Seeking Jesus: 05/18/12

Friday, May 18, 2012

May 19, 2012 ~ The Race

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

Galatians 5:7

Thoughts~

Never in my life have I run a race and if I have my way, I never will. Running is not something I enjoy at all but I love walking, especially in small towns that I have never explored before. Once I walked for a charity, raising money for it, and the crowds of people trying to pass me and cut in on my space made it difficult to enjoy. My focus was on the end zone; I wanted to walk the entire course. And I did, but it was difficult.

When we set our eyes on the goal of living our lives for the Lord, living in obedience to His word and practicing love at every opportunity, we are certain to be cut off by the enemy of God. In fact, as believers, we will be targeted by the enemy and by people who oppose Jesus. Stand strong and don’t let anyone cut in on your race . . . focus on the goal of living for eternity with the One who loves you. Don’t compromise; don’t cave in to the demands of the world. Do what is right in God’s sight.

Action~

Think about these three things:

*Who am I allowing to cut in on me and trip me up?

*What am I doing that is in disobedience to God?

*Where do I hang out that is not a place I should be?

Pray~

Oh Lord, forgive me for allowing others to take me off the course You have set for me. Help me to obey You.

Trusting in Him,

Becky

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May 18, 2012 ~ Give it Forward

Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed
down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38

Thoughts~

Giving comes naturally for my friend KP. One day she showed up at my house, I thought to simply encourage me. But it was also to give me a financial blessing. Her gift came at a perfect time for me as I was struggling as a single Mom. I was thankful and tearful. Her amazing compassion taught me a lesson about loving your neighbor as yourself. We are always ready to give ourselves things we need and want. But do we give to others like we should?

Giving is not always about money. The Greek word for give in the above verse is didote (δίδοτε), a verb of action in the present tense. It means give today. When I see someone needing love, kindness, prayers, encouragement, hope or another intangible need, I want to be ready to step up and give of myself right then, not in the future.

Giving also might mean raking someone’s yard, bringing in their trash can, baking brownies to cheer them up, running errands for them if they are ill. We should be thinking of creative ways we can give to others. There are hundreds of things we can do that don’t cost us a penny.

And quite truthfully, those generous gifts of time and energy will touch God’s heart. He’s watching you and will show you who needs what. Give, give and give some more. He will reward you in amazing ways.

Action~

Even though the theme of the movie “Pay it Forward” was not a Biblical giving gesture, it was magnificent in its concept. If you haven’t seen it, I really recommend renting it. Think about some ways you can “give it forward”, giving to others without any hope for a reward. Do it quietly, without fanfare, without attention to yourself. God will reward you and that is enough. Plenty enough.

What if you tried “giving forward” for one week? One month? One year? The rest of your life? After all, giving is truly another way to worship God.