We are just getting started with the year 2011. Every year, we pray that things will be different, that things will get better, and that we can do more and have more in our lives that brings us happiness and fulfillment,. Sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in these things and what we need to do is to think about what we should really be doing, till Jesus comes.

In the Book of the Revelation, we are given a vision of the church in Heaven. We will be "caught up" as the great Apostle wrote in 1st Thess. 4, and we will be in Heaven with Christ, if we are saved. If we look at other Scriptures, they also tell us what we need to be doing. Matt. 24:14 says we are to be witnesses and preach the gospel. In Acts Chpt 1: vs7-8 We are to be witness to Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. Notice that word "witness". There are many, many scriptures that tells us to be a witness and/or about witnessing. Proverbs Chpt. 11 vs 30 says that "he who winneth souls is wise". Proverbs, 14: 25 says "a true witness delivereth souls but, a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Following are 3 things that should motivate us to "Occupy" (carry on Christ's mission and purpose) till He returns. These 3 things are pictures of mankind today.

1. Motivation of Opportunity:
Notice the story here in the text where a man gave 10 men each a pound and they were to use it to add to the Nobleman's kingdom, estate, etc./ They were to invest what he had given them.

Notice this: They did not work for or earn the pound. It was given to them by the Nobleman.

Grasp this picture: The Nobleman is Jesus. The servants are His believers and the pound what what He has given us, In this case it's not money. It is the "Good News", the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
His gospel, His teachings and His commission. To each of us, as saved people, we have this "pound", (His Gospel) ti invest and that is telling others about Him, It s the greatest investment business in the world!!!!!!!

Many people today, have money invested in IRA's, Money Market Certificates, Bonds, Stocks, and they watch the Stock Market every day, religiously!!!!!!!!! The sad thing is they are more concerned about their own money, their own gain, than they are about witnessing for Christ and winning souls!!!!!!

Remember, the Biblical Principle of sowing and reaping. You can Sow wheat and gain a lot of wheat and money when you sell it but, it is only temporary. When you win someone to Christ, it is Eternal!!!!!!!!

2. Motivation to Accountability:
Accountability is a word that people don't want to hear much about now days. Notice verse 15, the Nobleman ask for an accounting of each one. We too, will have to give an account someday. We will have to answer as to what we have done with that which we have been given. Your house, your money, your children all belong to God anyway, they are just on loan to you. Notice the key things in this story;
A. one man gained 10 lbs. ( full use of what he was given)
B, one man gained 5 lbs. ( Partial use of what he was given)
C. One man gained nothing (no use of what he was given) He sat on it!!!!!!
People are like that today. Some make full use of what God gives them, some only make partial use of what God gives them and others do nothing with what God gives them. They just set on it and do nothing!!!!!!

The first 2 men glorified the Nobleman in this story but, the 3rd man did not glorify the Nobleman at all.
People today who do not Glorify God by their actions, their talents, their life die empty. We need to remember that there is an accounting day coming. Apostle Paul said in his writings to the Romans said this--Chpt. 14 vs 10--We shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. In the same chapter vs-12 he says we must give an account. Jesus will judge us on us--not on the other guy or our neighbor, etc.

This Judgment Seat will be for the following:
a. How much work we did for Christ?
b. How much service did we render to others, the church, and the Gospel?
c. How much did we witness for Christ and try to win others to Him and the Kingdom of God?
d.What was our attitude, our actions, our intent and how we lived our Christian life.

3. Motivation of Devotion:
Notice the condition of the third servant mentioned in out text.
a. He had the wrong attitude
b. He was not in fellowship with the King, he paid no attention to His instructions
c. He was not devoted to the King's purpose and plan
d. He was not obedient to the King's message
e. He was not loyal to the King's command.

What do you do with the things that Christ has given you? Do you do what you do to Glorify Him or Yourself??
Do you uplift him in what you say, how you say it, or do you say what you say and how you say it to glorify Yourself????

Jesus knows and like this parable says today. We shall give an account. The IRS has never done an audit like this one that is coming. Are you ready?

Oldbiker