Real Riches
Woodrow Kroll
Ruth 2:1
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a man of great wealth,
of the family of Elimelech; his name was Boaz.
John Jacob Astor, one of the world's richest men, was a passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. When the ship hit the iceberg and it turned out that there was a shortage of lifeboats, the multimillionaire gave up his chance for safety and went down with the ship. His body was eventually found dressed in a blue suit, with $2,500 in his pocket. But on that fateful night, as he faced eternity, it mattered little what he possessed.
God provided a rich relative for Ruth who had more than possessions; Boaz had honor as well. The word translated "wealth" in Ruth 2:1 is often translated "might" or "valor" in the Bible. It reflects Boaz's strength of character as much as his financial portfolio. He not only had land and houses, but he also was a man of spiritual valor, a mighty man of integrity, an upright man who had placed his trust in God.
God wants all His children to be rich—but not necessarily in material possessions. When the apostle Paul reached the end of his life, all he owned was an extra cloak and some books (2 Tim. 4:13). Barnabas sold his land and gave the money to the needy (Acts 4:34-37). But these men weren't really paupers. In their poverty, they had a richness of peace and joy that many who are wealthy only dream about.
What keeps you up at night? Worry over your stocks and bonds, or agonizing over the souls of those who are lost? What are you striving for? Material wealth that will one day be left behind, or a spiritual wealth that will last for eternity? Make the right choice and then set the right priorities.
If all you have is money, then you have nothing at all.
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Holy and Magnificent Father,
Thank You for being better than anything this world can offer me. Thank You for calling me out of this world and to a higher standard than the world accepts. Thank You for giving me the promise of a better future than any human can ever imagine. Thank You Lord for all things that pertain to life and Godliness. Thank you for giving me such a high calling through the blood of Jesus. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen and Amen
Monday, April 23, 2007
Seeing God in All things
Seeing God in All Things
By Melissa Taylor
Psalm 139:5, “You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (NLT)
Devotion:
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I was driving home after speaking all day at a women’s conference. The conference had been such a blessing and I was praising God for His faithfulness in showing up in a mighty way. I had the honor of witnessing first hand how God was impacting the lives of women and their families. Needless to say, I was on a God-high and loving every minute of it. God was so present and it was easy to see Him on this day.
During this time of spiritual bliss, I noticed something rather large darting on to the road ahead of me. It was a deer and she was headed for my lane. The traffic was heavy and my car had nowhere to go but to continue straight. I slammed on the brakes trying desperately to stop, but it was useless. At the moment just before impact, I looked into that animal’s big brown eyes. Why, oh why, did she run out into the road like that? My car hit that beautiful creature full force. She was tossed in to the air and landed, lifeless, in the lane next to mine. I cried, “Oh No! I killed a deer!”
Many stopped to see if they could help, but there was nothing anyone could do. Miraculously, my car was not damaged and no one was injured - except the poor deer.
Anytime something bad happens, I try to see God in it all. I had clearly seen Him at the women’s conference that day. Where was He now? Why did this have to happen and ruin my God-filled day?
When I got home, I ran inside to get my husband. I was crying so hard he could hardly understand me. My four children were also home and quickly became concerned for their hysterical mother. I told them the story. First question from my kids: “Is the deer dead?” First question from my husband: “Is the car okay?” They surrounded me with love and reassured me everything would be fine.
Hours later, I was still shaken. My ultra sensitive and loving son, Dylan, noticed this and offered me a Godly perspective on my situation. He said, “Mom, there are many reasons this could’ve happened and none of them are your fault. God has a plan and a purpose for everything, even that deer’s life. Maybe that deer was very sick and God used you to put it out of misery. Or maybe God was protecting the man behind you, so He used your car as a shield. Or maybe God knew that there are many deer, but only one you. He needed you to be my mom today. Mom, whatever God’s reason, it’s not your fault, but you have to trust Him. He was with you the whole time. He never took His eyes off of you or His hand off of your head.”
Oh, will someone pass the tissue please? How is it that a nine year old boy who suffers with anxiety and communication disorders can put this situation in the proper perspective and show me that it’s not about me but about God? I’ll tell you how.
Dylan was looking for God in this sad accident. I wasn’t. It was easy for me to see God in the events at the conference because I was alert, aware, and looking for Him. When tragedy struck, I took my eyes off of Him. Just like Peter trying to walk on water I, took my eyes off of Jesus, and sank.
Do you look for God in all things? Do you see God in all things? I threw my arms around my precious son and thanked him for being the light in my life that day. Then I turned to the Lord and thanked Him, too—for the conference, for my family, for Dylan’s words of wisdom, and for the deer.
Dear Lord, sometimes it’s hard to feel or see Your presence in every aspect of my life, yet I know You are there. Help me to look for You, even when times get tough. Help me to trust You and believe that You are with me every moment of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
The P31 Woman Magazine
She Speaks! conference
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
The next time you find yourself in an undesirable situation, instead of asking “why me”, thank God for being there with you.
Reflections:
Do believe God is working in your life only when things are good?
Do you thank God for everything that happens to you, good or bad?
Power Verses:
Romans 8:28 , “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” (NLT)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
http://www.Proverbs31.org
By Melissa Taylor
Psalm 139:5, “You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (NLT)
Devotion:
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I was driving home after speaking all day at a women’s conference. The conference had been such a blessing and I was praising God for His faithfulness in showing up in a mighty way. I had the honor of witnessing first hand how God was impacting the lives of women and their families. Needless to say, I was on a God-high and loving every minute of it. God was so present and it was easy to see Him on this day.
During this time of spiritual bliss, I noticed something rather large darting on to the road ahead of me. It was a deer and she was headed for my lane. The traffic was heavy and my car had nowhere to go but to continue straight. I slammed on the brakes trying desperately to stop, but it was useless. At the moment just before impact, I looked into that animal’s big brown eyes. Why, oh why, did she run out into the road like that? My car hit that beautiful creature full force. She was tossed in to the air and landed, lifeless, in the lane next to mine. I cried, “Oh No! I killed a deer!”
Many stopped to see if they could help, but there was nothing anyone could do. Miraculously, my car was not damaged and no one was injured - except the poor deer.
Anytime something bad happens, I try to see God in it all. I had clearly seen Him at the women’s conference that day. Where was He now? Why did this have to happen and ruin my God-filled day?
When I got home, I ran inside to get my husband. I was crying so hard he could hardly understand me. My four children were also home and quickly became concerned for their hysterical mother. I told them the story. First question from my kids: “Is the deer dead?” First question from my husband: “Is the car okay?” They surrounded me with love and reassured me everything would be fine.
Hours later, I was still shaken. My ultra sensitive and loving son, Dylan, noticed this and offered me a Godly perspective on my situation. He said, “Mom, there are many reasons this could’ve happened and none of them are your fault. God has a plan and a purpose for everything, even that deer’s life. Maybe that deer was very sick and God used you to put it out of misery. Or maybe God was protecting the man behind you, so He used your car as a shield. Or maybe God knew that there are many deer, but only one you. He needed you to be my mom today. Mom, whatever God’s reason, it’s not your fault, but you have to trust Him. He was with you the whole time. He never took His eyes off of you or His hand off of your head.”
Oh, will someone pass the tissue please? How is it that a nine year old boy who suffers with anxiety and communication disorders can put this situation in the proper perspective and show me that it’s not about me but about God? I’ll tell you how.
Dylan was looking for God in this sad accident. I wasn’t. It was easy for me to see God in the events at the conference because I was alert, aware, and looking for Him. When tragedy struck, I took my eyes off of Him. Just like Peter trying to walk on water I, took my eyes off of Jesus, and sank.
