"TESTING 1-2-3..."

Though this is not a classroom and you aren't necessarily looking to earn credit for a degree, carve out some time to consider engaging with the following three (3) tests.

THE TEST OF TIME: 

Take time to seriously evaluate the stark contrast between the following, in asking yourself:

- How annoyed and angered do I get when I am informed that my hours on my job are being cut back?

- How bothered am I when I lose personal and corporate time with God and those within my Community of Faith (local church)?

Do you feel the same, or do you tend to find a higher level of tolerance when "missing church" or "Bible Study" or your "Small Group" opportunity? 

Are you more time conscious with being "on-time" for work and then find yourself conveniently building in an acceptance for being tardy at church?

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

THE TEST OF TALENT: 

Whatever your talents, skills, gifts, niches and joys in life may be, are you intentional in assimilating those into your job, your relationships, and in your community? What about in your local church?

What are you doing today to sharpen those skills and develop those gifts to benefit others?

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11)

THE TEST OF TREASURE: 

Take a moment to consider the priority of your financial resources every payday.

Does God get the first 10%, or is He even on the radar when you are factoring what is left over?

Managing your money begins with how well you prioritize its distribution. 

9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;" (Proverbs 3:9)

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty." (Malachi 3:10-11)

WINDING IT DOWN: 

Each and every one of us are encouraged to take all that we are and all that we have and steward it, utilize it to make much of God. There really is nothing greater you can do with your life. There’s no HIGHER purpose than to take your time, your talents, and your treasure and use them to glorify God.

"BE ENCOURAGED FRIEND!!!" 

When you live for the glory of God, you’re doing what you were created to do. And you become who you were created to be. 

Make the decision today to join the team wherever you are and watch how you can, and how you will, make a difference. 

Let's live life on purpose each and every day!!!