Courtnaye Richard

www.courtnayerichard.com

I just recently asked the women in my Christian Women of Impact Facebook Group this very same question. I received so much feedback and I hope I’ll get the same from you, Sis! Because here’s the thing. Jesus is coming back and before He does, we’ve got to be doing what He has called us to do. The Word of God commissions us to occupy until He comes.

The parable found in Luke 19:12-26, is all about servanthood. It’s actually been called the Parable of the Ten Servants. For starters, Jesus told this story to correct those who thought the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He did this because He didn’t want them to stop serving or working and begin living idle lives (also see 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). So He told a story.

The story begins with Jesus saying in Luke 19:12, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return.” Are you getting it? This is an example of Jesus going away and speaking of His return.

Let’s move on.

Jesus says in Luke 19:13, “Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’” Meaning, use what He have given you while He is gone. The King James Version says, “Occupy till I come.” (which means "to do business")

He goes on to say in Luke 19:14, “But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We do not want him to be our king.'” We know here, that Jesus was speaking of those who hated Him and wanted to crucify Him or who didn't want to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

Now the story fast forwards.

Jesus says in Luke 19:15-16, “After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. The first servant reported, 'Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!'”

Jesus responded by saying, “'Well done!’ The king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I have entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.'”

Long story short, the second servant invested his money wisely as well and made five times the original amount and was rewarded by becoming governor over five cities. But the third servant didn’t use what was given to him at all. Instead, he insulted the king and buried it.

The Lord in return rebuked him and said these words for him and everyone listening (including us today), “'Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But for those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. And as far these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king – bring them in and execute them right here in front of me!'”

Wow! The message is pretty clear, sis. As servants of our King Jesus, let us use what He has given us before He returns, so we’ll be ready to give our account. This passage of Scripture was a vivid illustration of what is to come in the future. So let us be found using every gift that He has given us and being about His business when He comes back with His reward.

Personally, I am using every gift that God has given me. Nothing wasted. Nothing buried. I’m using my gift to write and speak. I’m using my gift of administration and exhortation to put things together and encourage the body of Christ. I am also evangelizing everywhere the Holy Spirit leads me and giving generously to those who are in need. And I am training up my children in the way that they should go, so that they can use their gifts as well. I am occupying until He comes.

I want my full reward. Not only that, but I’ve already spoken to the Lord in my quiet time saying, “I love working! I love serving Your people. I love spreading the Good News. I just love the fact that in heaven and New Jerusalem, I won’t get tired.” Amen!

So again, what are you working on, sis? Are you using what God has given you in this life? Are you about His business?

We only have one life to live. So let’s use what’s been given to us, so when He returns, our King will say to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21)

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out! 

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Have you been occupying, sis? What has God entrusted you to? I'd love to hear about it. Email me or leave a comment. 

If you need prayer, please leave your prayer request in the comment section or you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you. I'd love to hear from you.

Join me for this month's, "Let's Talk!" I'll be talking about, "Ministering from Home." Learn more on my Inside Out with Courtnaye Facebook Page and "Like" the page while you're there to continue growing together in faith. Let's Talk is happening, Tuesday, July 7, 2020 @ 8:30pm (CST). I hope you'll join me!  

Also, discover more resources from my ministry and find out more information about upcoming events and booking for your next conference or event by visiting www.courtnayerichard.com. Let's connect and let me know how this post ministered to you today! ~Courtnaye

*Grab my NEW book today! Visit www.courtnayerichard.com or Amazon to order! Thanks!

Courtnaye Richardis the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).

 

www.courtnayerichard

Most of us are pretty familiar with the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 which says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Yet, while the Holy Spirit is here to help us produce this type of godly character, Jesus tells us that we also have a part in it. 

This is confirmed in John 15:16, “I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” Here, Jesus is telling us to go and produce lasting fruit. Meaning, fruit that remains. 

So, Jesus wants us to go out into the world, our homes, churches, communities, and even our social media platforms to produce lasting fruit. Yet, not only lasting fruit, but He wants us to produce MUCH fruit. Meaning much love, much joy, much peace, much patience, much kindness, much goodness, much faithfulness, much gentleness, and much self-control. 

He tells us in John 15:8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.” Wowzers! Right?! So we are his true disciples when we produce much fruit. So if we are acting out of character on a consistent, habitual basis, then we really need to examine our walk with Christ. The Lord wants us to produce fruit, which is godly character. 

The reason why this is so important is because when you and I produce good fruit in our lives, others will want what we have. They’ll see our godly character and good deeds and begin to ask themselves, “How can I be like that?” They’ll begin saying to themselves, “I want what she has.” And what we have is a life in Christ, exemplifying the characteristics of God. That is desiring to those who are either in darkness or wanting to mature in their faith. 

Another reason why this is so important is because Jesus tells us that when we are producing fruit, it glorifies God. After Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.” He goes on to say, “This brings great glory to my Father.” Sis, when you and I bear good fruit, it makes people shout out, “God is good!” 

