Author Archives: escalanteministries.com
Friday Focus: The Great Investment
When I think about retirement, and I know for many that may seem like a far away time and place. For me, however I know that this part of my working life is closing and a new one is opening. It is a part of life.
Looking back I wanted to invest in the stock market. I wanted to play the game, if you will. I dreamt of making it big and have enough for my family and I. Then as I was reading my bible plan, the scripture hit me with this:
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Matthew 6:19-21
Investment takes commitment. It requires you to give attention to the matter of interest. It requires your heart. You may have to research the company you bought shares in. You may be reviewing paperwork on a home purchase. Investment may take your time. It can consume you because it is of value to you.
When I read this in scripture I thought it was just about money or financial planning. But as I started to contemplate the Lord’s true intent of these words I was gripped with how I am investing my life in ministry? Or to put it simply what am I doing for God that is of true value to both Him and I in that our hearts are united? How is my ministry bringing value to the kingdom of God? What treasure have I stored in heaven that out of it’s dividends I am able to effectively minister?
One of my favorite Pastors Benny Perez once said in a message “it is ok to have things…. Don’t let those things HAVE you”. I can agree with that.
The treasures you value can have you invested. There is no wrong in that. How is your return on your investment? Does it surpass the confines of time?
My son receives a commision for the amount of tasks he does around the house and at the end of the period he is paid. He also is responsible (with help) to divide his earnings into three areas; Giving, Saving, and Spending
By doing so he is free to buy his toys, because he has put some money away for somthing he may need and has money for offering on Sunday. It allows him freedom. He enjoys buying his toy, I as his Father enjoy his learning of finances. Toys break, but financial wisdom is timeless.
As we serve this weekend continue to invest in treasure Jesus held of value. So that as our hearts grow full of heaven’s return we can minister out of them freely.
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Carpe “ME” um……
Not many self help books revolutionize your thinking like the Bible. If we looked at the bible as we look at self help books and not a history book, it’s pages become alive and the inspiration that fills this record, fills you!!
You look at wisdom differently. Finances differently, relationships, finding a mate, finding your purpose, finding Gods voice, oh yes, it’s in there. God cares much about you, not so you can be only be rich, He cares most for your soul. Period, the end game of this life is to be with Jesus in heaven. He leaves us His letter (the bible) in the hope that at the end of our appointed time we find Him.
Do we find him? Or should I ask , do we look for him? There Is a Greek phrase that has been quoted over many generations, carpe’ diem when translated it means “to seize the day.” To be proactive and control your day by not allowing the day to control you! To quote a familiar phrase; “Live FULL and Die EMPTY.” It means to be purpose-full. It is too easy to be into the regular day to day operations of what your tasks are that you can forget what pulled you to run the ministry or business in the first place. If your ever stuck here’s a couple “hacks” that have helped us out.
1. Recognize that you need to go to the manufacturer. Suppose your vehicle had an issue that was vital to its serviceability? I know for me I would take it back to the dealer in hopes the manufacturer would correct it. Life can be like that, this is where we must go to our manufacturer regularly to ensure we are living lives that are at peak LEVEL rather than weak LEVEL. Allow the Lord to seize your life’s direction and watch the adventure unfold. It’s only scary if your not in communication with God through prayer.
2. Commit to solution, reject pollution! When the solution is found commit to only thinking about the solution of the matter, everything contrary is irrelevant. Haters will hate, that is their nature. COMMIT TO SOLUTION!!!!
I hope these words have encouraged you. Maybe you could share this with a friend or even mention what you found to others. Listen, We are Praying for you! Have a blessed day!!
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The first step
Every journey begins with the first step. Today is that day for you. Sure, others have had a start before but it’s not the start that earns results its the finish. This day is a gift, from the Lord to you. What you decide to put your attention to, where you decide to spend time? That’s you ONLY YOU. You are responsible for the result to put it simply. Ask : Why not? you want to write a book? Why not? afraid? Do it afraid but don’t allow the seed of an idea to die in the soil of your life. You were meant for something great. There are people everywhere who have an idea but you could be the first to release it to the rest of us. Why not? Start that business, write that song, take the first step and walk into your destiny. Watch what happens when you feed that desire you have for making good food and grow that into your restaurant. What if the song you write makes it the top selling and qwells your financial worries.
I know, it begins by having enough faith to believe the ground will hold you, for many this is the last stop for many potential contributions to society. Here is where you shift your focus from the ground to your end goal and follow it with all you got because it is not faith in the ground holding you. You have to put that belief that you will accomplish your goal. Here is the second stop made by those who truly have gifts to share. They either stop because they don’t believe in themselves or they stop because it is too much work for them to finish and quit.
Count the cost yes, but to fully invest only to withdraw later is poor management.
Take the step forward and watch the Lord direct your next step.
“Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
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