Where does the time go? Wouldn’t it be nice to have more time? I feel like I could accomplish so much more if I had more than twenty-four hours each day or if I didn’t need sleep.
All in Serving
Created with Purpose
The hot pan holders I made serve the purpose of keeping hands from burning when picking up something hot. Ephesians 2:10 tells us God made us for a purpose. Every human being has a God-given purpose. He made us with meaning and a reason to be here.
So, what are we to do with this information?
Our Unique Giftedness
I love getting gifts! Most of us do. I especially enjoy getting an unexpected surprise. Last year I received a beautiful surprise orchid! And it’s in bloom again as I write this.
His Treasured Possession
Then—Malachi’s words cut to the core of those who feared the LORD. Having come to their senses and repented of any personal falling away, they got together to talk it over. The Hebrew suggests this was not just one meeting, but occurred regularly and nurtured their faith. I cannot help but think they spent a lot of time speaking about the goodness of God in their lives—they honored His name!
FERVENCY
Have you ever listed the women who have most influenced your life? Luke’s list makes me wonder why Mary, Joanna, Susanna and the many others who served Jesus during his life were notable in first century AD. Surely these women suffered. I’m not sure if I could have endured an exorcism administered over Mary to cast out seven demons. Who would have the stamina to serve and live in the household of Herod?
New Seasons
After retiring from a hectic career that involved continual travel across the country and even beyond at times, I went through transition. Being a task oriented planner, I struggled at times to figure out this new season of life.
Serving God
My siblings and I often complained that Mother never watched television with us. The reason? She fell asleep whenever she sat down! Once I became a mother, I quickly understood the exhaustion from her long day of serving her family.
Leave Some
The incorporation of frugality into one’s life has its place. Greediness does not. Many of us make sure we get everything we have earned because we believe we deserve it. God’s Word surprises me, at times, because his instructions are very practical and specific.
Mosquitoes and Mustard Seeds
How often do you think about your pinky toe? Not very often, I would suspect. That is, until you stub and break it! Then, all you seem to think about is that toe.
Mercy Gifts
The dollar bills I keep in the console of my car are sweet reminders of my youngest grandson. While in my car one day he said, “My Dad has thousands of dollars in his car so that he can give to homeless people.” Wow! Out of the mouths of babes. I sense caution sometimes about when and why I should give a handout to a person regardless of their disheveled appearance. Obviously, personal safety is an important issue because our world is a dangerous place—just as it was when Jesus walked on this earth.
Mosquitoes and Mustard Seeds
How often do you think about your pinky toe? Not very often, I would suspect. That is, until you stub and break it! Then, all you seem to think about is that toe.
When God Sends an Angel
Ladies, the rebuke of the unnamed “prophet” (Judges 6:8-10) sets the stage. The people cry out; God reminds them of the reason for the oppression, before coming to the rescue—perhaps a little like making sure my children understood why they were being punished before showing them mercy.
Spiritual Sacrifices
You are a living stone. In the previous verse, Peter said Jesus is a living stone. You are being compared to Jesus! Wow!
You are being built into a spiritual temple. The architect and builder are none other than God himself! He promises to complete the project.
Whatever
My principal asked me an opinion question. I really disagreed with the answer I knew she waited for so I said, “Whatever!” Of course, I immediately realized how rude I sounded and apologized profusely.
Kindness Personified
Little did I know when I met my neighbor on July 4th how much I would need her help on December 4th.
Fireworks popped, boomed, and crackled the first July 4th in our new home. I went outside to check out the goings on and noticed several other people out watching as well. After introducing myself to our across the street neighbor, I visited with her as we watched.
The One Thing
My daughter pulled a tangled mass of necklaces from her jewelry box. The intertwined chains resisted her attempts to untangle them. Not to be defeated, my daughter retrieved some wire cutters and began snipping some of the chains. She chose the necklaces she really wanted and cut away the ones that were less important to her. As she cut and extracted, the valued chains remained intact.
New Year, New Gift
This week marks the beginning of a new year. This year is a gift. How will you use it?
FERVENCY
Have you ever listed the women who have most influenced your life? Luke’s list makes me wonder why Mary, Joanna, Susanna and the many others who served Jesus during his life were notable in first century AD. Surely these women suffered. I’m not sure if I could have endured an exorcism administered over Mary to cast out seven demons. Who would have the stamina to serve and live in the household of Herod?
A Good Example
Amid the feverish unpacking of boxes I heard the chime of the doorbell. When I opened the front door I discovered our teenage neighbor standing there with cookies, flowers, and a card in her hands.
Be Wise
Would you describe yourself as relationally wise? Here is a description of relational wisdom: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). Take a moment to think about each of those descriptors. How closely do these parallel your attitudes and actions toward others?