Nothing We Have is Truly Ours

We have two dogs who like to visit our yard. Sometimes they will stay a day or two. I’ve grown rather fond of them. They are huge and friendly and my need for a pet is somewhat abated by their presence. I feed them scraps and even the grandkids like them. I was starting to really enjoy them and feel like they were permanent fixtures. But they’re not mine. I can’t claim them. So when they’re gone (probably to their real home) I can’t mourn or worry or fear where they are. They are in their owner’s hands, even when they’re with us at our house.

God speaks to my heart: Nothing we have is truly ours. We’re merely enjoying each and every thing. We have no ultimate rights to any of it or any person because they belong to God. He has the rights of ownership to everything. Not 10% but 100%. Our children, our spouses, our jobs, our friends, our ministries, our belongings are simply given to us for a reason or a season and that is even God’s.

While I may have a need for a dog I can’t live out of my needs. I will become needy. I’ll lose my perspective. The things God has graciously given us to enjoy cannot be hung onto as though we might lose them. We have to let them come and go in our lives knowing that God is the owner and God is taking care of every detail – from our life to our family to our vocations and our ministries.

Oh beloved, hold everything God has given you loosely. He has owner’s rights and He knows what He’s doing. He is calling you out of your needs and into His presence. The gifts, the callings, the friendships, the family, the job, the ministry are all His and He has granted you temporary custody of them all. He wants you to quit worrying and being fearful that you might lose any of it or any person. He is calling you beyond your needs. He’s calling you beyond your possessions. He wants you to turn your eyes on Him, in faith and trust, knowing that He can care for all your life, including the people and things you hold most dear, better than you can. The Owner always cares for His own. And beloved, you are His own as well. If He calls you to give up the dearest thing to you it’s for your best and His glory. He knows what He’s doing.

I know it’s hard. I’ve been asked to relinquish my hold on many things in my life. But I can tell you that each and every time it has been an opportunity not to lose but to gain – a closer walk with Him. His ultimate goal is that we have no needs so that we can minister out of Him rather than our own neediness. This makes friendships sweeter, families dearer and stuff not important. It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t want us to enjoy everything and everyone in our lives, it just means that He wants us to realize that we don’t own anything, therefore we can quit clinging to outward things and cling more closely to Him. And He wants us to trust Him to watch over, guide and care for our loved ones better than we can.

You are loved and He cares for you so you can trust Him as you give it all back to Him. Hand it over to Him today – each loved one, each precious possession, each delightful thing – and watch as He blesses you with His presence more fully each and every day.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.

Deuteronomy 10:14 Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God.

Psalm 50:10-11 For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

You Can Walk in Freedom No Matter What

This morning I decided I needed to go out and enjoy the snow with “the young’uns”. Donning the heaviest clothes I could move around in I stepped out onto the snow and gingerly made my way across the cement at our front door. It was great! After walking around and throwing snowballs I noticed that my left foot was hurting. Looking down to see what was wrong I saw that I had gathered a huge ball of snow and leaves on the sole of my shoe. I knocked it loose and walked some more. But both feet were gathering these piles of snow and leaves. It impeded my ability to walk freely about. It was a lot of trouble to stop every few moments and knock snow from the instep of my shoes.

Finally, cold and weary of the constant removal of shoe from beneath my shoes, I went back inside to wait to help warm the first grandchild who got too cold. It just wasn’t worth the trouble and I realized that although the shoes were comfortable for regular walking, they weren’t meant for the snow. I should have picked a different pair, one with a different tread and sturdier ankles. I also realized that had I needed to walk a long way in the snow I would have been in trouble with the shoes I had on. Preparation is important. Without it I didn’t have as much freedom to enjoy the trek outdoors.

When we are born again we come into a kingdom where God has provided everything we’ll ever need for life and godliness. Yet we often find ourselves ill prepared for the situations that come our way.  We tend to want to wear house shoes everywhere. We prefer comfort. We like it. We’re God’s kids and we want it easy. Sometimes we prefer ballet slippers. We want to pirouette through life as though we’re all little princesses and princes. We are in fact God’s kids and since He is the King we are in a sense royalty. But we’re meant to traverse through hard times, rough times and rugged weather. We have to be prepared. Neither house shoes nor ballet slippers will get us through when we need our feet shod with rugged boots.

