We have sat quietly and observed people; it is as though we knew their hearts as we watched their actions and reactions. JESUS WAS A PEOPLE WATCHER TOO; "HE sat opposite of the Treasury, and watched the people..." (Mark 12:41). HE commented on the size of gifts being made, some extremely large while others were almost nonexistent. Is JESUS teaching us that it is not the size of the gift in worldly measures; rather it is the size of the SACRIFICE IN SPIRITUAL MEASURES? Is JESUS teaching us to see the HEART? THE UNSELFISH SINCERE HEART?
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Is our understanding of "GIVING" exactly that; REDUCED TO OUR UNDERSTANDING? "The poor widow has put in more than the rest" (Mark 12:38-44). Have we "evolved" (or should we say, withered away) to a "RELIGION WITHOUT SPIRITUALITY"? Is our understanding of "GIVING" always money? Have we never known how to give LOVE, MERCY AND FORGIVENESS? Have we never known the JOY OF GIVING GLORY TO GOD? Has anyone ever GIVEN US the JOY OF LOVE, IN SPITE OF OURSELVES? AND DID IT "GIVE" US THE UNDERSTANDING THAT WE CAN'T UNDERSTAND, THE "GIFT OF GIVING".
There is a reality in some of our lives that give us a deep conviction to live according to our REVELATIONS of Truth, Love and Mercy. It is an UNSHAKABLE INTEGRITY where there is no fear, inequity, lies or deceit (Zephaniah 3:13). We are obedient to the guidance of these Revelations without thought or reflection; we are constantly drawn to the HARMONY AND PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE (2 Peter 1:19-20). In this "unseen realm" of Holiness, the unsanctified mind and heart cannot enter. Like Breathing, we don't make a conscience decision to "breathe in, breathe out", WE JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT.
Are we GRATEFUL for what we "don't have", where we give thanks because our tribulations are not as "bad" as someone else? Or, are we GRATEFUL for what we do have, where our worldly wants are satisfied? Do we have to compare our situations to someone less fortunate in order to PSYCH OUR SELVES UP to be GRATEFUL? Have we not experienced the HOLINESS of GOD'S PRESENCE of unfailing love and faithfulness that surpasses even our expectations and imagination (Psalm 138:2)? Is our GRATITUDE only a strong and secret hope of greater favors? A GRATEFUL HEART does not come from comparing things of this world.
When we have scratched, clawed and tried to hang on until our pain is numb, "we let go". When we know there is nothing else we can do and our heart is broken, our SPIRIT almost destroyed, "we let go" and GOD GIVES US PEACE (Psalm 73:26). "Far from the peaceful shore, stained and sinking within, GOD HEARD OUR CRY! LOVE LIFTED ME, LOVE LIFTED ME! When nothing else could help, LOVE LIFTED ME! GOD IS LOVE (1 John 4:8).
Is our Worship becoming an ACT OF SUPERSTITION, where we "bow down" to unknown gods (Acts 17:23) in fear of losing our "good luck"; or pleading for our fortunes to change? Is our WORSHIP acceptable and pleasing to GOD, where we are not conformed to the world, but transformed spiritually (Romans 12:1-2)? Is the greatest form of WORSHIP that of Obedience where we GLORIFY AND EXALT GOD FOR HIS PLEASURE; or is our Worship an ACT OF RELIGIOUS SUPERSTITION?
Have we ever "hurt", "offended" or "injured" someone as the result of our actions? Then, did we try to excuse or explain the IMPACT of our action was NOT OUR INTENTION? Have we said, "I am sorry, I didn't mean it"? The Truth is, we did not take the time to CONSIDER THE IMPACT of our ACTIONS, which is the same as UNWORTHY INTENTIONS. Genesis 12:2, "our Blessings should not only affect our lives, but also the lives of others". If we have time to complain, we have time to Praise; If we have time to criticize, we have time to Compliment; and If we have time to correct, we have time to be Corrected.
GOD told the Apostle Paul NO. "Three times I pleaded with the LORD to take this thorn from me...But HE said to me, MY grace is sufficient for you..." (2 Corinthians 12:9). 2 Corinthians12:10, "I am content with weakness, calamity and hardships; for when I am weak, then I am strong". When we feel beaten, on the brink of destruction; there is NOTHING ANYONE can do to us to make us afraid, they can't tempt us and they can't take away OUR REVELATION OF LOVE. Yes, when we are the weakest, then we are strong. HOW ELSE WOULD WE KNOW THIS, IF GOD HADN'T SAID, "NO".
Not going to Church today? "The LORD of Heaven and earth, does not live in Temples made by man..." (Acts 17:24). GOD'S PROVIDENCE, AND GOD LIVES IN US (1 John 4:12). Could it be that the best sermon we ever heard (whether it be now, on the phone, in a building or on the street) we didn't realize was a sermon, because our attention was on GOD? DIDN'T GO TO CHURCH TODAY? MAYBE WE DID! AMEN
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About the Author and writerThe writer for our daily devotionals wishes to remain anonymous in regard to his work, giving instead Glory to the Author. Archives
December 2015
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