Monday's Blessing
Romans 4:20
“Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.”
Sometimes people say stupid things. As a matter of fact, sometimes when you give them an inch, they try for a mile. "Hey, I was wondering if you could give me a ride to the grocery store Saturday? Tom is still working weekends and he's taking the car." Jan said to her friend.
"Sure!" said Emily.
"Great, I also need to stop by the mall and pick up some clothes for the boy's spring concert next week."
"Ah, OK, but I have......." replied Emily.
"Oh, it will only take a minute! And the shoe store is right near there, too. We can pop in there. I need black shoes for their outfits." explained Jan.
Stuck again. Emily also had a venture of errands in the opposite direction that day. Peeved she walked over to the water fountain to gain a drink of reality.
Sometimes you get in the middle of your generosity. You offer a co-worker some help at the copier and she hands you a 356 page manual that is due that afternoon. What can you do? You know what other friends would do. You could state a blatant, "Look, don't you think this taking a bit of advantage? I just don't have that time to stand there."
Frankly, many of us will bite the bullet and do it making a general note to self- don't ever offer again.
But what we don't realize is, through that haze of disgust, when we bless someone else, you never lose out. God will not allow your generosity to go unrewarded. For instance, when God told Abraham to pack up his family and head toward a better land, Abraham moved all his flocks, herds, family, and even his extended family members. They traveled months then years only to find the promised land wasn't big enough for everyone.
So Abraham says to Lot, "We need to split up. You chose what ever land you want. I'll take what ever you don't want. Abraham's heart was huge, and he wanted to share his blessing.
Lot looked left then right. Over yonder stood a spot that just stood out. An enormously fruitful valley with lush rolling hills and sparkling blue ponds stood out. He pointed, "Over there, that part, that's what I want. My family and I will settle over there."
Did I mention that Abraham did all the leg work before, during, and after this journey? Lot just was a tag-along?
Rather then voice his frustration, Abraham said, "Fine; go and be blessed."
I have no doubt a few thoughts were running through his head. "You've got to be kidding me!" "God spoke to me and mapped out this route." "After years of travel I think you best go left and stop being greedy."
But he didn't.
In return God relayed to Abraham, "Because you treated your relative so kindly, I'm not going to give you that small spot on the left. Rather, it will extend for hundreds and hundreds of acres."
Don't grow weary in your kindness, my friend. God sees what you do. You just have to see what blessings he evokes on you afterwards. Open up your eyes and welcome the great generosity God bestows on you after the fact.
This Week's Meditation:
Dear God,
Nobody is taking anything from me. I am freely giving it to them. I'm blessing them on purpose, knowing that your good will follows and blesses me.
Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind. And realize God has you in his arms always.
Romans 4:20
“Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.”
Sometimes people say stupid things. As a matter of fact, sometimes when you give them an inch, they try for a mile. "Hey, I was wondering if you could give me a ride to the grocery store Saturday? Tom is still working weekends and he's taking the car." Jan said to her friend.
"Sure!" said Emily.
"Great, I also need to stop by the mall and pick up some clothes for the boy's spring concert next week."
"Ah, OK, but I have......." replied Emily.
"Oh, it will only take a minute! And the shoe store is right near there, too. We can pop in there. I need black shoes for their outfits." explained Jan.
Stuck again. Emily also had a venture of errands in the opposite direction that day. Peeved she walked over to the water fountain to gain a drink of reality.
Sometimes you get in the middle of your generosity. You offer a co-worker some help at the copier and she hands you a 356 page manual that is due that afternoon. What can you do? You know what other friends would do. You could state a blatant, "Look, don't you think this taking a bit of advantage? I just don't have that time to stand there."
Frankly, many of us will bite the bullet and do it making a general note to self- don't ever offer again.
But what we don't realize is, through that haze of disgust, when we bless someone else, you never lose out. God will not allow your generosity to go unrewarded. For instance, when God told Abraham to pack up his family and head toward a better land, Abraham moved all his flocks, herds, family, and even his extended family members. They traveled months then years only to find the promised land wasn't big enough for everyone.
So Abraham says to Lot, "We need to split up. You chose what ever land you want. I'll take what ever you don't want. Abraham's heart was huge, and he wanted to share his blessing.
Lot looked left then right. Over yonder stood a spot that just stood out. An enormously fruitful valley with lush rolling hills and sparkling blue ponds stood out. He pointed, "Over there, that part, that's what I want. My family and I will settle over there."
Did I mention that Abraham did all the leg work before, during, and after this journey? Lot just was a tag-along?
Rather then voice his frustration, Abraham said, "Fine; go and be blessed."
I have no doubt a few thoughts were running through his head. "You've got to be kidding me!" "God spoke to me and mapped out this route." "After years of travel I think you best go left and stop being greedy."
But he didn't.
In return God relayed to Abraham, "Because you treated your relative so kindly, I'm not going to give you that small spot on the left. Rather, it will extend for hundreds and hundreds of acres."
Don't grow weary in your kindness, my friend. God sees what you do. You just have to see what blessings he evokes on you afterwards. Open up your eyes and welcome the great generosity God bestows on you after the fact.
This Week's Meditation:
Dear God,
Nobody is taking anything from me. I am freely giving it to them. I'm blessing them on purpose, knowing that your good will follows and blesses me.
Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind. And realize God has you in his arms always.
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