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Christian Short StoriesLeave It All On The Field I'm 57 years old and have written for over 30 years as I believe I'm given an inspiring word to share. I'm presently working on my Masters in Biblical Studies and have been accepted into the Theology Doctoral Program. My desire is to share my writings in hopes of encouraging others in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope as I finish my post graduate work that I will be able to continue writing in the field Bible CourseCurriculum. I have seven grandchildren who are certainly God's blessing and promise as my hair turns a little more every day. "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second isequally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12: 30-31. "What is the depth of my love to God? Does trials and tribulations reveal the real me? Do I love Him more than anybody or anything else? Am I willing to leave it all on the field when my love is tested?" "This side of Paradise!" "So be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1: 6-7. "Do I believe in the promises of God when everything looks impossible? Do I really believe God in the midst of pain and suffering? Am I willing to leave it all on the field when I don't understand His ways or workings in my life?" "This side of Paradise!" "While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God." "Do I really learn obedience traveling paths of trials and tribulations? Am I willing to leave it all on the field and obey God when He commands me to do what I do not like or what I wish to avoid?" "This side of Paradise!" "Some time later, God tested Abraham's faith. "Abraham!" God called. "Yes," he replied. "Here I am." "Take your son, your only son - and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you." And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed - all because you have obeyed me." "As for me, may I never boast about anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died." Galatians 6:14. "Do I still cling to the possessions and treasures of this world? Have I laid myself on the altar and died to myself? Am I willing to leave it all on the field and sacrifice everything for the Lord? "This side of Paradise!" "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2: 5-11. "Do I have the mind of Christ who humbled himself to take the form of a slave and became obedient even to the death of the cross? Will such humility bring great honor from the Lord? Am I willing to leave it all on the field so his power is made perfect in my weakness?" 2 Corinthians 12: 9. "This side of Paradise!" "Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped otherswho were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever." Hebrews 10: 32-34. "Will I endure until the end? How much am I willing to endure for the Lord? Will I give up easily when trials come in following the Lord? Am I willing to leave it all on the field and be strong in my commitment to follow him?" "This side of Paradise!" "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1: 2-4. "Am I willing to wait for God's perfect timing in all things? Does my impatience create suffering in my life? Am I willing to leave it all on the field during trials with patience in order to inherit His promises?" "This side of Paradise!" "To the believer there is no middle ground. We must leave it all on the field in our commitment to follow the Lord if we want His glory and power revealed "This side of Paradise!" (© 2011 Michael Cochran – All rights reserved. Written material may not be duplicated without permission.) |