Do you look for God in all things? Do you see God in all things? I threw my arms around my precious son and thanked him for being the light in my life that day. Then I turned to the Lord and thanked Him, too—for the conference, for my family, for Dylan’s words of wisdom, and for the deer.
Dear Lord, sometimes it’s hard to feel or see Your presence in every aspect of my life, yet I know You are there. Help me to look for You, even when times get tough. Help me to trust You and believe that You are with me every moment of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
The P31 Woman Magazine
She Speaks! conference
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
The next time you find yourself in an undesirable situation, instead of asking “why me”, thank God for being there with you.
Reflections:
Do believe God is working in your life only when things are good?
Do you thank God for everything that happens to you, good or bad?
Power Verses:
Romans 8:28 , “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” (NLT)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
http://www.Proverbs31.org
Opening up to others
Opening up to others
by Jon Walker
“Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 MSG)
Fellowship — Giggling as he played on the floor with his Aunt Merilee, my young son’s eyes danced with pleasure. Christopher’s laughter was so captivating that Merilee leaned into his face and said with a grin, “I’m going to steal your giggles!”
Without warning, Christopher grabbed Merilee in a baby bear hug and planted a playful kiss on her cheek. Merilee fell back and – guess what – she giggled.
And then she giggled some more.
Finally she said, “Oh, Christopher! I was going to steal your giggles, and you gave them to me instead.”
A lesson in life from a 2-year-old! So often we walk through life thinking we have to steal or earn or grab or protect the objects of the joyful life we see in others.
We listen to worldly voices that urge, “Go for the gusto. You only live once. Grab what you can get.”
Yet from a simple child we can learn that true joy is not taken. It’s given.
Today, instead of stealing giggles, give them away and see how many more come back to you.
So what?
· You bring pleasure – You were made to be a source of pleasure and joy – to God and to others.
· Become a joy dispenser – Laugh loudly and as often as you can. Smile at a stranger. Bless people with your joy. If you don’t have joy, then ask God to guide your heart toward the joy found in Christ.
· Thank God that he is a Father who delights in our enjoyment and loves our laughter. Ask him to increase your joy that you may share it will others.
· “… Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 MSG)
by Jon Walker
“Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 MSG)
Fellowship — Giggling as he played on the floor with his Aunt Merilee, my young son’s eyes danced with pleasure. Christopher’s laughter was so captivating that Merilee leaned into his face and said with a grin, “I’m going to steal your giggles!”
Without warning, Christopher grabbed Merilee in a baby bear hug and planted a playful kiss on her cheek. Merilee fell back and – guess what – she giggled.
And then she giggled some more.
Finally she said, “Oh, Christopher! I was going to steal your giggles, and you gave them to me instead.”
A lesson in life from a 2-year-old! So often we walk through life thinking we have to steal or earn or grab or protect the objects of the joyful life we see in others.
We listen to worldly voices that urge, “Go for the gusto. You only live once. Grab what you can get.”
Yet from a simple child we can learn that true joy is not taken. It’s given.
Today, instead of stealing giggles, give them away and see how many more come back to you.
So what?
· You bring pleasure – You were made to be a source of pleasure and joy – to God and to others.
· Become a joy dispenser – Laugh loudly and as often as you can. Smile at a stranger. Bless people with your joy. If you don’t have joy, then ask God to guide your heart toward the joy found in Christ.
· Thank God that he is a Father who delights in our enjoyment and loves our laughter. Ask him to increase your joy that you may share it will others.
· “… Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 MSG)
Teaching by living
Teaching by living
by Jon Walker
“Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other.” (Colossians 3:16a NLT)
Mission — Every day you teach people about God. You may teach Truth or you may teach mythology; either way you teach. You teach others that God is faithful or that he can’t be trusted, and you do that by reflecting faith in God, or by behaving as if he can’t be trusted.
As if.
Some of us carry a myth in our minds that the only people who can teach are the gifted or the professional, yet the Apostle Paul says, “I know that you have all the knowledge you need and that you are able to teach each other.” (Romans 15:14b NCV)
Certainly teaching includes unpacking Bible stories and giving theological insight, but we also teach as we model biblical behavior when it comes to the stuff of life, such as how to love/respect your spouse, how to make godly decisions, how to keep our thought-life pure, or how to get out of debt.
That means we become teachers when we tell, show, reflect how God is working in our lives, and we become teachers when we respond, act, walk as if Jesus himself were living through us (and he is – Romans 8:9-11). By watching you, others will see what “Christ in you” looks like in another human being. (Colossians 1:27 NIV)
So what?
· Being a living teacher makes you wise – Paul says, “Let the words of Christ live in your heart.” You need to know God’s Word before you can teach it through study or by living it. By hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the words of Christ, they’ll take root in your heart, and this will make you wise. (Romans 15:14b NCV)
· God’s wisdom over conventional wisdom – Too often we look to the world’s conventional wisdom when we’re seeking answers, yet the Truth is found only in God’s wisdom.
by Jon Walker
“Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other.” (Colossians 3:16a NLT)
Mission — Every day you teach people about God. You may teach Truth or you may teach mythology; either way you teach. You teach others that God is faithful or that he can’t be trusted, and you do that by reflecting faith in God, or by behaving as if he can’t be trusted.
As if.
Some of us carry a myth in our minds that the only people who can teach are the gifted or the professional, yet the Apostle Paul says, “I know that you have all the knowledge you need and that you are able to teach each other.” (Romans 15:14b NCV)
Certainly teaching includes unpacking Bible stories and giving theological insight, but we also teach as we model biblical behavior when it comes to the stuff of life, such as how to love/respect your spouse, how to make godly decisions, how to keep our thought-life pure, or how to get out of debt.
That means we become teachers when we tell, show, reflect how God is working in our lives, and we become teachers when we respond, act, walk as if Jesus himself were living through us (and he is – Romans 8:9-11). By watching you, others will see what “Christ in you” looks like in another human being. (Colossians 1:27 NIV)
So what?
· Being a living teacher makes you wise – Paul says, “Let the words of Christ live in your heart.” You need to know God’s Word before you can teach it through study or by living it. By hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the words of Christ, they’ll take root in your heart, and this will make you wise. (Romans 15:14b NCV)
· God’s wisdom over conventional wisdom – Too often we look to the world’s conventional wisdom when we’re seeking answers, yet the Truth is found only in God’s wisdom.
The Baked Bible
Dear Friend,
The Lord who has graced us with His Instruction Manual for life has given us the gift of our futures. Throughout the Bible's timeless pages we are forewarned of dangers, given words of edification, wisdom for daily living, the pathway to salvation, and shown the Savior who took upon Himself our sins and died in our stead. The Holy Bible is rich in all its ways and is available to each of us waiting to impart its gifts into our lives.
Never believe the lie that God's Word holds no power, because the truth is the Bible can change even the worst sinner into a shining light of God's eternal love and forgiveness. Read and meditate on God's Word everyday that you are able and receive the blessings that are bestowed upon its pages.
I hope today's message encourages your heart to read the Bible each and every day and be blessed by the wisdom that is imparted to you.
The Baked Bible
Several hundred years ago the people of Bohemia were forbidden to possess or to read the Bible by the Emperor of Austria, to which country Bohemia then belonged. Nevertheless, many of the people did have Bibles and refused to give them up.
So soldiers were sent out to search the houses and take any Bible which might be found. When the people of any village heard that the soldiers were coming, they made haste to hide their Bibles in some secret place. Consequently, although the soldiers searched the houses thoroughly and roughly, many Bibles were not found.
