What are you giving?

"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contribute out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she has, all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44

This story we read is in reference to money and the giving of money. But I could not help to be drawn to the point being the woman gave all she had while others were giving their surplus, not a sacrifice of giving.

We are asked to give all we have to God. This does not just mean what is in our comfort zone, the time we have left over in our day; this means everything and anything.

We do not need to worry about what this involves because God has a purpose for each request he makes of you.

Learn to listen to God's voice, hear what he is asking and give him all you have, rest in God as you give and sacrifice. 

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Philippians 4:11

What do your actions say?

A saying we all have heard many times has been on my mind lately:

Your actions speak louder than your words

Let’s think about the basic meaning of this saying; if someone says they are not hungry but begins to eat, does that make sense? If someone tells you they love you but are mean and hateful towards you, does that make sense?

How often do we do this with our walk with God?

Do we say, “I love Jesus” but have hatred towards others in our heart?

Do we say, “I have faith my God can do anything!” but worry about our daily needs?

Do we try to lead others to Jesus while we ourselves are not walking that way?

Our actions speak louder than words.

If you say “ I love Jesus”, choose to love others as he loves us.

If you have faith in Jesus, choose to praise and trust him in everything.

If you are trying to lead others to Him, get to know Him and walk towards Him.

People will notice your actions over what you say.

I challenge you to double check and pray that your actions are screaming I am a follower of Christ and not contradicting your words.

Everything Beautiful

Do you ever find yourself surrounded by people yet feel so alone?

Have you ever referred to someone as your friend but as you speak the words “my friend” it just doesn’t taste right, you wonder are they a friend?

Have you ever prayed God send someone my way just so I can have someone to trust in, confide in, someone to encourage and some to help encourage?

I have. I do.

For the past few years I stand in a place surrounded by people, surrounded by smiles, handshakes and hellos but all the while I know that is it. Would I confess my most inner thoughts to these people who are claimed friends? Do I trust them with my hurts, frustrations, deep thoughts? When someone says hi how are you today, I answer correctly, “I am well and you?”. Am I well?

I am screaming on the inside. Wondering why people have backstabbed, wondering why people have left, wondering where those people that I once could speak freely and openly to have gone? Then I yell, Why God? Why do I feel like that one small tree separated from the forest or that single flower in the midst of a field of grass? Why is it that no matter if I try I just don’t fit.

Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything,

“a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.”

Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

Our journey with God is never pointless, there is always something to be learned while we walk with Him, after all he is our teacher!

What does a time to be alone mean? Does it mean we need to seek Him more, pray more, fast more, read more? Does it mean we need to step out of our comfort zone; let Him change us and lead us to new things and places?

I honestly do not know what it means, but I know whether on the mountain top or in the valley God is always there.

Lord, I pray that if anyone reading this feels alone or feels in a time of transition and uncomfort that you would meet them there. Remind them that they are your child and you have not left them there. I pray they would find peace, that they would be able to see the sun rising over the mountain. Give them an assurance that though this time may be rough and not something they had visioned that there is victory and strength for those that will seek you and push forward.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen