What’s the Surcharge?
II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Good morning friends! Welcome to today and all that it will hold! If you have awakened to a new day, be thankful, give God the glory and carry positive thoughts and actions from this moment to the next! Have we not wondered at times if we have surcharges added to us for being believers? Are we being charged or paid differently than those who are not yet saved? Maybe, are we feeling like we shouldn’t have to go through certain trails, certain pains, or certain disappointments now that we are believers? Could you be doubting God’s ability to provide your needs? Many believers ask God daily “why me”, “what now”, “how long before”, “when will I”, etc. The Bible emphasizes justice, mercy and protection for the poor; it also talks about business practices and how not to be predatory when it comes to your needs or the needs of others. When you feel the doubt coming, pause, pray, meditate with God, get back in His word to find peace, understanding and the strength to plow through! Most of the time when we see the word surcharge, we can’t help but think on how so many companies, banks, evil people; the ones that place more burdens on people. We tend to focus on how money hungry people are ruining God’s intentions for His people on this earth. The devil takes small things, then corrupts them, pulls them away from Godly values and we must not play into any of those doubts or fears! The benefits of being a believer far outweigh the surcharges the devil tries to inflict on us! By trusting in God, we can get the answers to all our questions; by trusting, believing, studying, praying; all those surcharges will become bonuses! Begin to give freely, whether preaching, serving, honoring, sharing; your rewards are being noticed and God is keeping track! If you receive more, remember to share more; it’s part of the golden rule; “treat others as you would have them treat you”; the dividends are outstanding and outnumber the surcharges!
Scriptures:
Read Luke 9:23-27, Matthew 7:12, Proverbs 19:17, Galatians 6:3, Luke 14:33, Psalms 37:5, Colossians 3:23-24, II Timothy 2:15, Matthew 10:8, Galatians 2:20, II Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:23, John 8:12, Proverbs 11:1, Psalms 15:1-5, II Corinthians 9:6-12
Prayer:
Dear God, we come now thanking you for all that you provide, that you teach, that you encourage in our lives. Thank you, God, for the grace and mercy you show when we slip into doubts and fears. Thank you, God, for not leaving us, or forsaking us when we are in the midst of trials. Thank you, God, for your Son who gave unconditionally so that we could receive salvation; which in turn allows us to give freely of our lives to honor, and share your love. Amen.