Thankfully we are blessed. We have an entire wardrobe standing ready for us. We don’t have to go unprepared. We have every need for every situation we find ourselves in. Others only have what they find for themselves, but we have the entire council of God’s Word to choose from. He speaks from Genesis to Revelation for our journey through life. All we have to do is get prepared. And we become prepared by taking in the Word and keeping it handy. We don’t know what we will encounter in the days ahead, but God does. So He has provided us with just the right Word for just the right weather. If all we insist on wearing is flip flops we’ll have a hard time in the winter of life. We may know that we have been saved, but we need to know more. We need to know that God will get us through. We can’t wait until times get hard to try to find the right Words to help us through. We must prepare ahead.

Oh beloved, are you struggling with the situation you are in? Did you find yourself in the midst of adversity and see that you are ill prepared to walk it out in faith? Are you wondering why it has happened? Did you fail to hear the weather report that all will have to walk through tough times and blustery weather? It’s not too late! You can still make it. Just stop in to God’s Wonderful Shop of Truth and let Him fit you with the proper Word for this time in your life. If you will come aside and spend some time with the Lord, reading His Word, searching for the right fit, He will lead you into all truth.  And the truth you put on for your present circumstances will get you there and you will walk through in freedom and grace.  You are not meant to stumble or be hobbled in life, but you are called to walk freely in His Word fully prepared for whatever you may encounter.

God loves you and He’s for you. That’s why you can trust Him to lead you into all truth so that, even when the going gets tough, you will walk in the freedom of His truth. There will be better days of flip flops, house shoes and slippers. But it’s wonderful for you to know that you don’t have to walk hampered as you live in the light of His Word.

Psalm 119:45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. NLT

Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! Amplified Bible

Psalm 86:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. NLT

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. NLT

Making Any New Year's Resolutions?

It’s New Year’s Eve. We’re on the brink of a place and time we’ve never been. One of the things people like to do to make the year more exciting is formulate a few resolutions. Resolutions are intended to help make the new year profitable and blessed. They are declarations of sorts. 

Our granddaughter and her friend have really enjoyed being at their youth event. Cassidy told us that all she wanted was to be there. Along the way though, she’s had to text us for this or that to help make the event better. Sometimes she asked for something on behalf of the friend she brought with her.  Even though she resolved to ask for nothing but to attend, she’s made a few declarations by sending us texts. Each time she’s asked for something we’ve done our best to get it for her. She trusts us enough to let us know what she needs. She has confidence that her declarations/ her resolutions will be met by us. She knows we love her and we would do anything we could to help her. 

Just by the fact of our acceptance to the Lord’s plan of salvation we are satisfied with entrance into heaven one day. That’s enough we say. And it is. Fortunately for us we have the opportunity to make petition to God for our needs along the way. Because of our relationship with God, we know we can ask Him for our life’s needs and He will answer. We know He loves us and we have confidence in His answers for our every need. We know He would do anything for us because He gave His very life for us.

What are your resolutions for the New Year? God knows this past year has had it’s ups and downs. There have been moments of great highs – joy beyond measure. He also knows there have been low moments – sorrows, rejections, pain, longings of the heart. How would you like this New Year to be different from the past? What do you really need? What do you want to declare? 

Oh beloved, God has a magnificent storehouse brimming full of everything you need for life and godliness. You can live a productive, meaningful, blessed life here and now. Although He’s saved you and you are headed for heaven, He is standing ready to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.  Because you are His child, His declarations in the Word of God can be your declarations, your resolutions for the new year. 

Open up the Book of Resolutions and ask God to direct you to new heights with Him in 2014. He loves to grant His children’s desires, especially those which glorify Him. You can ask for more than heaven. You can ask to be more Christlike. You can ask to be more authentic. You can ask for greater faith, a deeper walk with Him or a better understanding of His Word. Do you need to be more loving? Ask Him for more love. How about more power over the enemy – his tactics, his lies, his deception.  He will answer those things that you have need of without batting an eye when they are according to His Word. More prayer, more diligence, more forgiveness, more gifts, greater understanding, and more. All those resolutions are met in Christ and sitting in the storehouse of God’s love.

Yes, heaven is yours. But because He loves you and He’s for you, there is oh so much more! Resolve to live in the light of His Word and let 2014 be the greatest time of faith you’ve ever had. Unlike New Year’s resolutions that get made and then forgotten, your resolutions and declarations of faith will be met in Christ who secured all the promises of God for you. Rejoice that where you are weakest, He is greatest. Ask Him for His will in everything and watch as He performs His will in you and through you in greater ways than you’ve ever seen before.

Isaiah 55:6  Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.  

Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Psalm 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.

