Word for the day "Faithfulness to God pays dividends"

^{Joshua 24:13  (NIV)} So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’¹⁴ “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.One of the paradigm shifts every believer must learn once they make Jesus lord of their lives is how to move from receiving by working and toiling to receiving by trusting and obeying. In the scripture, Egypt represented work and toil and bondage. The Promised Land represents a land of milk and honey received by trust and obedience.We learn in (Joshua 24:13) that our obedience will allow us to receive things we would never receive out of work and toil. "So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant."I learned this principle when God began to transition me from working in the marketplace as an employee to a vocational leader in marketplace ministry. Many times I could not see how provision to do my work would result because it was not based upon a contract-for-services model. I would have to do a weekly ministry in the marketplace. I would speak to a group of people, and I knew it would require much  of my time and I'd receive very little compensation. The Lord instructed me to do it  anyway. In fact as I thought, I do not receive a commensurate income for the time invested for the preparation and planning in this ministry. (This is often the way we think in business).However, I have left some influence, impact, and impartation in my years of marketplace ministry. In fact, I have few relationships and supporters from my marketplace ministry who have been touched by my teaching. I really value this  sequence of events that led to receiving these people as a source of provision. It was because of my obedience to the small things that God was able to "give me a land on which I did not toil."Point to ponder- Be faithful to the small things and God will always honor your obedience. Faithfulness to God pays dividends!Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2017 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, and Ms. Gertrude Scott. Why don't you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we'd love to hear from you! Follow me on Twitter @Elder James Baker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!http://www.graceandtruthleadership.org/#!donate/vv9e2