Monday, November 14, 2011
Supply and be supplied!
Prov.11:25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. I find this verse fascinating. It goes against logic. The more one gives, the more one receives. As unlikely as it seems, I am benefiting from this principle even today. As I load a thousand pounds of food for the food pantry, unpack and store it, and give away another thousand pounds, I realize that I am surrounded by food I would not be able to afford without the Lord multiplying our meager donations. I don't buy top sirloin, but since I distribute top sirloin, I also get to eat it occasionally. Each and every week the Bread of Life Food Bank distributes 1,000 lbs of food to our community. All who help out also receive what we need, and I hope the recipients also pass on God's goodness. THAT is the way to extend a miracle... by keeping it going. Paying it forward. Enlarge the spout where the glory comes out. The more we give away, the more God gives us. Take that to the bank!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Proverbs 4:23-27
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
A good friend is killing herself this week. That is a shocking statement, is it not? But I know that she has been waiting for the means, which have just arrived. She now has the resources to drink her pain away. Why is it that family is not enough? Why are friends not enough? Why are our best efforts not enough to change her path... a path she has not only chosen, but repeatedly defended? I refuse to give up. I will continue, until her last breath (or mine-whichever comes first) to try to get her the help she needs.
I have to wonder... if she had guarded her heart, would she be where she is today? Maybe someone else stole from her. Maybe she was deceived, as we all are in some way. Did she ever know the prize that awaits her? Does she, even now, know the treasure that SHE IS??? No, she does not. No matter how many times we tell her, she will never believe it until she is secure in the arms of her savior... please, Lord, let that happen while she is still alive... let her know the great life that is available in YOU. Show her, Lord, your goodness for THIS life... the joy of knowing you, and that you have a plan. "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
King David wrote in Psalm 25:15-17,"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
I should get going... I may have to break her door down to help her. With a future this good, how can I let her go? When the plans for her life are so filled with blessing, how can I give her up to such pain and torture when it may be in my power to help? I can't. I refuse to fail. I will do battle for my friend.
A good friend is killing herself this week. That is a shocking statement, is it not? But I know that she has been waiting for the means, which have just arrived. She now has the resources to drink her pain away. Why is it that family is not enough? Why are friends not enough? Why are our best efforts not enough to change her path... a path she has not only chosen, but repeatedly defended? I refuse to give up. I will continue, until her last breath (or mine-whichever comes first) to try to get her the help she needs.
I have to wonder... if she had guarded her heart, would she be where she is today? Maybe someone else stole from her. Maybe she was deceived, as we all are in some way. Did she ever know the prize that awaits her? Does she, even now, know the treasure that SHE IS??? No, she does not. No matter how many times we tell her, she will never believe it until she is secure in the arms of her savior... please, Lord, let that happen while she is still alive... let her know the great life that is available in YOU. Show her, Lord, your goodness for THIS life... the joy of knowing you, and that you have a plan. "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
King David wrote in Psalm 25:15-17,"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
I should get going... I may have to break her door down to help her. With a future this good, how can I let her go? When the plans for her life are so filled with blessing, how can I give her up to such pain and torture when it may be in my power to help? I can't. I refuse to fail. I will do battle for my friend.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
There are some things that you know that you Know that you KNOW. The fear of the Lord is one of those things. When you ask and receive over and over again, it reinforces the fact that our Lord is attentive to his children's cries. Yes, there are testing times when the teacher is silent... when your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling... when the teacher's silence is really saying, "Did you learn what I taught you? Are you trusting me? Will you keep trusting me when you DON'T get what you want?" Only in the testing can we really know how deep our faithfulness is! Is it only skin deep? Are we only faithful to God when he's a vending machine... (we put in our time/prayers/good works and he delivers whatever we ask for)?
A good parent uses good things to teach, and bad things to teach, too. God uses everything. Haven't you read it? "And we know that all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 There's a song on Christian radio now that talks about 45 in a 35 (MPH speed zone - getting a ticket) It says, "It's not the stuff that I would choose, but this is the stuff You use." (to teach us; to make us better) Nothing but the best tests for the children of the King.
There are some things that you know that you Know that you KNOW. The fear of the Lord is one of those things. When you ask and receive over and over again, it reinforces the fact that our Lord is attentive to his children's cries. Yes, there are testing times when the teacher is silent... when your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling... when the teacher's silence is really saying, "Did you learn what I taught you? Are you trusting me? Will you keep trusting me when you DON'T get what you want?" Only in the testing can we really know how deep our faithfulness is! Is it only skin deep? Are we only faithful to God when he's a vending machine... (we put in our time/prayers/good works and he delivers whatever we ask for)?
A good parent uses good things to teach, and bad things to teach, too. God uses everything. Haven't you read it? "And we know that all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 There's a song on Christian radio now that talks about 45 in a 35 (MPH speed zone - getting a ticket) It says, "It's not the stuff that I would choose, but this is the stuff You use." (to teach us; to make us better) Nothing but the best tests for the children of the King.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Prov31:8
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
In our culture, we celebrate independence above almost all else. We celebrate self-sufficiency, self-awareness, self-confidence, self-reliance, and just plain self. There is no room left for putting others first. After all, what would it do for me? It is no wonder that teens just beginning to choose a path for themselves become overwhelmed with selfishness... a path that leads to depression and misery.
Our Lord knew that we would find no good thing looking inside ourselves for the answers.
When we turn our attention and our energy outward, we begin to see people all around us who need our help... help that we have the resources to give. Children watch for adults who even SEE them, let alone know their names. Do we take the time to find out what other people need?
In our culture, we celebrate independence above almost all else. We celebrate self-sufficiency, self-awareness, self-confidence, self-reliance, and just plain self. There is no room left for putting others first. After all, what would it do for me? It is no wonder that teens just beginning to choose a path for themselves become overwhelmed with selfishness... a path that leads to depression and misery.
Our Lord knew that we would find no good thing looking inside ourselves for the answers.
When we turn our attention and our energy outward, we begin to see people all around us who need our help... help that we have the resources to give. Children watch for adults who even SEE them, let alone know their names. Do we take the time to find out what other people need?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Prov 28:14
The "fear" of the Lord is often misunderstood, especially by those who have little concept of the peace and security found in knowing Him, and walking with Him. It is thought by many that the fear is designed to scare followers into submission to God's law, or to keep them from examining doctrine too closely.
But, for myself, having had a strong and Godly, loving earthly father, know another meaning. It is the "fear" that accompanies a child in total awe of the POWER OF DAD...the force that can (and will) move heaven and earth on behalf of a much-loved child when she is in danger. Picture a child facing an oncoming villian, totally unaware of the fierce father standing over his fearful charge, ready to leap and crush the danger to dust to defend his treasure. The child, having seen the complete annihilation of formidable enemies would be "fearful" if it was not that the destroyer was also protector, standing as a fortress against anything that would cause harm.
I have known this wonderful protection, and am secure in the "everlasting arms" of my Father. Whenever I am exploited or cheated by someone, I can pity them because I know the fearsome protector that treasures me and will act on my behalf. I say "pity" because the offender usually has no clue of the consequences awaiting them. I can honestly pray for leniency for the offender, having some idea of the great love my Father has for me, and having some idea of the penalty for those who take advantage of His people.
How unfortunate it would be to turn away from this great love and protection; to have that kind of power withdrawn by my own choice to harden my heart against God. Let it never be so.
The "fear" of the Lord is often misunderstood, especially by those who have little concept of the peace and security found in knowing Him, and walking with Him. It is thought by many that the fear is designed to scare followers into submission to God's law, or to keep them from examining doctrine too closely.
But, for myself, having had a strong and Godly, loving earthly father, know another meaning. It is the "fear" that accompanies a child in total awe of the POWER OF DAD...the force that can (and will) move heaven and earth on behalf of a much-loved child when she is in danger. Picture a child facing an oncoming villian, totally unaware of the fierce father standing over his fearful charge, ready to leap and crush the danger to dust to defend his treasure. The child, having seen the complete annihilation of formidable enemies would be "fearful" if it was not that the destroyer was also protector, standing as a fortress against anything that would cause harm.
I have known this wonderful protection, and am secure in the "everlasting arms" of my Father. Whenever I am exploited or cheated by someone, I can pity them because I know the fearsome protector that treasures me and will act on my behalf. I say "pity" because the offender usually has no clue of the consequences awaiting them. I can honestly pray for leniency for the offender, having some idea of the great love my Father has for me, and having some idea of the penalty for those who take advantage of His people.
