Exodus 13:21-22 "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people" (NIV).
God's manifested presence to the children of Israel came in the form of "a pillar of cloud" by day and "a pillar of fire" by night. Try to picture that. I did. I "saw" everything from a tiny, fluffy cloud to a massive, thick cloud. I was leaning more toward the latter, especially since it had to have been large enough, as the pillar of fire by night, to adequately light the way for the vast number of Israelites, when they needed to travel at night. [Exodus 12:37 mentions 600,000 men. With women, children, and elderly men, the total could have been 2-3 million people.]
In looking up the words "pillar" and "cloud" for these verses in Exodus chapter 13, I found that the Hebrew word for "pillar" means "a standing column," and the word for "cloud" means "a cloud (as covering the sky); the nimbus or thundercloud." What an awesome sight that must have been, day or night. It was huge!
God's presence was constant, and constancy is still one of God's most beloved attributes. God's people, from the time of the wilderness wandering to this very day, tend to be a people who murmur, complain, and provoke God's longsuffering, yet He never leaves us. God is here, to lead and guide us, if we will only look to Him.
What this has to do with weight loss: God is constant in His offering to help, but are we constant in our accepting of that help. Think of your own weight-loss journey. If you have asked God to help you progress on your way, are you being constant/faithful in following His constant/faithful leading? He won't force you to, of course, but it is to your advantage to do so.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your unfailing, faithful constancy. I thank You for being willing to lead and guide me always, in every area of my life. I know that I must yield to Your leading, and that is my prayer for today. Father, I yield to You, in every way, in every area of my life. I know You will lead and guide me this day. May I follow constantly. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, following constantly your constant Heavenly Father and guide.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #148 [Guidance]
Exodus 13:21-22 "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people" (NIV).
Moses, empowered and protected by God, has led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, out of bondage, and bound for the Promised Land...Canaan. Between Egypt and "the land flowing with milk and honey," a wilderness must be crossed.
Picture with me an Israelite woman, perhaps from the tribe of Judah ("Judah" means "praise") rising early in the morning, lifting up the flap of the family tent, and walking out into the sunrise. She looks up at the sky, sees the standing-column pillar turn from fire to cloud, breathes a sigh of relief and whispers, "The LORD is still with us. Praise His Holy Name."
Nothing is more important to God's children than knowing that He is with us, that He does not leave us in our wilderness journey from this earthly land of Egypt to our heavenly Canaan Land. While we do not see a tangible evidence of God's presence, and, as we did the children of Israel, we have something better--His indwelling presence, and, as we look to Him and follow Him, we experience His daily provision and guidance.
As we begin a new mini-series on God's guidance, think about how He has guided you throughout your life, so far. Take a moment today to thank Him for His leading.
What this has to do with weight loss: There are moments on our weight-loss journey when we just don't know which way to turn. Perhaps there's something that just doesn't feel quite right, but we're not sure what it is. Perhaps our exercise routine has lost its effectiveness, and we're not sure what to change. Perhaps we're at a weight-loss plateau, so we need to know how to jumpstart our body. We have Someone who will guide us, who will give us ideas to try or put someone in our path who will give us just the right information we need, at just the right moment. God cares about every part of our journey, even your weight-loss journey. Turn to Him for guidance. He is faithful.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, even though I cannot see You, as did the Israelites, when You went before them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, I am persuaded that You never leave me or forsake me. You have promised that in Your Word. I need Your guidance, Lord, because I recognize that on my own, I can falter and lose my way. Thank You for showing me the path I should take this day. My eyes are on You, and my ears are listening for Your voice. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, walking in the guidance of your loving Heavenly Father.
Moses, empowered and protected by God, has led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, out of bondage, and bound for the Promised Land...Canaan. Between Egypt and "the land flowing with milk and honey," a wilderness must be crossed.
Picture with me an Israelite woman, perhaps from the tribe of Judah ("Judah" means "praise") rising early in the morning, lifting up the flap of the family tent, and walking out into the sunrise. She looks up at the sky, sees the standing-column pillar turn from fire to cloud, breathes a sigh of relief and whispers, "The LORD is still with us. Praise His Holy Name."
Nothing is more important to God's children than knowing that He is with us, that He does not leave us in our wilderness journey from this earthly land of Egypt to our heavenly Canaan Land. While we do not see a tangible evidence of God's presence, and, as we did the children of Israel, we have something better--His indwelling presence, and, as we look to Him and follow Him, we experience His daily provision and guidance.
As we begin a new mini-series on God's guidance, think about how He has guided you throughout your life, so far. Take a moment today to thank Him for His leading.
