He is no Fool who Gives what he Cannot keep to Gain that which he Cannot L-ose
Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Born in early 1900’s in Portland , Oregon to a successful family. He was taught Christian values by God fearing parents, he dedicated himself to following the lord at a young age. He was known in school for his speaking acting and writing abilities and was encouraged by teachers to pursue public speaking or acting.
But his course was set much to the dismay of friends and teachers.
After entering college fellow students and faculty were very much impressed by his uncompromising beliefs and actions.
He would not involve himself into any positions he felt were displeasing to God.
After leaving college he was told he could do anything he wanted to , could have obtained houses lands accolades applauds and treasures but instead he felt a call to Ecuador to the auca Indians.
They were a barbarious fleh eating society. They were so savage that 1 out of every 2 in their own society died due to murder.
On Jan 8 1956 at the age of 29 years missionary jim elliot and his small group of missionaries were savagely and brutally
Some time later Elisabeth elliot jims widow was asked when did jim die and her response was he died in high school
The response of the person was but I thought he died on jan 8 1956 and she o no it was when he was a teen when all of his friend and peers were living life and doing what felt good and some doing bad jim was in his room at his bedside on his knees in his bible seeking gods will
It was jim elliot who penned the oft quoted and famous words He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose
What I know about dead people:
1- no longer are in control
2- do not get their feelings hurt
3- do not quit
4- rules and regulations don’t affect them
5- has no opinion
6- does not get offended
1Co 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
1Co 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
1Co 15:38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
2 Chronicles 26:6-15 tells us of some of the things that Uzziah was able to accomplish.
He defeated Judah’s arch enemy, the Philistines.
The Ammonites paid tribute toUzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt
He built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
Also he built towers in the desert, and dug a lot of wells because he had a lot of cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: people worked for him who raised livestock and others who kept his vineyards in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved raising animals and livestock.
Uzziah had a huge army with 2600 captains who commanded 307, 500 highly trained and well equipped fighting men.
Uzziah had shields, and spears, and helmets, and body armor, and bows, and slings to cast stones. And he made siege engines, to be on the towers and upon the walls, to shoot arrows and great stones at any enemy.
Then, verse 15 tells us that, “… his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong."
Uzziah was the “hope of Israel”. Here was a king who had the intelligence to know what to do to make Judah a great nation and, with God’s help, the wisdom to use that knowledge. Their whole future looked bright under the leadership of Uzziah. Each day they would awaken and look forward to what great things the new day would bring.
Their land was productive, their homes were safe from their enemies, their lives were happy and there was much to look forward to because the king was on his throne and he would see to it that their every need was met. We can trust Uzziah. He has our best interest at heart. He is a man of wisdom and integrity. He is our provider and we can put our lives in his hands.
Everything was going great until we read in 2 Chronicles 26:16, "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense."
Pride is a powerful, destructive force! God’s Word does not mince words when he says that Pride goeth before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