One day the report came to a house that the soldiers were on their way. There was only a young girl there, and she was kneading dough for bread. On hearing the breathless whisper of the sentinel, the quick-witted girl spread out her dough, placed the Bible in the center and, quickly doubling the dough over it, put it into a big pan and slipped it into the oven.
When the soldiers arrived a few minutes later, she met them at the door, and in answer to their demand for the Bible, calmly told them to search
and see if there was one in the house. They looked into every corner of the cottage but found none. When they opened the stove door, they saw only a large loaf of bread baking.
Years afterward the grandson of the heroine of this story came to America and settled in northwestern Ohio. He brought with him the Bible which his grandmother had saved from the soldiers. It had been carefully kept as a relic of days which, fortunately, are no more.
The Holy Bible is a perfect Book from our perfect God. It is His love letter to us. Here the Father plans, the Son executes, the Spirit operates. The way of salvation is given; Heaven is revealed; Hell is described. The cross is its center, eternal life its fruition and God's glory its end. By it the soul is cultured, the mind enlightened, the memory enriched and the heart established.
The Bible is the traveler's guide, the pilgrim's staff, the warrior's sword and the fighter's shield. It is the telescope of faith, the microscope of conscience, the mirror of Christ's face and the casket (or jewel box) of God's grace. It is food for the heart-hungry, drink for the soul-thirsty, medicine for the sin-sick and life for the spiritually dead.
Read it to be godly; use it to be fruitful; believe it to be faithful; trust it to have peace. God has magnified His Word above His great name, and has commanded that it be preached and practiced. It is His standard of judgment. By it all are wooed and waned, saved or doomed. Read it in the
company of the Author. Be a Bible-read, Bible-fed Christian. It covers the course of time between two eternities and will live forever.
Joshua 1:8 ~kjv~
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou
shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
The Lord who has graced us with His Instruction Manual for life has given us the gift of our futures. Throughout the Bible's timeless pages we are forewarned of dangers, given words of edification, wisdom for daily living, the pathway to salvation, and shown the Savior who took upon Himself our sins and died in our stead. The Holy Bible is rich in all its ways and is available to each of us waiting to impart its gifts into our lives.
Never believe the lie that God's Word holds no power, because the truth is the Bible can change even the worst sinner into a shining light of God's eternal love and forgiveness. Read and meditate on God's Word everyday that you are able and receive the blessings that are bestowed upon its pages.
I hope today's message encourages your heart to read the Bible each and every day and be blessed by the wisdom that is imparted to you.
The Baked Bible
Several hundred years ago the people of Bohemia were forbidden to possess or to read the Bible by the Emperor of Austria, to which country Bohemia then belonged. Nevertheless, many of the people did have Bibles and refused to give them up.
So soldiers were sent out to search the houses and take any Bible which might be found. When the people of any village heard that the soldiers were coming, they made haste to hide their Bibles in some secret place. Consequently, although the soldiers searched the houses thoroughly and roughly, many Bibles were not found.
One day the report came to a house that the soldiers were on their way. There was only a young girl there, and she was kneading dough for bread. On hearing the breathless whisper of the sentinel, the quick-witted girl spread out her dough, placed the Bible in the center and, quickly doubling the dough over it, put it into a big pan and slipped it into the oven.
When the soldiers arrived a few minutes later, she met them at the door, and in answer to their demand for the Bible, calmly told them to search
and see if there was one in the house. They looked into every corner of the cottage but found none. When they opened the stove door, they saw only a large loaf of bread baking.
Years afterward the grandson of the heroine of this story came to America and settled in northwestern Ohio. He brought with him the Bible which his grandmother had saved from the soldiers. It had been carefully kept as a relic of days which, fortunately, are no more.
The Holy Bible is a perfect Book from our perfect God. It is His love letter to us. Here the Father plans, the Son executes, the Spirit operates. The way of salvation is given; Heaven is revealed; Hell is described. The cross is its center, eternal life its fruition and God's glory its end. By it the soul is cultured, the mind enlightened, the memory enriched and the heart established.
The Bible is the traveler's guide, the pilgrim's staff, the warrior's sword and the fighter's shield. It is the telescope of faith, the microscope of conscience, the mirror of Christ's face and the casket (or jewel box) of God's grace. It is food for the heart-hungry, drink for the soul-thirsty, medicine for the sin-sick and life for the spiritually dead.
Read it to be godly; use it to be fruitful; believe it to be faithful; trust it to have peace. God has magnified His Word above His great name, and has commanded that it be preached and practiced. It is His standard of judgment. By it all are wooed and waned, saved or doomed. Read it in the
company of the Author. Be a Bible-read, Bible-fed Christian. It covers the course of time between two eternities and will live forever.
Joshua 1:8 ~kjv~
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou
shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Spring, Everyday!
Spring, Everyday!
By Van Walton
Psalm 96:1-2, “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
…tell of his salvation from day to day.” (ESV)
Devotion:
It does not matter what part of the country I am living in during winter. Whether the temperatures have just dipped below freezing or I have endured a deep freeze for months, I always eagerly anticipate spring! I try very hard to be upbeat all winter, keeping my grumbling to myself. Staying positive during dreary days is difficult for me. Gray skies, cold air, wind, and short days depress me.
On the other hand, when sunshine peaks through the clouds and warm breezes penetrate my skin, my mood changes immediately. The truth is that I have a hard time persevering through winter months. I wish it were spring all year long.
Why do I like spring? I like new life. I can’t help but open my eyes with a smile when birds’ songs announce a new day. The smell of fresh wet dirt just after a good rain causes me to breathe life back into my wilting soul. Maybe it is the call of the wild or a basic instinct to start tilling, I am not sure. I just know that I thrive on all things in the spring.
When I first notice the flowers pushing through the dark dirt, I cannot contain myself. I become a fan cheering for the team of flowers that has fought the miraculous fight – popping out of a hard seed in a deep and dark place, forcing their way up though the cold soil, eventually tasting the bright rays of sunshine, and finally blooming in all their glorious color. Clapping and jumping, I announce to my neighbors and friends, “Another spring is here. The flowers are blooming again. Look at them. They are more glorious than ever!”
Guess what? I have great news! In God’s economy every day is spring! Listen to what He says:
2 Corinthians 5:17 , “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB)
Colossians 3:10, “… put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him.” (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him … God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives.” (MSG)
How can I make everyday like spring?
Celebrate my salvation. Praise God everyday with new songs that tell of His love and new life.
Be intentional every day to be renewed. Make it a priority to become deeply acquainted with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Learn something new about Him every day!
Be an ambassador. Share the good news daily, either through good deeds or saving words. Ask for God’s guidance.
Winter’s time is drawing to a close for now. It will return all too soon. Yet it doesn’t matter if you are prepared to celebrate new life every day of the year. Maybe you don’t feel like spring, but instead you are stuck in winter. Even though winter’s soil is hard and frozen, allow your heart to be tilled by God’s Word. Then go forth and cast the seeds that are able to come to life even in the darkest of times.
Dear Lord, thank you that every day You shower Your new mercies down on those You love. Help me to always see the new thing You are doing in my life. Give me wisdom and strength to respond in a way that would please and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
“Helpful Hints for Enriched Bible Study,” and ETC article
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
In your Bible concordance, find the words ‘new’, ‘life’, ‘resurrection’ and look up their verses. What do you learn about God?
Reflections:
Am I willing to allow God to work something new in my life?
Am I willing to allow God to use my life to share the Good News with others, brining new life to those around me?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do something new; now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (NASB)
Colossians 2:12, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (NLT)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Van Walton
Psalm 96:1-2, “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
…tell of his salvation from day to day.” (ESV)
Devotion:
It does not matter what part of the country I am living in during winter. Whether the temperatures have just dipped below freezing or I have endured a deep freeze for months, I always eagerly anticipate spring! I try very hard to be upbeat all winter, keeping my grumbling to myself. Staying positive during dreary days is difficult for me. Gray skies, cold air, wind, and short days depress me.
On the other hand, when sunshine peaks through the clouds and warm breezes penetrate my skin, my mood changes immediately. The truth is that I have a hard time persevering through winter months. I wish it were spring all year long.
Why do I like spring? I like new life. I can’t help but open my eyes with a smile when birds’ songs announce a new day. The smell of fresh wet dirt just after a good rain causes me to breathe life back into my wilting soul. Maybe it is the call of the wild or a basic instinct to start tilling, I am not sure. I just know that I thrive on all things in the spring.
When I first notice the flowers pushing through the dark dirt, I cannot contain myself. I become a fan cheering for the team of flowers that has fought the miraculous fight – popping out of a hard seed in a deep and dark place, forcing their way up though the cold soil, eventually tasting the bright rays of sunshine, and finally blooming in all their glorious color. Clapping and jumping, I announce to my neighbors and friends, “Another spring is here. The flowers are blooming again. Look at them. They are more glorious than ever!”
Guess what? I have great news! In God’s economy every day is spring! Listen to what He says:
2 Corinthians 5:17 , “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB)
Colossians 3:10, “… put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him.” (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him … God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives.” (MSG)
How can I make everyday like spring?
Celebrate my salvation. Praise God everyday with new songs that tell of His love and new life.
Be intentional every day to be renewed. Make it a priority to become deeply acquainted with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Learn something new about Him every day!
Be an ambassador. Share the good news daily, either through good deeds or saving words. Ask for God’s guidance.
Winter’s time is drawing to a close for now. It will return all too soon. Yet it doesn’t matter if you are prepared to celebrate new life every day of the year. Maybe you don’t feel like spring, but instead you are stuck in winter. Even though winter’s soil is hard and frozen, allow your heart to be tilled by God’s Word. Then go forth and cast the seeds that are able to come to life even in the darkest of times.
Dear Lord, thank you that every day You shower Your new mercies down on those You love. Help me to always see the new thing You are doing in my life. Give me wisdom and strength to respond in a way that would please and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
“Helpful Hints for Enriched Bible Study,” and ETC article
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
In your Bible concordance, find the words ‘new’, ‘life’, ‘resurrection’ and look up their verses. What do you learn about God?
Reflections:
Am I willing to allow God to work something new in my life?
Am I willing to allow God to use my life to share the Good News with others, brining new life to those around me?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do something new; now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (NASB)
Colossians 2:12, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (NLT)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Hearing His voice
Hearing His Voice
by Os Hillman, April 22, 2007
He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. - John 8:47
Jesus said that the key to being able to hear God's voice is first to be one of His children. One of the great mysteries of the universe to my logical mind is how God can communicate with six billion people on the earth at the same time. It is one of those mysteries I must let go of because my "hard drive" would crash if I had to explain and understand this before I believed and trusted in Him. It is as though God places a computer chip in each human being, and when we place our faith and trust in Him, it becomes activated. We begin to communicate with Him. Jesus says that if we are children of God, then we can hear God's voice. He further explains this relationship in the following parable:
I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice (John 10:1-5).
The Shepherd is always representative of Christ. Sheep are representative of God's children. This passage tells us that the Shepherd communicates with His children. We are called by name and we can listen to our Shepherd's voice. There is another comforting aspect to this relationship. The Shepherd goes before the sheep to prepare the way. Jesus has already gone before us today to prepare our way.
Knowing the Shepherd and His voice allows us to have the assurance that we will not be fooled by another shepherd's voice. The sheep know His voice. It is only when we are dull of hearing that we mistakenly hear another's voice and follow it. Sin can create a poor frequency in our communication with the Shepherd. Make sure your frequency is free of static (sin) today so that the Shepherd can lead you and go before you.
Finally, distractions can also keep us from hearing our Shepherd's voice. When the sheep get entangled in the fence or wander off, they get too far away to hear the Shepherd's voice. We must stay in close proximity to the Shepherd to hear His voice. Stay close to the Shepherd today. Listen and follow. He wants to lead you.
by Os Hillman, April 22, 2007
He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. - John 8:47
Jesus said that the key to being able to hear God's voice is first to be one of His children. One of the great mysteries of the universe to my logical mind is how God can communicate with six billion people on the earth at the same time. It is one of those mysteries I must let go of because my "hard drive" would crash if I had to explain and understand this before I believed and trusted in Him. It is as though God places a computer chip in each human being, and when we place our faith and trust in Him, it becomes activated. We begin to communicate with Him. Jesus says that if we are children of God, then we can hear God's voice. He further explains this relationship in the following parable:
I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice (John 10:1-5).
The Shepherd is always representative of Christ. Sheep are representative of God's children. This passage tells us that the Shepherd communicates with His children. We are called by name and we can listen to our Shepherd's voice. There is another comforting aspect to this relationship. The Shepherd goes before the sheep to prepare the way. Jesus has already gone before us today to prepare our way.
Knowing the Shepherd and His voice allows us to have the assurance that we will not be fooled by another shepherd's voice. The sheep know His voice. It is only when we are dull of hearing that we mistakenly hear another's voice and follow it. Sin can create a poor frequency in our communication with the Shepherd. Make sure your frequency is free of static (sin) today so that the Shepherd can lead you and go before you.
Finally, distractions can also keep us from hearing our Shepherd's voice. When the sheep get entangled in the fence or wander off, they get too far away to hear the Shepherd's voice. We must stay in close proximity to the Shepherd to hear His voice. Stay close to the Shepherd today. Listen and follow. He wants to lead you.
The Joy of Giving
Daily Manna
April 21, 2007
The Joy of Giving
By Joel Osteen
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Acts 20:35
One of the greatest challenges we face in our quest to enjoy our best lives now is the temptation to live selfishly. Because we believe that God wants the best for us, that He wants us to prosper, that we have the favor of God, and that He has much more in store, it is easy to slip into the subtle trap of selfishness. Not only will you avoid that pitfall, but you will have more joy than you dreamed possible when you live to give, which is the sixth step to living at your full potential.
Society teaches us to look out for number one. “What’s in it for me? I’ll help you, but what will I get in return?” We readily acknowledge this as the “me” generation, and that same narcissism sometimes spills over into our relationship with God, our families, and one another.
Many people nowadays are blatantly and unashamedly living for themselves. They’re not interested in other people. They don’t have time to help others in need. They focus only on what they want, what they need, what they feel will most benefit themselves. Ironically, this selfish attitude condemns them to living shallow, unrewarding lives. No matter how much they acquire for themselves, they are never satisfied.
Friend, if you want to experience a new level of God’s joy, if you want Him to pour out His blessings and favor in your life, then you’re going to have to get your mind off yourself. You must learn to be a giver and not a taker. Quit trying to figure out what everybody can do for you, and start trying to figure out what you can do for somebody else. We were not made to function as self-involved people, thinking only of ourselves. No, God created us to be givers. And you will never be truly fulfilled as a human being until you learn the simple secret of how to give your life away
When I’m tempted to be upset or worried, or when I lose my joy, the first thing I ask myself is, “What am I focused on? Where is the emphasis? What am I thinking about?” Nine times out of ten I’m thinking about my problems. I’m thinking about some concern or frustration in my life. I’m thinking about what I must do tomorrow. When I get all caught up in me, it’s a formula for depression and discouragement. We must learn to get our focus off ourselves. The late singer Keith Green said it well: “It’s so hard to see when my eyes are on me.
We Were Created to Give
You may not realize it, but it is extremely selfish to go around always dwelling on your problems, always thinking about what you want or need, and hardly noticing the many needs of others all around you. One of the best things you can do if you’re having a problem is to help solve somebody else’s problem. If you want your dreams to come to pass, help someone else fulfill his or her dreams. Start sowing some seeds so God can bring you a harvest. When we meet other people’s needs, God always meets our needs.
I met a man not too long ago who was extremely disgruntled with life, disappointed with God and himself. He had been highly successful at one time, but through a series of poor choices, he lost his business, his family, his home, and his entire life savings. Now, he was basically living out of his car.
He was deeply depressed, so I attempted to cheer him up and encourage him. After I finished praying for him, I gave him some practical advice. “Listen, sir, you’ve got to get your mind off your problems,” I told him. “Get your mind off the mistakes you’ve made and all the things you’ve lost.” I told him, “If you really want to be happy, if you really want to be restored, you’ve got to change your focus and go out and help somebody else in need. You’ve got to sow some seeds.
“Do you know that no matter how big your problem is today, somebody else has a bigger problem, a tougher road, a more heartrending story than yours? You can help make a difference in somebody’s life. You can help ease somebody’s burden. You can cheer somebody up, and give somebody a fresh new hope.”
The man promised that he would take my advice. He connected with some men at Lakewood who help people overcome addictions. Instead of moping in his car, thinking about what a failure he was, he began spending his time helping to care for those drug addicts. He became a friend to many of the addicts, listening to their struggles, encouraging them, praying for them, and challenging them to believe for a better life. He became a giver.
He showed up at church a few weeks later, and I’ll never forget seeing him walk through the front lobby. He was beaming with joy. He had a smile from ear to ear. I said, “Hey, man, you look great. What’s going on?”
He said, “Joel, I’ve spent the last two weeks taking care of cocaine addicts, and I’ve never had so much joy in all my life.” He wiped a tear from his eye as he said, “I’ve never been so fulfilled.” He said, “I spent my whole life living for myself, building my career, doing what I wanted to do, whatever I thought would bring me happiness. But now I see what really matters.”
We were created to give, not to simply please ourselves. If you miss that truth, you will miss the abundant, overflowing, joy-filled life that God has in store for you.
Interestingly, my new friend went on to tell me how that week somebody had come by and offered him a job. He was moving out of his car and into an apartment. On and on, he related the great things that had begun happening to him in just a matter of weeks since he became a giver rather than a taker. And it all started when he got his mind off himself and began to help other people.
When you reach out to other people in need, God will make sure that your own needs are supplied. If you’re lonely today, don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Go help someone else who is lonely. If you’re down and discouraged, don’t focus on your own need. Get your mind off yourself and go help meet someone else’s need. Go visit the nursing home or a children’s hospital. Call a friend and encourage that person. You need to sow some seed so God can bring you a harvest.
If you are believing for your child to find God, go help somebody else’s child to develop a relationship with God. If you’re struggling financially; go out and help somebody who has less than you have.
You may say, “Joel, I don’t have anything to give.” Sure you do! You can give a smile. You can give a hug. You can mow somebody’s lawn. You can bake somebody a cake. You can visit someone in the hospital or in a senior citizens’ center. You can write somebody an encouraging letter. Somebody needs what you have to share. Somebody needs your smile. Somebody needs your love. Somebody needs your friendship. Somebody needs your encouragement. God didn’t make us to function as “Lone Rangers.” He created us to be free, but He did not intend for us to be independent of each other. We really do need one another.
A Rescuing Hug
I heard an amazing story about a set of twins who were just a few days old. One of them had been born with a serious heart condition and wasn’t expected to live. A few days went by and one baby’s health continued to deteriorate; she was close to death. A hospital nurse asked if she could go against hospital policy and put the babies in the same incubator together, rather than in individual incubators. It was a big ordeal, but finally the doctor consented to allow the twins to be placed side by side in the same incubator, just as they had been in their mother’s womb.
Somehow, the healthy baby managed to reach over and put his arm around his little sick sister. Before long, and for no apparent reason, her heart began to stabilize and heal. Her blood pressure came up to normal. Her temperature soon followed suit. Little by little she got better, and today they are both perfectly healthy children. A newspaper caught wind of the story and photographed the twins while still in the incubator, embraced in a hug. They ran the photo with the caption “The Rescuing Hug.”
Friend, somebody needs your hug today. Somebody needs your love. Somebody needs to feel your touch. You may not realize it, but there is healing in your hands. There is healing in your voice. God wants to use you to bring hope, healing, love, and victory to people wherever you go. If you’ll dare to take your mind off your troubles, get your mind off your own needs and, instead, seek to be a blessing to other people, God will do more for you than you could even ask or think.
Focus on Being a Blessing
Don’t live a self-centered life. You have so much to give, so much to offer. When you center your life around yourself, not only do you miss out on God’s best, but you rob other people of the joy and blessings that God wants to give them through you. The Scripture says, “We should encourage one another daily.” It’s easy to criticize and condemn, to point out everyone’s flaws and failures. But God wants us to build people up, to be a blessing, speaking words of faith and victory into their lives.
“Joel, I don’t have the time,” I hear you saying. “I’m so busy.”
How long does it take to give somebody a compliment? How long does it take to tell your wife, “I love you. You’re great. I’m glad you’re mine.” How long does it take to tell your employee, “You are doing a fine job. I appreciate your hard work.”
It’s not enough to think kind compliments; we need to express them. As the old saying puts it: “Love is not love until you give it away.” We should get up each morning with an attitude that says: I’m going to make somebody else happy today. I’m going to help meet somebody else’s need. Don’t go through life as a taker; become a giver.
“But, Joel, I have so many problems and so many needs of my own...”
Yes, but if you get your mind off your problems and begin to help others, you won’t have to worry about your needs. God will take care of them for you. Something supernatural happens when we get our eyes off ourselves and turn them to the needs of those around us.
The Old Testament teaches, “When you feed the hungry, when you clothe the naked, when you encourage the oppressed, then your life is going to break forth like the dawn. Then your healing is going to quickly come.” In other words, when you reach out to hurting people, that’s when God is going to make sure your needs are supplied. When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.
I’ll never forget what my mother did when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in 1981. After she got out of that hospital, she could easily have come home and just sunk into a deep pit of depression. But Mother didn’t do that. She didn’t stay focused on herself. She didn’t constantly dwell on that sickness. In her time of greatest need, in the darkest hour of her life, what did she do? She went to church and prayed for other people who were sick or in need. She sowed those seeds of healing. And just as the Scripture says, as she began to help other people in need, her light broke forth like the dawn, and her own healing came.
I’m convinced that many people would receive the miracle they have been praying about if they would simply turn their attention away from themselves, away from their own needs and problems, and start to focus on being a blessing to other people. All too often we spend most of our time trying to be blessed. “God, what can You do for me? God, here’s my prayer list. Can I have it by next Tuesday?”
We should concentrate more on being a blessing than trying to be blessed. We need to look for opportunities to share God’s love, His gifts, and His goodness with others. The truth is, the more you help others, the more God will make sure that you are helped.
Let’s get practical. If you have things lying around your house or in storage that you are never going to use again, why not give those things away to someone who could use them? Those extra things aren’t doing you any good stacked in your attic, basement, or garage. If it’s not meeting a need, turn it into a seed!
A few years back I bought an expensive top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art push lawn mower. I was so proud of that lawn mower. Then, about that time, my dad went to be with the Lord, and a lot of things changed in my life. I became a pastor and my schedule became much busier. So busy, in fact, that I didn’t have time to mow my own lawn anymore. I had to hire someone to do it.
I stored my state-of-the-art lawn mower in my garage with all my other lawn equipment. Every time I pulled my car into the garage, I could see it and enjoy it.
One day as I pulled into the garage I heard a voice deep inside saying, Joel, you ought to give away all that lawn equipment.
My first reaction was, Hey! Wait a minute. I paid a lot of money for that lawn mower. I’ve hardly even used it. It’s brand new. Besides I may need it again one day. What if I get fired?
Our minds can conjure up all kinds of excuses when God begins unclasping our sticky fingers. Human nature wants to hold on to everything. So, being the deeply spiritual man that I am, I totally ignored that voice.
Week after week went by, and every time I pulled into my garage, I felt convicted. There was my brand-new lawn mower—hardly used— and it was not doing anybody a bit of good. There was my leaf blower, my weed-eater, and my edger. There was all that other wonderful lawn-care stuff.
I knew I was never going to use it again. I knew that twenty years from now it would probably still be sitting there. But I just couldn’t bear the thought of giving away something so new, something I loved so much. After all, I had hardly even used it!
I pulled into the garage another day; and I heard the voice again; Joel, you either give that lawn mower away, or you’re going to start mowing your own lawn again.
I gave it away less than thirty minutes later!
You probably have some items like that lying around your house as well. Clothes you haven’t worn in years, cooking utensils still packed in boxes from your last move, books, your children’s crib and baby clothing, and all sorts of other things that you haven’t used in ages! Most clutter experts say, “If you haven’t used an item within the past year, give it away!” If it’s not meeting a need, turn it into a seed. Remember, we will reap what we sow. When you do good for other people, that’s when God is going to make sure that His abundant blessings overtake you.
If you want to live your best life now, you must develop a lifestyle of giving: living to give instead of living to get. Have an attitude that says, Who can I bless today? rather than How can I get blessed today?
To catch monkeys years ago, hunters would take a large barrel and fill it with bananas and other treats appealing to monkeys. Then they’d cut a hole in the side, just large enough that the monkey could barely get his hand and his arm through it. The monkey would reach in the barrel and grab one of those treats. But when he clenched his fist, it would be too big to back out of the hole. That monkey would be so stubborn and so intent on holding on to what he had in his hand, even when his captors converged on him, he wouldn’t turn it loose. He was easy prey for the men with the nets.
Sadly, monkeys are not alone when it comes to selfishness. Many people live like that, too. They live with their hands clenched. They are so focused on holding on to what they have, they don’t realize that it is robbing them of the freedom and the abundant blessings that God has in store for them. They are selfish with their money, with their resources, and with their time.
How about you? Are you so focused on getting what you want, what you need, that you don’t obey that still, small voice when God tells you to bless others? Open your hands; don’t hold on so tightly. God will not fill a closed fist with good things. Be a giver, rather than a taker. You won’t have to look far before you find someone you can help. There’s a whole world out there that’s crying out for help. You have an opportunity to live unselfishly, displaying the character of God. God is a giver, and you are never more like God than when you give.
God promised the Old Testament patriarch Abraham, “I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing.” We often read such promises, and say, “All right, God! Come on; pour out Your blessings on me!” But notice, there’s a catch. We must do something; better yet, we must be something. God is implying that we will not be blessed simply so we can live lavishly or self-indulgently. We will be blessed to be a blessing. Indeed, unless we are willing to be a blessing, God will not pour out His favor and goodness in our lives. We will receive from God in the same measure we give to others.
“But Joel, you just don’t understand. I don’t have anything to give. I don’t have a lawn mower lying around like you did.”
Perhaps not. But it all depends on your attitude. You must be faithful in the little you have right now before God will bless you with more. A lot of people say, “God, when are You going to bless me?” But if we’d listen more carefully, maybe we’d hear God saying, “When are you going to start being a blessing?”
Giving is a spiritual principle. Whatever you give will be given back to you. If you give a smile, you will receive smiles from others. If you are generous to people in their time of need, God will make sure that other people are generous to you in your time of need. Interesting, isn’t it? What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
Live to Give
I saw an interesting report about a young man in Saudi Arabia. He was extremely wealthy and lived in an ornate palace almost too grand to describe. He had scores of automobiles and airplanes. He owned several cruise ships just for his personal use. The man was rich beyond anything my mind could fathom.
But what intrigued me about him was the interesting way in which he used part of his wealth. Every couple of months or so, he would bring in hundreds of poor people from his country. He met with them individually and discussed their needs. Then, in most cases, he would give the people whatever they needed. If they needed a car, he would buy them a car. If they needed a home, he would buy them a home. If they needed money for an operation, he provided that as well. Whatever the need, he would meet it. He gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars and literally millions more in property and materials. Is it any wonder why his business continues to flourish?
I doubt that the Saudi man practices the Christian faith, but the principles of giving are spiritual principles. They work regardless of nationality, skin color, or even religion. If you give unselfishly, it is going to be given back to you. If you meet other people’s needs, God will make sure your own needs are supplied in abundance.
The Bible says, “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord.” That Saudi man has developed a lifestyle of giving, especially to the poor, and not surprisingly, that which he sows comes back to him exponentially. He has lent to God by helping the poor, and God will not be in debt to any person.
You may be thinking, Well, if I had all that money, I would do the same thing.
No, that’s where you miss it. You have to start right where you are. You must be faithful with what you have, then God will trust you with more. You may not have a lot of extra money to give, but you can buy somebody’s dinner every once in a while. You can give somebody a kind word. You can go out of your way to pray for somebody in need.
Now is the time to develop an attitude of giving. Friend, the closest thing to the heart of our God is helping hurting people. God loves when we sing and when we pray. He loves when we come together to celebrate His goodness. But nothing pleases God any more than when we take care of one of His children. Jesus said, “If you even give as much as a cup of water to somebody in need, I see it and I’m going to reward you.” He said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Somebody needs what you have to give. It may not be your money; it may be your time. It may be your listening ear. It may be your arms to encourage. It may be your smile to uplift. Who knows? Maybe just like that little baby, putting your arm around somebody and letting him or her know that you care can help begin to heal that person’s heart. Maybe you can give a rescuing hug.
John Bunyan, author of the classic book The Pilgrim’s Progress, said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot pay’ you back.” Make a decision that you will live to give. Be on the lookout each day for somebody you can bless. Don’t live for yourself; learn to give yourself away, and your life will make a difference
April 21, 2007
The Joy of Giving
By Joel Osteen
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Acts 20:35
One of the greatest challenges we face in our quest to enjoy our best lives now is the temptation to live selfishly. Because we believe that God wants the best for us, that He wants us to prosper, that we have the favor of God, and that He has much more in store, it is easy to slip into the subtle trap of selfishness. Not only will you avoid that pitfall, but you will have more joy than you dreamed possible when you live to give, which is the sixth step to living at your full potential.
Society teaches us to look out for number one. “What’s in it for me? I’ll help you, but what will I get in return?” We readily acknowledge this as the “me” generation, and that same narcissism sometimes spills over into our relationship with God, our families, and one another.
Many people nowadays are blatantly and unashamedly living for themselves. They’re not interested in other people. They don’t have time to help others in need. They focus only on what they want, what they need, what they feel will most benefit themselves. Ironically, this selfish attitude condemns them to living shallow, unrewarding lives. No matter how much they acquire for themselves, they are never satisfied.
Friend, if you want to experience a new level of God’s joy, if you want Him to pour out His blessings and favor in your life, then you’re going to have to get your mind off yourself. You must learn to be a giver and not a taker. Quit trying to figure out what everybody can do for you, and start trying to figure out what you can do for somebody else. We were not made to function as self-involved people, thinking only of ourselves. No, God created us to be givers. And you will never be truly fulfilled as a human being until you learn the simple secret of how to give your life away
When I’m tempted to be upset or worried, or when I lose my joy, the first thing I ask myself is, “What am I focused on? Where is the emphasis? What am I thinking about?” Nine times out of ten I’m thinking about my problems. I’m thinking about some concern or frustration in my life. I’m thinking about what I must do tomorrow. When I get all caught up in me, it’s a formula for depression and discouragement. We must learn to get our focus off ourselves. The late singer Keith Green said it well: “It’s so hard to see when my eyes are on me.
We Were Created to Give
You may not realize it, but it is extremely selfish to go around always dwelling on your problems, always thinking about what you want or need, and hardly noticing the many needs of others all around you. One of the best things you can do if you’re having a problem is to help solve somebody else’s problem. If you want your dreams to come to pass, help someone else fulfill his or her dreams. Start sowing some seeds so God can bring you a harvest. When we meet other people’s needs, God always meets our needs.
I met a man not too long ago who was extremely disgruntled with life, disappointed with God and himself. He had been highly successful at one time, but through a series of poor choices, he lost his business, his family, his home, and his entire life savings. Now, he was basically living out of his car.
He was deeply depressed, so I attempted to cheer him up and encourage him. After I finished praying for him, I gave him some practical advice. “Listen, sir, you’ve got to get your mind off your problems,” I told him. “Get your mind off the mistakes you’ve made and all the things you’ve lost.” I told him, “If you really want to be happy, if you really want to be restored, you’ve got to change your focus and go out and help somebody else in need. You’ve got to sow some seeds.
“Do you know that no matter how big your problem is today, somebody else has a bigger problem, a tougher road, a more heartrending story than yours? You can help make a difference in somebody’s life. You can help ease somebody’s burden. You can cheer somebody up, and give somebody a fresh new hope.”
The man promised that he would take my advice. He connected with some men at Lakewood who help people overcome addictions. Instead of moping in his car, thinking about what a failure he was, he began spending his time helping to care for those drug addicts. He became a friend to many of the addicts, listening to their struggles, encouraging them, praying for them, and challenging them to believe for a better life. He became a giver.
He showed up at church a few weeks later, and I’ll never forget seeing him walk through the front lobby. He was beaming with joy. He had a smile from ear to ear. I said, “Hey, man, you look great. What’s going on?”
He said, “Joel, I’ve spent the last two weeks taking care of cocaine addicts, and I’ve never had so much joy in all my life.” He wiped a tear from his eye as he said, “I’ve never been so fulfilled.” He said, “I spent my whole life living for myself, building my career, doing what I wanted to do, whatever I thought would bring me happiness. But now I see what really matters.”
We were created to give, not to simply please ourselves. If you miss that truth, you will miss the abundant, overflowing, joy-filled life that God has in store for you.
Interestingly, my new friend went on to tell me how that week somebody had come by and offered him a job. He was moving out of his car and into an apartment. On and on, he related the great things that had begun happening to him in just a matter of weeks since he became a giver rather than a taker. And it all started when he got his mind off himself and began to help other people.
When you reach out to other people in need, God will make sure that your own needs are supplied. If you’re lonely today, don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Go help someone else who is lonely. If you’re down and discouraged, don’t focus on your own need. Get your mind off yourself and go help meet someone else’s need. Go visit the nursing home or a children’s hospital. Call a friend and encourage that person. You need to sow some seed so God can bring you a harvest.
If you are believing for your child to find God, go help somebody else’s child to develop a relationship with God. If you’re struggling financially; go out and help somebody who has less than you have.
You may say, “Joel, I don’t have anything to give.” Sure you do! You can give a smile. You can give a hug. You can mow somebody’s lawn. You can bake somebody a cake. You can visit someone in the hospital or in a senior citizens’ center. You can write somebody an encouraging letter. Somebody needs what you have to share. Somebody needs your smile. Somebody needs your love. Somebody needs your friendship. Somebody needs your encouragement. God didn’t make us to function as “Lone Rangers.” He created us to be free, but He did not intend for us to be independent of each other. We really do need one another.
A Rescuing Hug
I heard an amazing story about a set of twins who were just a few days old. One of them had been born with a serious heart condition and wasn’t expected to live. A few days went by and one baby’s health continued to deteriorate; she was close to death. A hospital nurse asked if she could go against hospital policy and put the babies in the same incubator together, rather than in individual incubators. It was a big ordeal, but finally the doctor consented to allow the twins to be placed side by side in the same incubator, just as they had been in their mother’s womb.
Somehow, the healthy baby managed to reach over and put his arm around his little sick sister. Before long, and for no apparent reason, her heart began to stabilize and heal. Her blood pressure came up to normal. Her temperature soon followed suit. Little by little she got better, and today they are both perfectly healthy children. A newspaper caught wind of the story and photographed the twins while still in the incubator, embraced in a hug. They ran the photo with the caption “The Rescuing Hug.”
Friend, somebody needs your hug today. Somebody needs your love. Somebody needs to feel your touch. You may not realize it, but there is healing in your hands. There is healing in your voice. God wants to use you to bring hope, healing, love, and victory to people wherever you go. If you’ll dare to take your mind off your troubles, get your mind off your own needs and, instead, seek to be a blessing to other people, God will do more for you than you could even ask or think.
Focus on Being a Blessing
Don’t live a self-centered life. You have so much to give, so much to offer. When you center your life around yourself, not only do you miss out on God’s best, but you rob other people of the joy and blessings that God wants to give them through you. The Scripture says, “We should encourage one another daily.” It’s easy to criticize and condemn, to point out everyone’s flaws and failures. But God wants us to build people up, to be a blessing, speaking words of faith and victory into their lives.
“Joel, I don’t have the time,” I hear you saying. “I’m so busy.”
How long does it take to give somebody a compliment? How long does it take to tell your wife, “I love you. You’re great. I’m glad you’re mine.” How long does it take to tell your employee, “You are doing a fine job. I appreciate your hard work.”
It’s not enough to think kind compliments; we need to express them. As the old saying puts it: “Love is not love until you give it away.” We should get up each morning with an attitude that says: I’m going to make somebody else happy today. I’m going to help meet somebody else’s need. Don’t go through life as a taker; become a giver.
“But, Joel, I have so many problems and so many needs of my own...”
Yes, but if you get your mind off your problems and begin to help others, you won’t have to worry about your needs. God will take care of them for you. Something supernatural happens when we get our eyes off ourselves and turn them to the needs of those around us.
The Old Testament teaches, “When you feed the hungry, when you clothe the naked, when you encourage the oppressed, then your life is going to break forth like the dawn. Then your healing is going to quickly come.” In other words, when you reach out to hurting people, that’s when God is going to make sure your needs are supplied. When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.
I’ll never forget what my mother did when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in 1981. After she got out of that hospital, she could easily have come home and just sunk into a deep pit of depression. But Mother didn’t do that. She didn’t stay focused on herself. She didn’t constantly dwell on that sickness. In her time of greatest need, in the darkest hour of her life, what did she do? She went to church and prayed for other people who were sick or in need. She sowed those seeds of healing. And just as the Scripture says, as she began to help other people in need, her light broke forth like the dawn, and her own healing came.
