In what ways can you "take all possessions" for God's purposes today? A Foundation Laid by the Lord Luke 14:33: “So then, any one of you who does not forsake all his own possessions cannot be My disciple.” The Lord’s call is total. We do not renounce ownership so that we have nothing, but so that He has everything. As Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Once the ownership question is settled, every possession becomes a tool in His hand. Heart Posture Before Hand Practice • Steward, not owner (1 Corinthians 4:2) • Content, not covetous (Hebrews 13:5) • Ready, not reluctant (2 Corinthians 9:7) Practical Ways to “Take All Possessions” for God’s Purposes 1. Finances • Tithe firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9) • Budget for generosity—missions, benevolence, crisis relief (1 Timothy 6:18) • Cancel debt for others where possible (Deuteronomy 15:1-2) 2. Home & Property • Open doors for hospitality, Bible studies, discipleship dinners (Romans 12:13) • Offer temporary lodging to missionaries or believers in need (3 John 5-8) • Use yard/garden produce for neighbors and the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10) 3. Vehicles & Transportation • Provide rides to church, medical appointments, job interviews (Matthew 5:41) • Join community delivery of food or literature that shares the gospel (Acts 20:24) 4. Tools, Skills, & Technology • Lend equipment freely, removing barriers to ministry projects (Exodus 35:30-35) • Offer professional expertise—legal, medical, technical—for kingdom initiatives (1 Peter 4:10) • Redeem social media platforms to spread Scripture and testimonies (Philippians 1:12) 5. Time & Schedule • Block “first-hour” slots for Scripture intake and prayer (Psalm 119:147) • Volunteer weekends for evangelism, prison outreach, crisis counseling (Matthew 25:36) • Take vacation days for mission trips or disaster relief (Acts 11:29-30) 6. Influence & Relationships • Introduce contacts to godly mentors or churches (John 1:41-42) • Advocate for biblical justice in workplaces and communities (Micah 6:8) • Write encouraging notes, books, posts that exalt Christ (Colossians 3:16) Guardrails That Keep Our Hearts Anchored • Regular accountability with mature believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Periodic inventory: “Is anything off-limits to God?” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Rhythms of giving that escalate faith (2 Corinthians 8:3-4) Promises that Fuel Obedience • “Honor the LORD with your wealth … your barns will be filled with plenty.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) • “Give, and it will be given to you … pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” (Luke 6:38) • “God is able to make all grace abound to you … having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Living It Out Taking every possession captive for Christ is not a one-time donation but a lifestyle of availability. Each morning we echo Isaiah 6:8—“Here am I. Send me”—and each evening we rest knowing nothing entrusted to Him is wasted (Matthew 25:21). |
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