Cooking is one of my passions. It does my heart good to see others enjoy my food. Friday, I prepared a meal for my co-workers. Although it was big project, I gained great personal satisfaction from the entire process. As I was shopping for a few last-minute items, a grocery store clerk handed me a bouquet of flowers. One of my co-workers gave me a brand new bamboo cutting board that day.....just like the one I had mentioned to God a few days ago I would like to have!
These random acts of kindness may seem small, but they were pretty significant in my eyes, because they were blessings from the Lord. I smiled and thanked Him graciously.
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| My sister, Paula, was such a wonderful caregiver to our parents. |
Had I expected expressions of appreciation from my co-workers and they fell short, (even though they were lavish in their praise) I would probably have been disappointed. That is what happens when we take our eyes off the True Giver.
Who is your source? Is it your husband, your children, or perhaps a friend? Have you [knowingly or unknowingly] placed unnecessary pressure on people to be your source? There probably have been times when we all have looked in the wrong direction and been disappointed that someone did not come through for us or return a favor for something we gave.
When we look to others rather than to God, we limit what He can do for us and who He will use. God is a big God, and He has resources we cannot begin to imagine to meet our needs.
But, we have to know Him as our Source. True, spirit-led giving should be from the heart, and when it's from the heart, we don't look over our shoulders for a particular person or persons to return the favor. Our eyes will always be on the One who will always repay. Let's give from the heart, expecting nothing from people, but being grateful for everything we do receive.
Scripture Links: Philippians 4:19; Psalm 78:40-42; Matthew 6:3-4
To Receive Jesus as Lord ad Savior:(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.
To Rededicate Your Life to the Lord (after falling away):Dear Heavenly Father: I confess to you that I have sinned. You said if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I turn away from sin and turn to you, and I ask you to forgive me. I forgive myself also. Father, thank you for forgiving me, remembering my sin no more and allowing me to have right standing with you again. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
