I just couldn't get past Joshua 10. I've moved into Philippians and before I start studying the text, I read up a little on the birth of the church at Philippi. If you don't know the story, here it is:
Acts 16:11-40
There are a few things I noticed in this text. First off, Paul & Silas had one plan but when things got in the way (namely imprisonment), rather than sit there and whine about their circumstances, they still served God right where they were.
Secondly, a LOT of people would think God had set them free if there was an earthquake that loosed their chains. I would've been the first one out of there! Paul & Silas, however, obeyed the authority which said they were to be imprisoned. Because of their obedience, the jailer not only lived but found relationship with God!
I look forward to my study of Philippians. I do confess to using a Bible study guide. Elizabeth George has written some fantastic, practical books as part of her "Woman After God's Own Heart" series. I find them to be very good at keeping me on task while still giving me room to come to my own conclusions.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
nothing left to give
A few weeks ago I was sitting and thinking about how I've got nothing left to give. I am so exhausted by this world's demands on me that I feel I should be ministered to, not have more demands placed upon me. Yet...well, the root of Christianity is giving. Not giving for one's glory, but giving because it brings us closer to Christ - the ultimate sacrifice.
So I was thinking: God, I've got NOTHING to give! I'm tired! I'm all tapped out!
And in His ever patient way, He brought to mind two women who had nothing left and yet they gave.
The first is the widow who gave her last oil and flour to make a cake for Elijah, found in 1 Kings 17. She had NOTHING and yet she gave her last, and God not only blessed her with more oil & flour, but saved her son from death.
The second, of course, is the famed widow with two mites who is mentioned in Mark
and Luke. Again, this woman gave of all she had. The Bible doesn't tell us if she was blessed for it (I imagine she was). It just tells us she gave all she had.
The point here is that there is never going to be a time when it seems "RIGHT" to give. The time is now. I should give when it seems there is nothing TO give.
We will see.
So I was thinking: God, I've got NOTHING to give! I'm tired! I'm all tapped out!
And in His ever patient way, He brought to mind two women who had nothing left and yet they gave.
The first is the widow who gave her last oil and flour to make a cake for Elijah, found in 1 Kings 17. She had NOTHING and yet she gave her last, and God not only blessed her with more oil & flour, but saved her son from death.
The second, of course, is the famed widow with two mites who is mentioned in Mark
and Luke. Again, this woman gave of all she had. The Bible doesn't tell us if she was blessed for it (I imagine she was). It just tells us she gave all she had.
The point here is that there is never going to be a time when it seems "RIGHT" to give. The time is now. I should give when it seems there is nothing TO give.
We will see.
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