What this has to do with weight loss: There are moments on our weight-loss journey when we just don't know which way to turn. Perhaps there's something that just doesn't feel quite right, but we're not sure what it is. Perhaps our exercise routine has lost its effectiveness, and we're not sure what to change. Perhaps we're at a weight-loss plateau, so we need to know how to jumpstart our body. We have Someone who will guide us, who will give us ideas to try or put someone in our path who will give us just the right information we need, at just the right moment. God cares about every part of our journey, even your weight-loss journey. Turn to Him for guidance. He is faithful.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, even though I cannot see You, as did the Israelites, when You went before them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, I am persuaded that You never leave me or forsake me. You have promised that in Your Word. I need Your guidance, Lord, because I recognize that on my own, I can falter and lose my way. Thank You for showing me the path I should take this day. My eyes are on You, and my ears are listening for Your voice. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Go forth today, walking in the guidance of your loving Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #147 [It's all about Him]
II Corinthians 9:11 "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (NIV).
In connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping, we have learned that
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
4) Generous givers are remembered, forever.
5) God provides for the needs of the sower.
Today, let us look at the final point of this portion of II Corinthians 9:6-11. In the King James Version, verse 11 says, "Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."
The Greek word for "enriched" is “ploutizō” and it means "to make wealthy." The Greek word for "bountifulness" is “haplotēs” and it means "sincerity (without self-seeking), generosity, liberality." The Greek word for "thanksgiving" is “eucharistia” which means "gratitude: act, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship):--thankfulness (giving of) thanks; thanksgiving."
God blesses givers, in every way, for their generosity that flows from a sincere, selfless act of giving. Yes, God gives to givers, so the giver can give more, and God provides for the needs of the giver. The ultimate purpose of the gift and the giver, however, is to produce, within the giver and the recipients of the gifts, gratitude to God and worshipful giving of thanks.
Oh, you can see that, truly it is all about Him! Godly giving begins and ends with God. He prompts, He instructs, He enables, He provides, He blesses, and He deserves all the praise. We can do nothing, especially give to others, without Him.
Be a giver God can bless, for "You will be made rich in every way. Then you can always give freely...your many gifts [taken] to the people who need them. And they will give thanks to God" (NIRV).
What this has to do with weight loss: Yesterday I received a message from a friend, and she talked about thinking about how blessed we are (each of us). I don't think we do that enough. Do you? God has richly given us all things to enjoy, yet how many do we take for granted. Take some time out for gratitude today. Even with regard to your weight-loss journey, you are surely blessed with those who help you. Give thanks to God for each person who has walked this path with you. Give thanks to God for His abiding presence and help, too.
Confession:
I am a giver. God makes me wealthy in every way, so I can be generous in every way. I thank God and worship Him with great praise, as do those He enables me to help.
In connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping, we have learned that
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
4) Generous givers are remembered, forever.
5) God provides for the needs of the sower.
Today, let us look at the final point of this portion of II Corinthians 9:6-11. In the King James Version, verse 11 says, "Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."
The Greek word for "enriched" is “ploutizō” and it means "to make wealthy." The Greek word for "bountifulness" is “haplotēs” and it means "sincerity (without self-seeking), generosity, liberality." The Greek word for "thanksgiving" is “eucharistia” which means "gratitude: act, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship):--thankfulness (giving of) thanks; thanksgiving."
God blesses givers, in every way, for their generosity that flows from a sincere, selfless act of giving. Yes, God gives to givers, so the giver can give more, and God provides for the needs of the giver. The ultimate purpose of the gift and the giver, however, is to produce, within the giver and the recipients of the gifts, gratitude to God and worshipful giving of thanks.
Oh, you can see that, truly it is all about Him! Godly giving begins and ends with God. He prompts, He instructs, He enables, He provides, He blesses, and He deserves all the praise. We can do nothing, especially give to others, without Him.
Be a giver God can bless, for "You will be made rich in every way. Then you can always give freely...your many gifts [taken] to the people who need them. And they will give thanks to God" (NIRV).
What this has to do with weight loss: Yesterday I received a message from a friend, and she talked about thinking about how blessed we are (each of us). I don't think we do that enough. Do you? God has richly given us all things to enjoy, yet how many do we take for granted. Take some time out for gratitude today. Even with regard to your weight-loss journey, you are surely blessed with those who help you. Give thanks to God for each person who has walked this path with you. Give thanks to God for His abiding presence and help, too.
