Him speak to us by reading the Bible. This is the way to know if our solutions are Biblically based.

Applying Biblical principles enables us to build a firm foundation for life that will help us to stay grounded when the storms of life come.

Lastly, after praying and reading the Bible, if we are still unsure of a solution to a problem; then we can obtain wise counsel from a Christian Pastor or mature Christian.

Always confirm any counsel with the truth of Scripture and make sure they are in agreement.

“The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.” Charles Stanley

Who do you go to when you have a problem?

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Unanswered Prayer is a Misnomer: God Always Answers

• Nothing Lies Beyond the Reach of Prayer

• Podcast Why Aren’t My Prayers Answered?

• Seven Ways to Pray When Suffering

• Podcast: How should I pray when suffering?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

Anxiety Does Not Empty Tomorrow Of Its Sorrows…

…but only empties today of its strength.

This quote by Charles Spurgeon about anxiety is so true. Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but it sure can deplete our strength for today.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Google defines anxiety as,

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”

I remember my first day of Kindergarten. I was five and anxious about making new friends, my appearance and whether my Mother would pick me up after school.

Since then by God’s grace, I have found “tools” to help me deal with anxiety. Each person should decide what works for them, but my strategy includes prayer (my own and others), Bible reading and memorizing Scripture. Also, I feel better when I exercise, eat healthy and get sufficient sleep.

In addition, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of belonging to a local church and the therapeutic benefits that come from serving others.

Most people do experience temporary anxiety to some degree; such as with public speaking, taking an exam or going to a job interview.

This type of anxiety is common and will usually pass.

However, if left unchecked, anxiety can impact our health and disrupt our ability to lead normal lives by affecting our sleep, mood and energy levels. It can interfere with our work, relationships and even our ability to cope.

Moreover, anxiety can become chronic if anxious thoughts and feelings persist, extending to prolonged periods of time, and are disproportionate to events.

Chronic anxiety can worsen and progress to a disorder. Professional help may be needed.

Please click HERE for more information.

When we are overcome with anxious thoughts, peace can seem illusive.

Regardless of the type of anxiety we face, we can look to the Bible for guidance. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (NIV)

In addition, 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV) We can give our cares to God.

Have you struggled with anxiety and what has helped you?

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• How to Win Over the Sin of Worry

• 4 Ways to Find Contentment Now How to Renew Your Mind and Think More Positively

• Four Steps to Climb Out of a Pit of Depression

• How to Overcome the Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth