Yep, it's that time again; for some it's pretty new clothes for the ladies, egg hunts, bunnies, chicks and peeps, ham dinners and the semi-annual trip to church.
For Christendom, the day marks a special observance. No, it's not the actual anniversary of Jesus' resurrection, and it's not a biblical holy day, but it is a day of gathering, a unique day of observance for those who are called by His name.
We observe and reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us and His triumphal return, the vanquishing of physical death and His glorious return to the right hand of the Father in heaven.
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55
We are reminded, if need be, that this physical life is temporary, temporal, short term. We are reminded that Jesus waits for us, that He paved the way on that cross to our return to God as well. We are reminded that we who are called by His name are aliens, strangers in a strange land, once destined for a second death but now born again and looking forward to a new life with Him who is our Lord.
Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.
We raise our hands in church and sing "Hallelujah" but i'ts more than that; i'ts the quiet reflection of our position in His family, of His glorious love for us and, through His love, our ability to love one another.
I confess, my church attendance has been poor lately and I am sore in need of renewed fellowship, but it's not about church and i'ts not about pomp and ceremony. It's about the power of concerted, purposeful prayer and the gathering of sincere hearts to praise, to worship, to cry out His name and, in doing, to partake of restoration, of peaceful gathering, of the deafening serenity of His presence among us.
Yes, where ever and whenever we are in mindful communication with Him, there He is, but, oh, what a time when we are joined together in synchronous praise! Hallelujah indeed!
"Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals." ~ Psalm 150
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
delusional?
It's not uncommon to hear lost folks refer to saved folks as "delusional"; the irony does not escape us.
1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
So often I wish that I could easily explain the concepts of God, the reality of our world, the inescapable truths to those who can not begin to understand, as I also could not before, in a manner that would be quickly understood, believed and accepted.
Each time I watch "The Matrix" I ponder the similarities between this fictional "reality" and the same unreality that exists here for those who are not lined up with God's Holy Spirit.
How do you explain to the "Neo's" of this world, that there is another existence, more real than can be imagined, but not attainable until one lets go of "reality" and steps out in faith to receive the unimaginable existence that is God's grace unfolding?
How do we get them to "take the blue pill"?
We don't. We just tell them what we know to be true, prayerfully and with tenderness, and allow the Holy Spirit do His job, warming the heart and mind of those who are called. We know He will, because He did the same for each of us in His family.
Awakened, reborn, alive.
1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
So often I wish that I could easily explain the concepts of God, the reality of our world, the inescapable truths to those who can not begin to understand, as I also could not before, in a manner that would be quickly understood, believed and accepted.
Each time I watch "The Matrix" I ponder the similarities between this fictional "reality" and the same unreality that exists here for those who are not lined up with God's Holy Spirit.
How do you explain to the "Neo's" of this world, that there is another existence, more real than can be imagined, but not attainable until one lets go of "reality" and steps out in faith to receive the unimaginable existence that is God's grace unfolding?
How do we get them to "take the blue pill"?
We don't. We just tell them what we know to be true, prayerfully and with tenderness, and allow the Holy Spirit do His job, warming the heart and mind of those who are called. We know He will, because He did the same for each of us in His family.
Awakened, reborn, alive.
1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
share the blessing
forwarded by a friend
This Easter season take the initiative to share the good news of Jesus with your family, friends, and neighbors. Here are some good pointers I read recently and wanted to pass along to you.
1. Go to people. The heart of evangelism is Christians taking the initiative to actually go out and "fish for men." Acts 17:17 describes for us how Paul was effective in his day and time: "Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the gentile worshippers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there."
2. Communicate with people. Engage them. Sharing the Gospel involves communication. People must be focused upon and then understand the Gospel to respond to it. It is our responsibility as Christians to make it as clear as possible for all who will listen. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Cor. 5:11).
3. Relate to people. Effective witness involves not only the transmission of biblical information; it also includes establishing a relationship with the other person. Hearts, as well as heads, must meet. "So, affectionately longing for you," said Paul to the Thessalonians, "we were well pleased to import to you not only the good news of God, but also our own lives, because you have become dear to us" (1 Thess. 2:8).
