10 KEYS - BEFORE YOUR CROWN

LIFE LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF JAMES 1:12 (NIV)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

1.Faith - your faith will be tried with fire. but it is all part of God's plan to work it out for your good .Joseph did not just become a prime minister over night , he went through the school of fire "affliction" on his way to the throne. Psalm 105:19(NLT)"Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character."

2.Patience - The quickest way to pass this test , is by learning to become patient on time and just enjoy the ride . If not you will always find yourself complaining with the process , forgetting who your God is . Roms 15:5"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:"

3.Self control - love is not easily provoked .they will provoke you believe me . but get this key before the crown ,God would not want to put His power /blessings in the hands of someone who is always easily provoked by the enemy , It will be too risky for the Kingdom , as Satan will take advantage of it . Ask Moses or Elijah. (2 Kings 2:24) .2 Cor 2:11(NIV)"in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."

4.Endurance -  your endurance level will be tried also before the crown . It strengthens your spirit and brings you into spiritual maturity .Jesus our Master endured his on the cross . so painful . So ours will also be tested .Heb 12:2(NLT)"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."

5.Trust -  every class you fail you repeat ."personal experience" . your trust in Him at all times must be constant . Is good , because it brings your faith to that spiritual level with God.1 Peter 4:11b(NLT) "Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you."

6.Hospitality - your ability to accommodate people when it is not convenient , will  be tried . Is like saying how well can you handle the blessings when it is finally given to you . Are you going to chase the poor out of your house when they come to your door step for help ?. Key - if you are not faithful in  small things ..how will you be faithful in much.Luke 16:10(NLT)""If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."

7.Your ability to wait on God - how well you can wait on God willbe tested and  tried . waiting has its own teaching . There is a level of trust you get to , that you say to your self "I will wait". Key - trust has a way of helping us to wait confidently for him. Roms 8:25(NLT)"But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"

8.your Love for God will be tried before the crown - How well can you give to God what you love to keep ? hmm..you must pass this test . God loves them that love Him. I believe when we sacrifice to God what we love to keep, it draws our hearts closer to Him , why ? Matt 6:21(NIV)"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

9.Giving - how well you can give to God , when it comes to the things of God . his house:"church" , brethren and many more . If you are not a giver , you cannot be trusted with the crown . Acts 20:35 says it well ."And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive."

10.Forgiveness - destroys pride , humbles us before God and prepares us for the crown . A heart that cannot forgive easily becomes hardened. Jesus said in Matt 18:22(NLT)""No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!" Key- forgiveness will always free you from becoming bitter.

Personal quote :

"your crown is right inside your fire "

Prayer: father help me to pass my test , so I can receive that which rightly belongs to me in Jesus name , Amen.

Enjoy your weekend ! God bless you .