God wants us to produce much fruit, because it helps people see Him through us. Christ is in us. The Holy Spirit is in us. God is with us. 

With all this being said, the Lord wants us to remain in Him. Because as we remain in and stay close to Him through prayer, devotion, and studying His Word, the Bible tells us that we will produce much fruit. Jesus tells us in John 15:4, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” Pretty clear, right? 

Now, here is what He says in the very next verse (John 15:5), “Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.” We read and hear this very popular verse quoted often – but it is speaking specifically to bearing much fruit. Meaning, we cannot live fruitfully apart from Christ. We must remain close to Him. We must stay connected. 

Here is the warning verse. Jesus tells us in John 15:6, “Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.” A lot of people skip over this passage of Scripture. I don’t know 100% why? But don’t do it, sis. Take time to pray and meditate on this verse. Pause and consider. 

The angle and lesson as you read this post is to not only produce much fruit, but to also remain in Christ – no matter what you encounter in this life. You can do this, as you stay connected to the One who called and chose you.

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you.

I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.”

~Jesus (John 15:16)

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out! 

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: As it relates to the Fruit of the Spirit, which fruit could you grow in more in this season of your life? Is it growing more in love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness (humility), or temperance (self-control)?

If you need prayer, please leave your prayer request in the comment section or you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you. I'd love to hear from you. 

Also, discover more resources from my ministry and find out more information about upcoming events and booking for your next conference or event by visiting www.courtnayerichard.com.Let's connect and let me know how this post ministered to you today! ~Courtnaye

*Grab my NEW book today! Visit www.courtnayerichard.comor Amazonto order! Thanks!

Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).

 

www.courtnayerichard.com

Can you feel it? Do you know in your heart that God has taken notice to the desires of your heart and now can you sense that He is about to do something that blows your mind? Has He already begun to blow your mind? Sis, the best is yet to come!

I don’t know about you, but this popular phrase keeps me on the edge of my seat. It keeps me encouraged. It keeps me expecting God’s best. What does it do for you?

It reminds me of the Scripture in Ephesians 3:20 that says, “And now glory to God, who is able through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” WOW, right? I love this verse because it tells me that God is able to do exceedingly and more abundantly than what I could ever ask or imagine. 

In other words, whatever you or I think we want, God can and will do even better! He will blow our minds, sis! Personally, I would LOVE that. Shock me, Lord! Because I love supernatural surprises that I know could've only come from Him. It's called FAVOR! 

So, what are you expecting? What have you been waiting on God to do in your life. Have you been anticipating a breakthrough in your relationship, finances, or job? Are you waiting on a miracle? Have you been praying for the Lord to open up doors of opportunity for you? Are you waiting on God to move on behalf of others in your family or beyond?

Whatever it may be, guess what, sis? Don’t stop hoping. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop expecting Him to move beyond what you could ever ask or think. He promises in Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire.” This is a promise. 

So even if you don’t see things happening the way that you want them to right now, hold on. Don’t give up on this promise. He has not forgotten about you. He knows what is best. So just keep delighting yourself in the Lord by spending time with Him in prayer and in His Word, and by living according to His instruction. He will come through for you. 

As for me, I am praying for some mind-blowing opportunities to share His Word more, globally. I’m excited to see what He will do. My life mission and passion are to spread the Good News about Jesus Christ to the lost wherever He leads me, while also encouraging and equipping my sisters in Christ. I wake up with this goal in mind pretty much everyday. I can’t help it. 

Because I believe the best is yet to come!

What about you, sis? Do you believe the best is yet to come? Are you living on the edge of your seat to see what God will do on your behalf? He loves you so much and He wants nothing but the best for His daughter. 

With that in mind, here are a few encouraging Scriptures from His Word to strengthen you while you wait…

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

~Philippians 4:13

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

~Psalm 27:13-14

“Wait on the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.” 

~Psalm 37:34

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” 

~Isaiah 30:18

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” 

~Lamentations 3:25

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” 

~Romans 12:12

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

~1 Corinthians 15:58

“And my God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” 

~Philippians 4:19

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” 

~Ephesians 3:20

Be encouraged, my sister. Our Father knows your heart’s desire. So continue to place your hope and trust in Him. Believe in His sovereignty, and keep believing that no matter what…the best is yet to come! 

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye 

Question: What are expecting God to do in this season of your life? What have you been praying for? 

If you need prayer, please leave your prayer request in the comment section or you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you. I'd love to hear from you.

Also, discover more resources from my ministry and find out more information about upcoming events and booking for your next conference or event by visiting www.courtnayerichard.com.Let's connect and let me know how this post ministered to you today! ~Courtnaye

*Grab my NEW book today! Visit www.courtnayerichard.comor Amazonto order! Thanks!

Courtnaye Richardis the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).