4. Remove barriers. Part of our responsibility involves having the skills to eliminate obstacles, real or imagined, which keep an individual from taking the Christian message seriously. When God sent the prophet Jeremiah forth, He said, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth . . . and I have ordained you to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Sometimes our task as well is one of "spiritual demolition," of removing the false so the seeds of truth can take root. Apologetics sometimes serves in that capacity, of preparing a highway for God in someone's life.
5. Explain the gospel to others. We need an army of Christians today who can consistently and clearly present the message to as many people as possible. Luke says of Lydia, "The Lord opened her heart so that she heeded the things which were spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:14). Four essential elements in sharing the gospel:
7. Make every effort by every means to establish them in the faith. Stay with them, ground them in the Scripture, help them gain assurance of their salvation, and get them active in a vital fellowship/church.
This Easter season take the initiative to share the good news of Jesus with your family, friends, and neighbors. Here are some good pointers I read recently and wanted to pass along to you.
1. Go to people. The heart of evangelism is Christians taking the initiative to actually go out and "fish for men." Acts 17:17 describes for us how Paul was effective in his day and time: "Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the gentile worshippers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there."
2. Communicate with people. Engage them. Sharing the Gospel involves communication. People must be focused upon and then understand the Gospel to respond to it. It is our responsibility as Christians to make it as clear as possible for all who will listen. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Cor. 5:11).
3. Relate to people. Effective witness involves not only the transmission of biblical information; it also includes establishing a relationship with the other person. Hearts, as well as heads, must meet. "So, affectionately longing for you," said Paul to the Thessalonians, "we were well pleased to import to you not only the good news of God, but also our own lives, because you have become dear to us" (1 Thess. 2:8).
4. Remove barriers. Part of our responsibility involves having the skills to eliminate obstacles, real or imagined, which keep an individual from taking the Christian message seriously. When God sent the prophet Jeremiah forth, He said, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth . . . and I have ordained you to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Sometimes our task as well is one of "spiritual demolition," of removing the false so the seeds of truth can take root. Apologetics sometimes serves in that capacity, of preparing a highway for God in someone's life.
5. Explain the gospel to others. We need an army of Christians today who can consistently and clearly present the message to as many people as possible. Luke says of Lydia, "The Lord opened her heart so that she heeded the things which were spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:14). Four essential elements in sharing the gospel:
- someone talking (Paul)
- things spoken (gospel)
- someone listening (Lydia)
- the Lord opening the heart.
7. Make every effort by every means to establish them in the faith. Stay with them, ground them in the Scripture, help them gain assurance of their salvation, and get them active in a vital fellowship/church.
Monday, April 11, 2011
grace
"Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. The LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them." But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." ~ Genesis 6:5-8
Noah found favor; grace.
The Lord gave grace to Noah; grace for God's children is an established characteristic of God.
God was graceful.
God is graceful.
God is grace.
Thank you, Lord, for your grace, for your mercy, for your kindness, for your love fo me.
Undeserved, grace poured out, and mankind is saved to begin anew.
Noah found favor; grace.
The Lord gave grace to Noah; grace for God's children is an established characteristic of God.
God was graceful.
God is graceful.
God is grace.
Thank you, Lord, for your grace, for your mercy, for your kindness, for your love fo me.
Undeserved, grace poured out, and mankind is saved to begin anew.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
overflowing love
A friend, married in recent weeks, learned of the sudden death of his new mother-in-law and traveled far to attend the funeral and comfort the family. While there, his new family heard the news that his stepson had taken his life at the opposite end of the country.
As he relayed this news to me, struck with grief, I began to weep for my friend and for his family and he began to comfort me.
He began to comfort me.
He reminded me of the comfort of the Lord; he reminded me that we have the strength of the Lord to endure the trials and tribulations of this world. He praised God that he knew Him and that He knew him.
I grieve for my friend and for his family. I rejoice for my friend and for his family that may know our Lord as well. I take comfort that comfort is given by a mighty God.
A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.
~ Psalm 121
Essential Life
As he relayed this news to me, struck with grief, I began to weep for my friend and for his family and he began to comfort me.
He began to comfort me.
He reminded me of the comfort of the Lord; he reminded me that we have the strength of the Lord to endure the trials and tribulations of this world. He praised God that he knew Him and that He knew him.
I grieve for my friend and for his family. I rejoice for my friend and for his family that may know our Lord as well. I take comfort that comfort is given by a mighty God.
A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.
~ Psalm 121
Essential Life
a sloppy spirit and loose lips
"With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent; He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter."
~ Proverbs 11: 9-13
I confess that there are far too many occasions when my pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppy spirit allow me to fall into the sin of tearing down my neighbor. My silence frequently falls to my need to be heard and to be heard OVER the words of others.
Pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppiness fell my chance to be an uplifting influence as surely as an axe fells a rotten tree.
Words are permanent reminders to others of who we are today.
Today, I want to be a blessing.
"He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."
~ Proverbs 17:27-28
"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice deeds of wickedness With men who do iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds."
~ Psalm 141:3-5
~ Proverbs 11: 9-13
I confess that there are far too many occasions when my pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppy spirit allow me to fall into the sin of tearing down my neighbor. My silence frequently falls to my need to be heard and to be heard OVER the words of others.
Pride, arrogance, selfishness and sloppiness fell my chance to be an uplifting influence as surely as an axe fells a rotten tree.
Words are permanent reminders to others of who we are today.
Today, I want to be a blessing.
"He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."
~ Proverbs 17:27-28
"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice deeds of wickedness With men who do iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds."
~ Psalm 141:3-5
Friday, February 25, 2011
the slim factor
I am looking forward to a day when ya'll might call me "Slim".
Yes, I know its a long way off, but I've been called so many other things in my 57 years on this planet that I'm excited about the prospect! LOL!
I looked at Weight Watchers idea of my "healthy weight" of 174 pounds; a total loss of 137 pounds. WOW! That's a whole 'nuther person I'm walking around!
In six weeks I've lost 23.8 pounds for an average of about 4 pounds per weeks. If I can maintain this rate, I will reach 174 pounds in about 28 more weeks, the first week of September, just before my eldest daughter turns 18. I would love to give her the birthday gift of a streamlined Dad!
Even if I only average 2 pounds per week loss, by next April, at the age of 58, I will be in much better shape than I was at 48 and maybe even 38! What a delightful thought!
Two things must happen for me to reach that goal.
I must stay focused on continuing my path to a "healthy eater" lifestyle and I must incorporate regular, meaningful exercise.
I know that some of you might think that I should just stay watchful of the short term goal; 5#, 10#, 20#, 30#, etc., and there's wisdom in that, but, I'm a dreamer!
I can already see myself running and jumping again, chasing kites, dancing the night away, shooting hoops, having all the fun of a stronger, enjoyable body. I get a big smile just thinking about it!
Yep, I'll surely trip up a few times on the way, but I'll make more positive steps than negative, I'm thinking.
God didn't me here to watch my feet disappear, He put me here to walk for Him, and walk with enthusiasm again I shall! It's going to be a fun journey!
You're all gonna be with me at the end and we'll all celebrate together!
See ya,
Steve
Yes, I know its a long way off, but I've been called so many other things in my 57 years on this planet that I'm excited about the prospect! LOL!
I looked at Weight Watchers idea of my "healthy weight" of 174 pounds; a total loss of 137 pounds. WOW! That's a whole 'nuther person I'm walking around!
In six weeks I've lost 23.8 pounds for an average of about 4 pounds per weeks. If I can maintain this rate, I will reach 174 pounds in about 28 more weeks, the first week of September, just before my eldest daughter turns 18. I would love to give her the birthday gift of a streamlined Dad!
Even if I only average 2 pounds per week loss, by next April, at the age of 58, I will be in much better shape than I was at 48 and maybe even 38! What a delightful thought!
Two things must happen for me to reach that goal.
I must stay focused on continuing my path to a "healthy eater" lifestyle and I must incorporate regular, meaningful exercise.
I know that some of you might think that I should just stay watchful of the short term goal; 5#, 10#, 20#, 30#, etc., and there's wisdom in that, but, I'm a dreamer!