John 15:16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

Matthew 9:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Psalm 27:4 One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

UTurns Permitted in God's Plan of Grace

The local primary school has volunteers and assistants who walk children from the car drop off points to the school.  This makes for safety because there are many parents driving through in 3 lanes each morning. 

Dropping off one of my grandsons at school yesterday morning, we were so busy talking I passed right by! We had to make a large block to get back to where we were supposed to be.  Once we arrived, it was just as the bell was going to ring.  We were not the only ones running late as I looked behind me to see at least a couple dozen cars waiting to let their youngsters out. I was amazed that, even though there were many children yet to walk across the lot to the building, the volunteers all walked away and inside, leaving many kids to fend for themselves to get inside the building. I worried as to whether I should get out and walk my grandson across the way, but a mother with her child in tow motioned for him to follow. Thankful that someone was there to help out, I drove on to work.

There are times in the walk of a believer when we get distracted by life and forget to turn in when God says turn. We must make a block, sometimes a huge block, to get back to where we should have been. Although it may feel like it takes forever, we can be assured that even our desire to turn around means that God is still speaking to us and if He’s speaking to our hearts then He’s still leading us.

We can find courage that even when we’re late He’s always waiting on us. He will never let us walk alone, no matter what time of “day” it is.  Our walk with Him is always in the power and care of the Holy Spirit, so that no matter what we can have peace and comfort in His presence.

God speaks to our hearts:  Precious one.  Two things you worry about. Missing My direction and Missing My protection. There’s no failure in turning around to get back to Me. There’s no danger, even when you think it’s too late. You never walk alone no matter what. I promised in My word to be with you always and I AM not a man that I should lie or tell you half-truths. I AM God. There is no other. I am the One who is calling you back to Me. I am the One Who puts it on your heart to make a change. I am the One who calls you by name and gives you grace and mercy. You can stop and turn around today and give Me your heart, your problems and your desires and I will graciously forgive you and renew your faith in Me. I will not only walk with you until you get back to the spot I called you, I will walk you all the way to your final Home. Unlike friends who may walk out of your life or enemies who may strike at the very core of your life, I AM All loving, All seeing, All caring, All redeeming.  You can walk confident because you never have to feel condemned.

Oh beloved, aren’t we blessed? Our God is not a God who is unapproachable! He is the Great I AM and yet He is our Abba Father! Respect, glory and honor belong to Him alone but He is always there to help us.  No matter what you are going through, no matter what mistakes you think you have made, no matter who has said you’re done for, done in or done – God says follow Me, continue with Me, trust Me.

God loves you always and He’s for you continually and that’s why you can always return to Him, walk with Him and keep moving forward with Him.

I Timothy 1:14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

Lamentations 3:40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord.

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Psalm 13:5-6 But I trust in Your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because you have rescued me.  I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.

 

Wishing or Walking?

I saw two of the largest loads of hay I’ve ever seen while driving to work. Two semis full of huge round bales.

Reminds me of the old wives’ tale my mother used to subscribe to: “Make a wish on a load of hay.” The rule was to make a wish as you passed a load, but if you look back it wouldn’t come true.  If I still believed in that tale I would have been making some HUGE wishes when I saw those two loads of hay. I’d also be full of worry that I might catch a glimpse in the rear view mirror or be tempted to turn around and look back. Then all the wishes would be lost. Great opportunity turned to disaster all because of what I might or might not do.

God is not a load of hay! There’s no wishing and desperation involved with talking to God and letting Him respond to us.   He doesn’t give us one shot at Him to hurry and shoot out a quick request. He is God, the Only True God. He’s not an icon we bow to, an image we polish or a wish we hope for.

Wishing and luck may be fun to think about, but neither of them matter when it comes to a life of faith.  Luck has absolutely nothing to do with it and aren’t you glad? If life in Christ were simply a matter of luck then some would have good luck and others would have bad luck. If wishing were the only way to have blessings then which wishes are best? A penny in the well? Salt behind the back? Loads of hay?

We are not like that! For the one who has accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior we are walking in the divine favor of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! We have been born into blessings as a child of God.  We have the knowledge of the Lord and can increase in that knowledge all the days of our lives. We can live in the light of His Word so that we know how to live, how to be blessed and how to share that life others.

You may be living under a cloud of regret, remorse or misfortune. You may think you are unloved, uncared for, unappreciated and unlucky. The circumstances you’ve dealt with have been hard. God knows the entire situation from the beginning of your life to the present time right now.  His Spirit says to quit living under the cloud and begin to live in praise of the One Who has bought you, redeemed you, lifted you out of the miry clay and set your feet on the Rock! Instead of wishing, look to the Lord – for His Word is full of His promises along with the way to walk in those promises. Stop looking for loads of hay or lucky pennies and run to the Word of God and read – every Word is given, God breathed, into your life and the life of every believer for their good and God’s glory.

