Want A REAL Blessing?

“Happier is the one who gives rather than receives.”

Acts 20:35

I remember hearing this verse used a LOT in church when it came time for Stewardship Sunday.  I agree that we should give to the church, but I heard a sermon several years ago on Stewardship Sunday that used this verse differently.  The pastor stood up and said, “You know we need to keep the lights on and the building in good repair.  You know we have missions we support.  You know the staff likes to receive a paycheck.  So I’m not going to stand up here and tell you that the church needs your offerings.  What I am going to remind you of, is the fact that you’ll be much happier when you give of yourself.”

I thought about that for a long time.  It’s true! When I give of myself to others, then I am MUCH happier!  Some of you know that I crochet afghans as a way of relaxing.  When the afghan is finished, I give it away (the afghan “adopts” someone).  Doing this makes me happier and I want to do it again, and again, and again.  Give of yourself!  Maybe you can listen to someone who is hurting.  Perhaps you can share smiles with those you meet. Maybe you can pray for and/or with someone. Maybe you can send a note to someone.  When we give of ourselves…THAT is when happiness happens, because God notices and rewards.

Forgive Like Christ

I normally do not like sharing someone else's devotional, but today is different.  This devotional touch my mind and my soul with the need to share it.

"Scripture says, 'Br kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you' (Ephesians 4:32).

"It was the eve of the Crucifixion and Jesus' followers final meal with His followers. Jesus stoop up, hung His cloak on a hook, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin.  He washed feet. Jesus used some of His precious final moments in this silent sacrament of humility. 

"The disciples pledged to stay with their Master.  But, later that night when the soldiers marched in, the disciples ran out.  When they looked at their feet in shame, they realized that they had betrayed Him.

"Hasn't Jesus done the same for us?  We each have a basin. We've each been wounded. But before we knew we needed grace, we were offered it.  THIS is how happiness happens."

I pray that this touches you as it did me.  I love the way Max Lucado shares and this devotion is one he wrote.

God's Joy

 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great joy to give you the Kingdom."
Luke 12:31-32

I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my bank account then looked at the bills to be paid and began to worry about how I was going to be able to pay them.  I had done everything I could think of to be frugal, but the bills always seemed to outweigh my paycheck.  Finally, I go a bit of a windfall only to have the car battery die, which chewed up the windfall plus some.  To be honest, I was more than a bit irritated with God and told Him so!

I let Him know what I thought about this little game He was playing by allowing me to get half a step ahead only to be knocked backwards 3 steps.  To my amazement, God revealed to me that it has never been His plan for me to be wealthy.  Why?  Because then I would begin to worship the wealth instead of Him. I'd begin to rely on my wealth instead of Him.  He knew my weakness and made provision for it.

I was reminded that every single bill was paid, when I am frugal, and there is always food on the table, clothes on my back, not to mention the innumerable other ways He has blessed me.  He has blessed me with a Bride who loves me in spite of myself.  He has given me a pet who is not only my buddy but one of the best therapists ever.  And so much more.

AND I was reminded that all my worrying, all my anxiety, all my fussing and cussing (yes I did), and all the fuming did absolutely nothing to extend my life or increase my joy.  In fact, it stole my joy and contributes to some health issues.

Take a moment and think about all that God has provided for you.  Thank Him for them.  Write them down so you won't forget them.  Learn gratitude.  Accept that we don't need trophies or awards to prove God has blessed us.  God will show that Himself!!!

Nothing Can Stop You!

And after you suffer for a short time, God, 

who gives all grace, will make everything right. 

He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. 

He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. 

1 Peter 5:10 

 

 

What have you faced in your life?  Financial stress?  Divorce?  Job Stress?  Just can't seem to catch a break?  All of the above?  

 

Here's something we tend to forget (and so do I), stress, anxiety, worry and fear are NOT Problem Solvers!  They make the problem worse in our minds.  You see, our minds have the nasty little habit of taking a situation, adding worry, stress, anxiety and fear to it, and making a debilitating soup that makes us, not only feel defeated, but makes self defeating people.

 

It's not bad enough that the issues we face are tough on us, add to that the fact that, while your supposed to be dealing with the issue you have to slap on the "happy face" for everyone else while your mind begins taking side trips down "Worst Possible Outcome" Lane.  And thus begins the spiral.  

 

Meanwhile, we forget the most important part of this process.  You see, you're still here.  That proves you are stronger than you give yourself credit.  God has brought you through every breath of life so far and you are still here!  

Let me ask you the same questions I have had asked of me:

     *  How much money will all your worry, fear, anxiety, and stress put into your bank account?

     *   How much longer will all your worry, fear, anxiety, and stress extend your life?

     *   How much happier will all your worry, fear, anxiety, and stress add to your life?

 

God has not called us to be fearful.  He has called us to be afraid.  He has not called us to be stressed or worried.  God has called us to be His Children!  And as His children, HE takes care of us!  And we WILL come out stronger, in spite of what we face, because nothing and no one can change His plans for us!