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What is the secret elixir of life in the Kingdom?

I would say it’s disciples who give themselves willingly…

Serving Willingly in War…

‘The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem [Zion];

you will rule over your enemies.

When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly.

You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.’ -Psalm 110:2-3

‘Next was Amasiah son of Zicri, who volunteered for the LORD’s service, with 200,000 troops under his command.’ -2 Chronicles 17:16

At the time of Deborah and Barak,

‘”Israel’s leaders took charge, and the people gladly followed. Praise the LORD!”‘ -Judges 5:2

Deborah said,

“My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with those who volunteered for war. Praise the LORD!”‘ -Judges 5:9

I must admit, my heart is also with the commanders of God’s people who volunteer for war – we in Britain are in a wartime environment, and need to operate on a war footing, with a wartime mentality. I’ve written more about this HERE!

Are you willing to offer yourself as a soldier in the Lord’s army?

Giving Willingly to the Building Work…

For the construction of the Temple of God…

‘Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly.’ -1 Chronicles 29:6

‘The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD, and King David was filled with joy’ -1 Chronicles 29:9

‘But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us.’ -1 Chronicles 29:14

‘I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.’ -1 Chronicles 29:19

When building the first Tabernacle in the wilderness, the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them.“-Exodus 25:2

When building the second Temple after the exiles had returned from Babylon;

‘Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD. And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings’ -Ezra 1:5-6

Are you willing to give of your resources to help build?

People Willing to Relocate…

When the exiles returned from Babylon, one of the major miracles of the whole endeavor was that people were willing to relocate. First, there was the wave of exiles who chose to return from Babylon. Then there were those who chose to resettle in Jerusalem;

‘And the people commended everyone who volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem’ -Nehemiah 11:2

Would you be willing to relocate to a new town, village or city to do the Lord’s work?

People Willing to Care for the Flock…

‘And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.’ -1 Peter 5:2

New movements require many new elders who are willing to care for the flock. Those who do so, serving in the right way, are promised a reward. (See Here for more on this)

Are you willing to open up your home and heart to care for others?

Our First Action: Give Ourselves to the Lord!

‘Now I want you to know dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.’ -2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Does the Lord have you? I mean…all of you? Have you offered yourself to Him to use however He sees fit?

‘You must each decide in your own heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully”‘ -2 Corinthians 9:7

How much of yourself and your resources are you willing to give?