The Father gave his Son...the Son gave his life...
Today I've been reflecting on two women, one a poor widow who 2000years ago caught the attention of Jesus when she gave everything she had, and the other a friend of mine, who this week has given away her bed to someone in need.
Mark 12 tells us Jesus went and sat near the collection box in the temple and watched - Jesus sees what you give - but more than that he sees the givers heart! Many rich people walked past and deposited generous contributions, but it was the two coins that the widow dropped in that drew the attention of Jesus - she gave everything she had to live on. Wow! What faith in the provision of her heavenly father.
My friend Lydia told my church connect group last night how she had felt challenged by God to give away something precious to her - her bed. After not having a proper bed for years growing up, she had spent her first pay-cheque on a lovely bed. It has been something she's really loved having, but obediently she has acted in faith and offered it to a friend as a gift. It might not have been easy, and now she is again with just a mattress on the floor, but she gave cheerfully and selflessly and it's this sort of giving that moves the heart of God! Look at Mary pouring the perfume on the feet of Jesus, to the disciples it looked foolish but Jesus saw her heart and commended her actions.
We are made in the image of God, and his nature is to give, and not to count the cost. Therefore it is built into us to be givers too - but greed, fear, and indifference sometimes hold our hearts back and sadly we miss out on the joy and blessings that follow those who give.
Giving is not about comparing what you have to someone else, a little given with faith in the hand of Jesus will always be multiplied - look at the boy whose lunch feed 5000! Nor it is begrudgingly letting go out of a sense of duty, no, it stems from a heart of love.
So today, I'm asking God to give me a heart to give, and to expand my faith and experience of his provision.
Friday, 27 April 2012
Sunday, 22 April 2012
2 Thesselonians 1:11
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. (NLT)
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Nehemiah - a life well lived.
If you find a spare moment sometime soon, or you're looking for some inspiration, then take a look at the character of Nehemiah. Thirteen chapters provide a personal account of one man's remarkable life, and I wanted to share some points God has shown me as I've been reading through this book.
1. Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king - but God still had bigger things for him. There's a challenge not to look at life - and say 'I'm peaking here, this is as good as it's ever going to get'. Or to say - 'there is surely nothing more that God will use me for'. (God brought me up on this on Sunday - a small voice whispered in my ear during communion, 'How can you ask, Lord - is this all my life will ever be? when I gave up my life to so that you could have it all') You may feel unimportant and insignificant or you may feel overwhelmed by responsibility but know this God still has more for your life and in his strength you can achieve it.
2. Nehemiah cared about the honour of God and life of the people of God. Rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem was not about making Jerusalem look good it was about honouring God. It was an outward sign of an inward choice to put God first and declare his greatness to all people.
3. Nehemiah's words and actions lined up with each other. How often do you say something and yet live in a way that makes your words count for nothing. Nehemiah lived out what he spoke and people trusted his leadership as a result. When our words are reflected in our lives we will have a profound influence on those around us.
4. Nehemiah's faith in God's goodness and provision was shown by his actions. Nehemiah knew that success in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem depended on God - not on him. He believed that God would accomplish the task in hand and so he stepped out in faith time and time again despite the voices of opposition around him.
5. Nehemiah's genuine faith and concern had a positive impact on those around him. Look at what happens in chapter 5, life was tough for this generation - food was scarce, debt is rife and children are being sold into slavery. But Nehemiah rather than complaining or despairing took action on behalf of the poor, he asked the land owners and nobles to deal responsibly with the people - no charging unfair interest, no more exploitation, and he led this by example, humbly serving the people.
6. Nehemiah prayed at all times. Before anything - he prayed. Seeking wisdom - he prayed. In the tough times - he prayed. When the task was done - he prayed. We are told to 'pray continually' what does this mean in practice? It means involving God in our lives all day, everyday.
1. Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king - but God still had bigger things for him. There's a challenge not to look at life - and say 'I'm peaking here, this is as good as it's ever going to get'. Or to say - 'there is surely nothing more that God will use me for'. (God brought me up on this on Sunday - a small voice whispered in my ear during communion, 'How can you ask, Lord - is this all my life will ever be? when I gave up my life to so that you could have it all') You may feel unimportant and insignificant or you may feel overwhelmed by responsibility but know this God still has more for your life and in his strength you can achieve it.
2. Nehemiah cared about the honour of God and life of the people of God. Rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem was not about making Jerusalem look good it was about honouring God. It was an outward sign of an inward choice to put God first and declare his greatness to all people.
3. Nehemiah's words and actions lined up with each other. How often do you say something and yet live in a way that makes your words count for nothing. Nehemiah lived out what he spoke and people trusted his leadership as a result. When our words are reflected in our lives we will have a profound influence on those around us.
4. Nehemiah's faith in God's goodness and provision was shown by his actions. Nehemiah knew that success in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem depended on God - not on him. He believed that God would accomplish the task in hand and so he stepped out in faith time and time again despite the voices of opposition around him.
5. Nehemiah's genuine faith and concern had a positive impact on those around him. Look at what happens in chapter 5, life was tough for this generation - food was scarce, debt is rife and children are being sold into slavery. But Nehemiah rather than complaining or despairing took action on behalf of the poor, he asked the land owners and nobles to deal responsibly with the people - no charging unfair interest, no more exploitation, and he led this by example, humbly serving the people.
6. Nehemiah prayed at all times. Before anything - he prayed. Seeking wisdom - he prayed. In the tough times - he prayed. When the task was done - he prayed. We are told to 'pray continually' what does this mean in practice? It means involving God in our lives all day, everyday.
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