I’m convinced that many people would receive the miracle they have been praying about if they would simply turn their attention away from themselves, away from their own needs and problems, and start to focus on being a blessing to other people. All too often we spend most of our time trying to be blessed. “God, what can You do for me? God, here’s my prayer list. Can I have it by next Tuesday?”
We should concentrate more on being a blessing than trying to be blessed. We need to look for opportunities to share God’s love, His gifts, and His goodness with others. The truth is, the more you help others, the more God will make sure that you are helped.
Let’s get practical. If you have things lying around your house or in storage that you are never going to use again, why not give those things away to someone who could use them? Those extra things aren’t doing you any good stacked in your attic, basement, or garage. If it’s not meeting a need, turn it into a seed!
A few years back I bought an expensive top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art push lawn mower. I was so proud of that lawn mower. Then, about that time, my dad went to be with the Lord, and a lot of things changed in my life. I became a pastor and my schedule became much busier. So busy, in fact, that I didn’t have time to mow my own lawn anymore. I had to hire someone to do it.
I stored my state-of-the-art lawn mower in my garage with all my other lawn equipment. Every time I pulled my car into the garage, I could see it and enjoy it.
One day as I pulled into the garage I heard a voice deep inside saying, Joel, you ought to give away all that lawn equipment.
My first reaction was, Hey! Wait a minute. I paid a lot of money for that lawn mower. I’ve hardly even used it. It’s brand new. Besides I may need it again one day. What if I get fired?
Our minds can conjure up all kinds of excuses when God begins unclasping our sticky fingers. Human nature wants to hold on to everything. So, being the deeply spiritual man that I am, I totally ignored that voice.
Week after week went by, and every time I pulled into my garage, I felt convicted. There was my brand-new lawn mower—hardly used— and it was not doing anybody a bit of good. There was my leaf blower, my weed-eater, and my edger. There was all that other wonderful lawn-care stuff.
I knew I was never going to use it again. I knew that twenty years from now it would probably still be sitting there. But I just couldn’t bear the thought of giving away something so new, something I loved so much. After all, I had hardly even used it!
I pulled into the garage another day; and I heard the voice again; Joel, you either give that lawn mower away, or you’re going to start mowing your own lawn again.
I gave it away less than thirty minutes later!
You probably have some items like that lying around your house as well. Clothes you haven’t worn in years, cooking utensils still packed in boxes from your last move, books, your children’s crib and baby clothing, and all sorts of other things that you haven’t used in ages! Most clutter experts say, “If you haven’t used an item within the past year, give it away!” If it’s not meeting a need, turn it into a seed. Remember, we will reap what we sow. When you do good for other people, that’s when God is going to make sure that His abundant blessings overtake you.
If you want to live your best life now, you must develop a lifestyle of giving: living to give instead of living to get. Have an attitude that says, Who can I bless today? rather than How can I get blessed today?
To catch monkeys years ago, hunters would take a large barrel and fill it with bananas and other treats appealing to monkeys. Then they’d cut a hole in the side, just large enough that the monkey could barely get his hand and his arm through it. The monkey would reach in the barrel and grab one of those treats. But when he clenched his fist, it would be too big to back out of the hole. That monkey would be so stubborn and so intent on holding on to what he had in his hand, even when his captors converged on him, he wouldn’t turn it loose. He was easy prey for the men with the nets.
Sadly, monkeys are not alone when it comes to selfishness. Many people live like that, too. They live with their hands clenched. They are so focused on holding on to what they have, they don’t realize that it is robbing them of the freedom and the abundant blessings that God has in store for them. They are selfish with their money, with their resources, and with their time.
How about you? Are you so focused on getting what you want, what you need, that you don’t obey that still, small voice when God tells you to bless others? Open your hands; don’t hold on so tightly. God will not fill a closed fist with good things. Be a giver, rather than a taker. You won’t have to look far before you find someone you can help. There’s a whole world out there that’s crying out for help. You have an opportunity to live unselfishly, displaying the character of God. God is a giver, and you are never more like God than when you give.
God promised the Old Testament patriarch Abraham, “I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing.” We often read such promises, and say, “All right, God! Come on; pour out Your blessings on me!” But notice, there’s a catch. We must do something; better yet, we must be something. God is implying that we will not be blessed simply so we can live lavishly or self-indulgently. We will be blessed to be a blessing. Indeed, unless we are willing to be a blessing, God will not pour out His favor and goodness in our lives. We will receive from God in the same measure we give to others.
“But Joel, you just don’t understand. I don’t have anything to give. I don’t have a lawn mower lying around like you did.”
Perhaps not. But it all depends on your attitude. You must be faithful in the little you have right now before God will bless you with more. A lot of people say, “God, when are You going to bless me?” But if we’d listen more carefully, maybe we’d hear God saying, “When are you going to start being a blessing?”
Giving is a spiritual principle. Whatever you give will be given back to you. If you give a smile, you will receive smiles from others. If you are generous to people in their time of need, God will make sure that other people are generous to you in your time of need. Interesting, isn’t it? What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
Live to Give
I saw an interesting report about a young man in Saudi Arabia. He was extremely wealthy and lived in an ornate palace almost too grand to describe. He had scores of automobiles and airplanes. He owned several cruise ships just for his personal use. The man was rich beyond anything my mind could fathom.
But what intrigued me about him was the interesting way in which he used part of his wealth. Every couple of months or so, he would bring in hundreds of poor people from his country. He met with them individually and discussed their needs. Then, in most cases, he would give the people whatever they needed. If they needed a car, he would buy them a car. If they needed a home, he would buy them a home. If they needed money for an operation, he provided that as well. Whatever the need, he would meet it. He gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars and literally millions more in property and materials. Is it any wonder why his business continues to flourish?
I doubt that the Saudi man practices the Christian faith, but the principles of giving are spiritual principles. They work regardless of nationality, skin color, or even religion. If you give unselfishly, it is going to be given back to you. If you meet other people’s needs, God will make sure your own needs are supplied in abundance.
The Bible says, “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord.” That Saudi man has developed a lifestyle of giving, especially to the poor, and not surprisingly, that which he sows comes back to him exponentially. He has lent to God by helping the poor, and God will not be in debt to any person.
You may be thinking, Well, if I had all that money, I would do the same thing.
No, that’s where you miss it. You have to start right where you are. You must be faithful with what you have, then God will trust you with more. You may not have a lot of extra money to give, but you can buy somebody’s dinner every once in a while. You can give somebody a kind word. You can go out of your way to pray for somebody in need.
Now is the time to develop an attitude of giving. Friend, the closest thing to the heart of our God is helping hurting people. God loves when we sing and when we pray. He loves when we come together to celebrate His goodness. But nothing pleases God any more than when we take care of one of His children. Jesus said, “If you even give as much as a cup of water to somebody in need, I see it and I’m going to reward you.” He said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Somebody needs what you have to give. It may not be your money; it may be your time. It may be your listening ear. It may be your arms to encourage. It may be your smile to uplift. Who knows? Maybe just like that little baby, putting your arm around somebody and letting him or her know that you care can help begin to heal that person’s heart. Maybe you can give a rescuing hug.
John Bunyan, author of the classic book The Pilgrim’s Progress, said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot pay’ you back.” Make a decision that you will live to give. Be on the lookout each day for somebody you can bless. Don’t live for yourself; learn to give yourself away, and your life will make a difference
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