Oh beloved, you are not lucky you are blessed! You are not living under a cloud but in the light of the Lord’s presence. Run to His Word and let your heart be strengthened for faith so that whether the sun is shining or things look bad you can know that God loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.

John 4:24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.

Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” (NAS)

I John 5:3-5 For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous). For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.  Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]? (Amplified)

Did You Know You're One of God's Favorites?

Yesterday one of our daughters posted photos having fun time with her middle child in the beautiful weather.  The other two were occupied elsewhere for a change.  That reminded me of my own three. I tried to spend a little time with each one on an individual basis, but it was hard after all three were here.  There was always so much to do and so little time to get it all done. Yet we always found time to laugh and pretend and have fun. We also, as parents, learned how to deal with them according to their personalities and their likes and dislikes. We knew them each one completely and distinctly.

I enjoyed telling each one of mine that they were “my favorite”.  After they were grown, I found Christmas ornaments that said, “I’m mom’s favorite – I’m the middle child (oldest child; youngest child)” which I promptly bought for all three! Often still, when we’ve spent time together or in a text just for them I will again express that they are my favorite.   Each one holds an incredibly huge space in my heart. They are bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, so I could not disown them if I tried.  Each one is unique. Each one has certain giftings and abilities. They are not at all alike and yet oh so much alike.

God loves us, each and every one of us. He loves those who are in His family by rebirth. He loves those who aren’t in His family yet. He loves the obedient child, He loves the unruly one. He loves the one who listens to His Word and performs it. He loves his children no matter what. Each of His children, His creation, is different, but each is held very dear to His heart.  He deals with each of us, as children. He knows our distinctness, our personality and our hopes and dreams.  Because He created us He knows us. And because He knows us, He can be trusted like no other. He knows everything, good bad and indifferent and He loves us regardless. This is true love.

Oh beloved, as you wake up this morning, run to the One Who knows you! Run to the One Who knows your secrets, cares about your hurts and responds to your prayers! Run to the One Who has watched over you since before the foundation of the world! Although you may have been considered an accident, you are not and you are no mere chance of fate!  Although you may have problems and may have caused problems along the way, you are not a problem! Even if you made a mistake, turned the wrong direction or walked away from God, you are His! And, because you are His, He will move heaven and earth on your behalf as you seek His face!  Times may be hard, people may be against you, and you may not know what’s going to happen next, but you can trust the One Who loves you completely and without reservation.  You are loved by the Lord and you are one of His favorites and that’s all that really matters! 

Galatians 4:28 And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac.

Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

John 1:12 But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.

Life is Fragile! Follow the Lord and Trust Him

As kids, both Danny and I participated in drills during the school day. Among them were the fire drill, tornado drills and even atomic bomb drills. We were urged to listen to our teacher and follow her instructions quickly and without questioning. After all we were preparing for a life and death situation. It was imperative that we obey in order to save our lives.  I can imagine that the teacher in Connecticut who saved the lives of her entire classroom must have urged the children to get into closets and cabinets quickly. Were they afraid? I’m sure. But they knew their teacher, that she could be trusted so they listened to her. She probably told them to be very quiet as well. Her quick thinking combined with their quick obedience saved their lives. The teacher, just like our teachers back then, shielded the lives of her students.  

While none of the drills I participated in as a child ever resulted in needing an escape or protection plan in real life, still I remember believing the teachers’ words without any desire to disobey.  For the fire drill, when she said “line up” we did! We wanted out of the building as quickly as possible. Out on the school yard we’d look around and see that the entire school was safe. 

We are a blessed people, those of us who have believed God and listened to His voice. We have said Yes, when He called and accepted the shield of faith that saves our lives, literally. The call to Christ is no fire drill, it’s real and the call to obey is urgent. Without a quick response to the Savior of the World, we won’t make it out alive. Today is all we have. Tomorrow may not come.  There are many dangers, toils and snares – each one designed to take our lives by keeping us from heaven. But God’s plan of Salvation is so simple that a child can follow it.

We are blessed as well because when our Lord says “line up” it’s in our best interests to do so. Sure, everybody’s doing their own thing, but God says to His children, “Line up according to My Word.”  It’s not a drill, it’s real life. And the only way you’ll be safe is to quickly obey the Master’s call. His Word is not meant to keep us bound but to set us free! True freedom is only found in putting our trust in One Who knows better than we do. He can be trusted and followed without question.

