Don’t forget to do good things for others and to share what you have with them. These are the kinds of sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16 GW

In Texas this week, we have had an unusually long period of snow. We do occasionally get snow but it rarely sticks around more than a day or two. Today is the first day since the snow began falling that the temperature has risen above freezing. Icicles are falling, and the snow is finally melting. 

Looking out the window, I saw a flurry of birds around a couple of small patches of earth peeking through the snow. They may have missed a few meals due to the blanket of snow. The birds were fervently foraging for insects and worms.

I smiled warmly remembering the verse Jesus shared with his followers. Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t save food in barns. But God takes care of them. And you are worth much more than birds(Luke 12:24 ICB).

I was shaken from my reverie when one of the birds snapped at its companion as it ventured closely. Others followed suit, protecting their coveted spots. I said to them, “There is plenty for all of you.”

Didn’t they know God had provided the food and would give them more if it wasn’t enough? Do I know?

I was convicted of my own selfish tendencies. God is the source of all I have. He can give me more if I need it. Why do I hold tightly or give sparingly? After all, God loves the person who gives happily (2 Corinthians 9:7 ICB).

According to Hebrew 13:16, doing good to others and sharing what we have are beautiful sacrifices to God. These sacrifices please God. He is happy to see his children blessing others.

Lord, my greatest desire is to please you. Help me to imitate you instead of the territorial birds. Teach me to willingly and generously open my hands, allowing your blessings to flow freely to others. 

Terri