How unfortunate it would be to turn away from this great love and protection; to have that kind of power withdrawn by my own choice to harden my heart against God. Let it never be so.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Pay attention to your business...
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herd;
for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. Prov. 27:23-26.
As an entrepreneur, I am constantly measuring the business climate, sales, suppliers, upcoming events, merchandise on-hand, available help and ways to expand.
As a representative of Christ, I also need to watch that the people around me (my sphere of influence) are doing well. Is Donna getting the job contacts she's looking for? Can I help with that? Has Kay found a place to live? Does she have enough food? Is Lori needing company today? She spends a lot of time taking care of other people; does she need encouragement? Is the food bank reaching people as effectively as possible? Are we sending the right message? Are we REALLY helping, or just giving a meal? All these people, and many more need constant care, constant prayer, and the good works God has arranged for me to do from before my birth! What a great honor to do HIS work for the sheep (people) in MY pasture (sphere of influence). All of us have influence.,.. a teen that looks up to you, expecting a word of encouragement... a young mom who wants you to notice her kids - when they are on their best behavior - or even when they're not (they ARE kids, after all; a treasure ALWAYS).
Do we take the time to water the gardens around us? Do we take the time to take care of our business? Do we take the time to take care of HIS business? The Business of people?
As an entrepreneur, I am constantly measuring the business climate, sales, suppliers, upcoming events, merchandise on-hand, available help and ways to expand.
As a representative of Christ, I also need to watch that the people around me (my sphere of influence) are doing well. Is Donna getting the job contacts she's looking for? Can I help with that? Has Kay found a place to live? Does she have enough food? Is Lori needing company today? She spends a lot of time taking care of other people; does she need encouragement? Is the food bank reaching people as effectively as possible? Are we sending the right message? Are we REALLY helping, or just giving a meal? All these people, and many more need constant care, constant prayer, and the good works God has arranged for me to do from before my birth! What a great honor to do HIS work for the sheep (people) in MY pasture (sphere of influence). All of us have influence.,.. a teen that looks up to you, expecting a word of encouragement... a young mom who wants you to notice her kids - when they are on their best behavior - or even when they're not (they ARE kids, after all; a treasure ALWAYS).
Do we take the time to water the gardens around us? Do we take the time to take care of our business? Do we take the time to take care of HIS business? The Business of people?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Prov. 18:10 The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower
Prov. 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.
I heard a radio preacher this week say, "The Lord doesn't need your righteousness. The only righteousness you need to worry about is the righteousness of Jesus." He went on to say that we put on righteousness like clothing to brag about our deeds to others. I was shocked! Is it any wonder that the people of God look exactly like the world?
We act in selfish and wicked ways as if our righteousness doesn't matter to God. Of COURSE it matters to God. Like any good father, God disciplines us. He trains us in righteousness. If we choose to persist in wicked behavior, God persists in disciplining us... we reap what we sow, and if we sow seeds of sin, we (and our children, and those around us) will reap the wrath of God. Maybe we won't lose our salvation; that's not my call and I'm glad we can trust God with that responsibility. But we will find we have raised children who ignore our commands, as we have ignored God's. When God's Word tells us to "be holy as (He) is holy", we should obey that.
The old testament gives us 10 commandments to live by... the new testament gives only two. 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and 2. Love your neighbor as yourself. If we love God, we will obey his commands. If we love our neighbor, we will obey God's commands. We owe him that.
I heard a radio preacher this week say, "The Lord doesn't need your righteousness. The only righteousness you need to worry about is the righteousness of Jesus." He went on to say that we put on righteousness like clothing to brag about our deeds to others. I was shocked! Is it any wonder that the people of God look exactly like the world?
We act in selfish and wicked ways as if our righteousness doesn't matter to God. Of COURSE it matters to God. Like any good father, God disciplines us. He trains us in righteousness. If we choose to persist in wicked behavior, God persists in disciplining us... we reap what we sow, and if we sow seeds of sin, we (and our children, and those around us) will reap the wrath of God. Maybe we won't lose our salvation; that's not my call and I'm glad we can trust God with that responsibility. But we will find we have raised children who ignore our commands, as we have ignored God's. When God's Word tells us to "be holy as (He) is holy", we should obey that.
The old testament gives us 10 commandments to live by... the new testament gives only two. 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and 2. Love your neighbor as yourself. If we love God, we will obey his commands. If we love our neighbor, we will obey God's commands. We owe him that.
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