All heart, all things
Monday, April 25, 2005
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The way God's word works, it is like a Bible being held up in a mirror or like throwing the Bible into a pool of water. You read the words on the page, but you also see yourself or your reflection in the words. You see your life in light of the words you read and ask the question, "Am I living these words?" Yesterday morning, Bible class hit me more than anybody because we talked about giving God all of your heart and thus, all of your love. I said, "Even if God has 95%, Satan still has 5% and it can become a cancer that will eat away at the other 95%." I saw in my heart some part that was not God's and realized that I needed to give it all to God. Afterall, this is the greatest command--to love God with everything. Don't I want to love God with all my heart? I hope to take steps this week to make this a reality.
Last night, the words from Philippians just blew me away. You know how we talk so much about wants and needs. Well, when we talk about needs that normally means something we NEED, right? But when Paul says he has learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances, whether well fed or HUNGRY, I would say he is talking about a need, don't you? But he says that Christ gives him strength even when his supposed "NEEDS" are not met! Now for someone who loves food and gets a little grumpy and impatient when my next meal is not in sight, this is humbling and powerful. I must do better to rely on Christ's strength in ALL THINGS...even when my needs are not met. Even when the necessities of life are not within our grasp, will believe Christ gives us strength while we wait. We do not always know how our necessities will be provided, but we do know that Jesus gives us strength for the waiting.
Last night, the words from Philippians just blew me away. You know how we talk so much about wants and needs. Well, when we talk about needs that normally means something we NEED, right? But when Paul says he has learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances, whether well fed or HUNGRY, I would say he is talking about a need, don't you? But he says that Christ gives him strength even when his supposed "NEEDS" are not met! Now for someone who loves food and gets a little grumpy and impatient when my next meal is not in sight, this is humbling and powerful. I must do better to rely on Christ's strength in ALL THINGS...even when my needs are not met. Even when the necessities of life are not within our grasp, will believe Christ gives us strength while we wait. We do not always know how our necessities will be provided, but we do know that Jesus gives us strength for the waiting.
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Only one thing to add -- Bob's comments about his mother getting sick and his father spending all their savings to care for her really hit home. More than likely, they had saved that money together to have a financially secure retirement. But, when it all came down to what really mattered, love conquered financial security (and will every time). I believe Bob said his father told the kids, "I came into this world with nothing, and I will be leaving the same way." We spend the greater part of our lives working and saving, and yet forgetting what is important. There is nothing wrong with planning ahead. God urges us to plan and be responsible with our money. But, when it all comes down to it, what we are saving for may not be retirement, security or to pass it on to our children. What we may be saving for is the opportunity to show our love for others, especially loved ones who have made so many sacrifices for us throughout our lives. When we are given the opportunity to satisfy others' needs, even if it costs us everything we have, I hope I (we) will be ready to take the same kind of drastic measures Bob's father did, and do so without hesitation, with full reliance on God's promise to care for my (our) needs.
Wow, good post Case, and I was also wowed by Douglas' comments. Thanks for the reminders and for sharing your thoughts!
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