“A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return” (Luke 19:12).
Jesus tells the parable of a nobleman who entrusted some of his servants with equal amounts of money to manage while he was away on a trip. Upon his return, the master asked for an accounting from the servants to evaluate how faithful each had been in his assignment.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
Ask any Christian, “Do you love Jesus?” and he will answer, “Absolutely — yes!” But words alone will not stand in the holy light of God’s Word. Jesus said two distinct things will reveal your love for him and if these are not shown in your life, your love for Jesus is in word alone instead of “in deed and in truth.” Those two evidences are: (1) obedience to Jesus’ every command and (2) a manifestation of his presence in your life.
"Happy is the one who reads this book, and happy are those who listen to the words of this prophetic message and obey what is written in this book!"
Revelation 1:3 GNT.
Of all the last words he could have shared, why does David recount the story of his men retrieving water from Bethlehem? It shows us two things. For one, they weren't commanded to retrieve the water, but because of their relationship with the king they knew his desire and acted on it. Secondly, the deeper the friendship, the greater the availability. Don't limit your relationship with God to Sunday mornings. At the end of the story, David unexpectedly pours the water out on the ground. Why? Because he is the king and can do whatever he wants. Is God the king of your life?
Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Joshua knew that their reliance had to be totally on the leading of God and not on human intellect. You and I realistically do not have anything to add to the kingdom of God except obedience and a heart that loves the Lord Jesus Christ. Bring your life whether it was spent for righteous or unrighteous purposes, whether it looks like it is of great value or of no value, bring your life to God. Let the miracle begin with you!