I can already see myself running and jumping again, chasing kites, dancing the night away, shooting hoops, having all the fun of a stronger, enjoyable body. I get a big smile just thinking about it!
Yep, I'll surely trip up a few times on the way, but I'll make more positive steps than negative, I'm thinking.
God didn't me here to watch my feet disappear, He put me here to walk for Him, and walk with enthusiasm again I shall! It's going to be a fun journey!
You're all gonna be with me at the end and we'll all celebrate together!
See ya,
Steve
Saturday, February 12, 2011
frantic times balanced by graceful blessings
Yesterday was a strange day for my family.
The annual Dad and Daughter Dance was in the works for the evening and I had taken off work, looking forward to spending a special evening with Beka and Rachel.
Around 3:00 pm, I was woken by the frantic ringing of my phone (yes, it can ring frantically), hearing first Jan's personal ring tone, followed immediately by my Mother-in-law's. From a sleepy state I knew something was wrong by the sequence of calls and leapt from bed to respond.
Calling the last number missed on the phone, I got Rachel, in a tearful panic, telling me that Beka was having a seizure and I needed to get over there. Confirming that they had called 911, I was quickly dressed and out the door, racing to the house.
I arrived seconds ahead of the EMT's, met at the door by two of Jan's young sewing students, to find Jan cradling Beka on the floor; Rachel and Nan fearfully standing by. The house was rapidly filling with emergency workers (eight in all!) and I took Rachel to one room to console her, then alternated between rooms, watching over Beka and Jan, consoling Rachel and Nana, dancing and joking for the two students, and praying through it all.
After the EMT's had evaluated Beka, ran their tests, and let us know it was not a seizure, but a combination of stress, hyperventilation and possible over stimulation from meds we began to relax and let the intensely stressfull event settle.
Putting Beka to bed, we decided to wait a while to see who, if anyone, was going to the dance, eventually deciding that Rachel and I would go and Beka would stay home and rest.
Rachel and I had an absolutely marvelous time at the dance, dancing almost every song, and it was for me, a memory I will cherish forever. Rachel was like another person, closely attached, less than ever a giggly little girl and so much more a sensitive young woman on the brink of stepping into young adulthood. Perhaps led by the emotional intensity of the afternoon, Rachel was relaxing in her daddy's arms, feeling safe and letting fear and anxiety fade away.
I like to think that God had stepped in, a continuance of answered prayer, restoring Beka, comforting Rachel, Jan and Nana, bringing peace to the family. I like to think that our Father in heaven always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I like to think that because I know it to be true.
He is a faithful Father, ever true and always, always, exactly on time.
"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." ~ Matthew 6:8
The annual Dad and Daughter Dance was in the works for the evening and I had taken off work, looking forward to spending a special evening with Beka and Rachel.
Around 3:00 pm, I was woken by the frantic ringing of my phone (yes, it can ring frantically), hearing first Jan's personal ring tone, followed immediately by my Mother-in-law's. From a sleepy state I knew something was wrong by the sequence of calls and leapt from bed to respond.
Calling the last number missed on the phone, I got Rachel, in a tearful panic, telling me that Beka was having a seizure and I needed to get over there. Confirming that they had called 911, I was quickly dressed and out the door, racing to the house.
I arrived seconds ahead of the EMT's, met at the door by two of Jan's young sewing students, to find Jan cradling Beka on the floor; Rachel and Nan fearfully standing by. The house was rapidly filling with emergency workers (eight in all!) and I took Rachel to one room to console her, then alternated between rooms, watching over Beka and Jan, consoling Rachel and Nana, dancing and joking for the two students, and praying through it all.
After the EMT's had evaluated Beka, ran their tests, and let us know it was not a seizure, but a combination of stress, hyperventilation and possible over stimulation from meds we began to relax and let the intensely stressfull event settle.
Putting Beka to bed, we decided to wait a while to see who, if anyone, was going to the dance, eventually deciding that Rachel and I would go and Beka would stay home and rest.
