Devotional – Life in the Palace

by: Shamelia Simpson-McKenzie

Thursday April 08, 2021

A Queen is committed to give “All, or Nothing at All”

The purpose of a thing is oftentimes a mystery, until the reason is discovered. On the topic of life, there have been many questions asked, and arguments made about why humans exist. What was the idea in the Creator’s mind when He made us? As we arise each day we spend the moments of our day doing things that we deem to be necessary, enjoyable and fulfilling. Do we ever consider what is the worth of all that we do, and what happens at the end of it all? Are we living for the reason we were created?

In our desire to please God, we Dare to Do Right; we desire for The Heart of the Matter to be that we are committed to building and maintaining a close relationship with God. Surely, we want to ensure that what we do with our live matters, and God counts it as righteousness; we want our faith and works to be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. In reading the Bible, we are able to study and observe the lives of individuals who found favour in God’s sight; such persons seemingly managed to discover, pursue and fulfil the purpose for which they were born.

Let us look at some of the Faithful Servants of God who made an impact, and a valuable contribution to God’s plan and purpose:

  • Noah – Obedient servant; his work helped to preserve the human race. His family was spared from the flood and re-populated the earth
  • Abraham – Faithful and obedient servant; a friend of God. The Father of God’s Chosen People- Israel.
  • Moses – Great leader; trusted God to help him to lead Israel out of bondage.
  • Joshua – Served God faithfully; completed the task to settle Israel in the Promised Land of Canaan.
  • Samuel – Righteous Judge of Israel; upheld the laws and principles of God as he served as a young Judge in Israel.
  • Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Hosea, and other prophets – Prophets in Israel who sought the heart of God and prophesied to the People of Israel so they would know what was in the mind of God concerning them.

In observing the lives of these saints, it seemed that they found the answer to the questions: Why am I Here? They discovered: what it required to serve God in spirit and in truth? As we indulge in their interesting stories, it is undeniable that each of them were : Sold Out; they lived totally, and completely to glorify God. The fact that their works were recorded in His Word in a favourable light suggest that indeed God was pleased with them.

Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7

It happens so easily that in these modern times, we read the Bible, and we are fascinated by the many stories that are told. We can easily become comfortable with just reading, and never become challenged to accept the mandate to demonstrate our faithfulness to God, to discover, pursue and fulfill our purpose.

Let us imagine for a moment if Jesus, after reading the Old Testament decided that there was nothing more that could be done. He could have become comfortable with just reading and memorizing the Word of God; instead, He took action. He was committed to making a difference to discover, pursue and fulfill His purpose. Jesus was Sold Out; He was dedicated to living by God’s design, and to fulfill the plans and purposes of His Father.

For I have come down from heaven not to do My will, but to do the will of Him Who sent me.

St. John 6:38

We who attest that Jesus is the Son of God, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords are encouraged to believe, and also to take action. We are to follow our Lord’s example to live a Sold Out life. The position He enjoys in being seated at the right hand of His Father in Heaven is evidence that in giving to God “All” of ourselves there is a great reward to be received.

Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them”.

St. John 14:21

The wise King Solomon who sought for the answers to many of life’s mysteries found the answer to the questions to: What am I to do with my life? This is how he explains it:

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

From Genesis to Revelation, there is one central theme: In giving one’s all to God, He returns one hundred fold. From the life of the many faithful servants of God, and of Jesus Christ we witness the many great benefits of living a life Sold Out to God. In living this way, there is the undoubtable guarantee that as you spend your life in the flesh in His presence, and living uprightly, so too will you live with Him in eternity. Your faith and works will be in God’s memory forevermore. Would you agree that a Sold Out life is the best life ever?

Surely he (the righteous) shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

Psalm 112:6

SAY IT LOUD AND CLEAR: “I AM SOLD OUT” TO GOD


MY PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You ask for “my “all” only because You want me to have all that You have in store for me. I know know that giving a part of myself is not enough because You are a God Who is complete. When I abide in You always I am safe and secure; I want to be Sold Out to You.

I want to live life on Your terms and by Your design. You are the Giver of life so You have the Blue Print for my life. I Dare to Do Right, please help me to do so.

The Heart of the Matter is that I will Dare to Do Right, and I proclaim that I am Sold Out to God!!!

In Jesus’s Name I pray – Amen

Grateful by Hezekiah Walker

The Best in Me by: Marvin Sapp

My Testimony by Marvin Sapp