Oh beloved, life is so fragile! Are you listening to the Father’s voice? Are you handling your troubles, trials, sorrows and mourning with prayer? Are you giving your hopes and dreams to the One Who created you so that you can live a life without regrets? Are you sure in your heart that you can trust God, that even when bad things happen, you are safest in following Him closely and listening to every Word that proceeds from His mouth?  God freely offers you the blessing of heaven, but He wants to give you the blessing of obedience here and now as well. Won’t you run to Him this morning and take time to hear Him clearly? Before the noise of the day and the busy-ness of life drowns out His voice. His love is saying, “Here is the way” and His care is saying, “Safe are those who trust Me”.  Now that’s a God worth praising and following all the days of your life!

Luke 1:46-47,49 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

Deuteronomy 13:4  Serve only the LORD your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.

Keep Asking - He Delights in You!

We will have new neighbors this week. The house across the street has been empty for several months now. It was full of life and fun just a year ago, before the owner’s wife passed away.  Then he moved back home to Tennessee.  It’s going to be nice to have someone in the house.  There’s more to that story…

I got some news recently that did not line up with what I’ve been praying. I was frustrated and hurt.  I thought I had seen signs of the prayers beginning to be answered, but with this recent turn of events I was floored.  In fact I was sure that God just wasn’t going to answer that particular prayer. 

I was sharing my dismay with the new neighbor, who just happens to be Stella’s mom and my daughter. She said, “I’ve got a devotional for you.” And this is what she related: “I prayed to get an opportunity to move to Arkadelphia.  All the time I griped daily. I would say to myself you’ll never get to move. Things will never change. Gripe,  complain, etc. But here we are moving into a big house with a great yard and two bathrooms.”  She continued, “God answered my prayers even though I was saying it just won’t happen. Even though I was complaining pretty much every day”.  Well? You guessed it.  I will continue to pray, no matter what my eyes see, no matter what the circumstances are. I know I am praying according to God’s will, so whatever comes I’ll keep praying.

Oh beloved, what have you been praying for? What is that heart’s desire that you just keep hoping for?  I want to encourage you this morning to keep asking, keep knocking, keep seeking! Don’t look to the circumstances or the situation, but look to the Lord! Remember that satan can throw roadblocks at you, things that seem to say there’s no hope, but he can’t stop God’s will.  There’s nothing God loves more than to answer His children with good and wonderful answers!   Press on to the One Who loves you; press in to the One Who delights in answering your prayers; press close to the One Who is for you. How blessed are you who speaks with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord about all your troubles, trials, hopes, fears and desires – knowing He always answers in His time and right on time!

Psalm 6:9  The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer.

Psalm 118:21  I thank You for answering my prayer and giving me victory!

2 Corinthians 10:4  We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

Luke 11:9 And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

It is In the Giving Away that We find Real Joy

To make extra spending money when I was little, my mother crocheted doilies. I’m talking about the huge triple ruffled kind that was stiff starched and prominently displayed all over the house. She crocheted with tiny needles and fine thread. I have the last doily she worked on with the needle and thread attached that she was using.  Some would say that is a silly thing to hold onto. But it’s a visible reminder that regardless our life’s circumstances we should continue to create and enjoy every day.  She crocheted those lovely pieces as though she would be keeping them forever, never lacking in quality no matter that they were going to someone else’s home.  She thoroughly enjoyed the very things she was destined to give away.

Often we humans hold tightly to the things we hold dear. Whether it’s friendship or ministry or family or hobbies or talents.  They’re ours we reason. We don’t share well. We keep things to ourselves. We’re almost miserly with our affections.  Yet it is in the giving away that we find real joy.

Oh beloved, God knows your heart. He knows you want to enjoy the days He’s given you, but you find it hard to release the worry and the fear.  What if you give it all? What if you forgive completely, love whole-heartedly and let Him be first? What if you use up the talents He gave you for others? Run to Him this morning and lay it all at His feet. He will take what you are holding back and exchange it for a treasure trove of beauty in your life that’s meant to be shared, distributed, given away. You can trust Him beloved, because all that you give away and in the measure with which you give it is how He will give back to you. He says you cannot give too much. Even in your lack, if you begin to give you will see amazing things begin to happen.  How blessed are we to be people who can trust Him with everything? He loves you, He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.

 Matthew 25:29 For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.

2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

Romans 8:32 Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.