Rachel and I had an absolutely marvelous time at the dance, dancing almost every song, and it was for me, a memory I will cherish forever. Rachel was like another person, closely attached, less than ever a giggly little girl and so much more a sensitive young woman on the brink of stepping into young adulthood. Perhaps led by the emotional intensity of the afternoon, Rachel was relaxing in her daddy's arms, feeling safe and letting fear and anxiety fade away.
I like to think that God had stepped in, a continuance of answered prayer, restoring Beka, comforting Rachel, Jan and Nana, bringing peace to the family. I like to think that our Father in heaven always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I like to think that because I know it to be true.
He is a faithful Father, ever true and always, always, exactly on time.
"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." ~ Matthew 6:8
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
rightly dividing the word
Stand To Reason's Greg Koukl brings to us a brief essay on scriptural understanding.
"We need to look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that says, “All Scripture is inspired by God…” That word for Scripture is “graphe” in the Greek, which means “writing”. Notice what it is that is inspired. Paul is telling Timothy that it is the writings that are inspired, that is, the words. That’s why we are told to attend to the “Words” and not to try to attend to some “spiritual” impulse or sense that we are getting while we are reading the words. Therefore, if you cannot justify your interpretation from the words themselves then your interpretation is NOT from the Holy Spirit. Period."
Rightly Dividing the Word
William Lane Craig sheds light on a few points of biblical inerrancy in a response to one of his Reasonable Faith readers.
Subject: Inerrancy and the Resurrection
"We need to look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that says, “All Scripture is inspired by God…” That word for Scripture is “graphe” in the Greek, which means “writing”. Notice what it is that is inspired. Paul is telling Timothy that it is the writings that are inspired, that is, the words. That’s why we are told to attend to the “Words” and not to try to attend to some “spiritual” impulse or sense that we are getting while we are reading the words. Therefore, if you cannot justify your interpretation from the words themselves then your interpretation is NOT from the Holy Spirit. Period."
Rightly Dividing the Word
William Lane Craig sheds light on a few points of biblical inerrancy in a response to one of his Reasonable Faith readers.
Subject: Inerrancy and the Resurrection
Monday, January 31, 2011
urgently meeting the needs of others
KLOVE gave us this verse in their "Encouraging Word" daily email last week:
"Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive." ~ ~ Titus 3:14, NLT
"... meeting the urgent needs of others ..."
"... meeting the urgent needs of others ..."
Frequently I over analyze the needs of others brought into my view, allowing opportunities to pass that should have bless someone else, and bless me in the giving. I learned long ago that giving is far beter than receiving, but I still struggle to hold on to that which is really not mine to begin with.
"Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you; I am God, your God. I do not reprove you for your sacrifices, And your burnt offerings are continually before Me. I shall take no young bull out of your house Nor male goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills. "I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains. Shall I eat the flesh of bulls Or drink the blood of male goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving And pay your vows to the Most High; Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."
~ Psalm 50:7-15 NASB
He owns it all.
He owns it all.
Ask those who know me well and most will likely tell you that I am a "giver". Far too frequently, however, I pick and choose, I analyze, I weigh my cost before I let go. That's not what God tells us and that's not a strong show of trust in Him who provides.
Every time I have had an urgent need, that need has been met, provided by God, through the hands of others or through purposeful circumstance. Shall I do less with the resources God has entrusted to me?
No, it's not always easy. There are many times when I choose to hold on to "mine" because I have a personal need or desire and I don't let go to avoid cutting myself short. That's an understandable human reaction, but I'm supposed to be "led by the Spirit".
"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law." ~ Galatians 5:13-18
Maybe if I spend less on my "desires of the flesh" I will not cling so tenaciously to that which might be handed over. Maybe if I spend more time "counting the cost" before spending and less time acting on personal whimsy, I might do more with far less for myself.
I certainly don't have all the answers. I don't have unlimited resources, but my Father does and I should trust Him to provide through me to those in need.
Our God measures out to us that which He knows we can be entrusted to steward for Him.
Acting in good stewardship and avoiding foolish behavior, perhaps I may always be ready when an "urgent need" is before me.
"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." ~ Luke 6:38
Father, help me by moving my selfish desires, my "knowledge", my flesh, me, out of Your way. Move in me to meet the urgent need of others.
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