Confession:
I am a giver. God makes me wealthy in every way, so I can be generous in every way. I thank God and worship Him with great praise, as do those He enables me to help.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #146 [Experiment in Tithing]
Malachi 3:10 "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it'" (NIV).
Today, we end the mini-series on giving. Perhaps you've heard it said that "You can't outgive God." That is so true. John Bunyan (author of Pilgrim's Progress) wrote, "A man there was and they called him mad; the more he gave, the more he had." The "world" doesn't get that, but, for the Christian who knows, believes, and acts on God's Word, that saying is true.
While we are not to tempt or test God, there is one place in the Bible where He gives us permission to test Him, to "prove" Him. It's Malachi 3:10 (our key verse, above). With that verse in mind, read the following true story about an experiment in tithing.
Perry Hayden, a Quaker from Tecumseh, Michigan, in 1940, heard a message on tithing, based on John 12:24, "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (NIV). He asked himself, "How much is 'much fruit' (King James Version of 'many seeds'), and how would tithing affect that?"
My. Hayden committed, before the Lord, to take 1 cubic inch (360 kernels) of wheat, sow it, and of everything that came in from that cubic inch, he'd tithe 10%, then sow the remaining 90% back into the ground, and he would do that for 6 years.
These are the basic statistics, in the interest of space:
Year #1, it took 4' x 8' to plant 1 cubic inch of wheat. He had a small harvest. He tithed 10%, sowing the remaining 90 percent. He continued the practice of tithing 10% of the harvest and sowing the remaining 90% back into the ground, each year for 6 years.
Year #2, it took 24' x 60' to plant.
Year #3, it took 3/4 of an acre to plant.
Year #4, it took 14 acres to plant.
Year #5, it took 230 acres to plant.
Year #6, 5,000 bushels of wheat kernels were sown on 2,666 acres.
360 kernels of wheat became 55 billion kernels of wheat in 6 years! Figuring the average yield of wheat farmers in the area, if they had not tithed but had sown 100%, they'd have made only about $21,000 over the 6 years. With Mr. Hayden tithing 10% and sowing 90%, God prospered his yield above the average farmer's, so that he made $288,000 in 6 years.
If you tithe 10%, God will bless the remaining 90%!
What this has to do with weight loss: Every day, you sow a seed for your weight-loss harvest. With every good habit, you set into motion a harvest of good health. Just as the farmer must be patient after sowing seed, resisting the urge to dig it back up to see if it's growing, you must be patient and allow for the slow changes. Just as the Lord honors your obedience in tithing, giving you an abundant harvest, if you partner with Him, and if you don't give up, one day, you'll see a whole new, healthier you.
Confession:
I am a tither. I give God 10% of all I earn. He blesses the remaining 90%, and I experience Floodgate blessings from Heaven.
Today, we end the mini-series on giving. Perhaps you've heard it said that "You can't outgive God." That is so true. John Bunyan (author of Pilgrim's Progress) wrote, "A man there was and they called him mad; the more he gave, the more he had." The "world" doesn't get that, but, for the Christian who knows, believes, and acts on God's Word, that saying is true.
While we are not to tempt or test God, there is one place in the Bible where He gives us permission to test Him, to "prove" Him. It's Malachi 3:10 (our key verse, above). With that verse in mind, read the following true story about an experiment in tithing.
Perry Hayden, a Quaker from Tecumseh, Michigan, in 1940, heard a message on tithing, based on John 12:24, "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (NIV). He asked himself, "How much is 'much fruit' (King James Version of 'many seeds'), and how would tithing affect that?"
My. Hayden committed, before the Lord, to take 1 cubic inch (360 kernels) of wheat, sow it, and of everything that came in from that cubic inch, he'd tithe 10%, then sow the remaining 90% back into the ground, and he would do that for 6 years.
These are the basic statistics, in the interest of space:
Year #1, it took 4' x 8' to plant 1 cubic inch of wheat. He had a small harvest. He tithed 10%, sowing the remaining 90 percent. He continued the practice of tithing 10% of the harvest and sowing the remaining 90% back into the ground, each year for 6 years.
Year #2, it took 24' x 60' to plant.
Year #3, it took 3/4 of an acre to plant.
Year #4, it took 14 acres to plant.
Year #5, it took 230 acres to plant.
Year #6, 5,000 bushels of wheat kernels were sown on 2,666 acres.
360 kernels of wheat became 55 billion kernels of wheat in 6 years! Figuring the average yield of wheat farmers in the area, if they had not tithed but had sown 100%, they'd have made only about $21,000 over the 6 years. With Mr. Hayden tithing 10% and sowing 90%, God prospered his yield above the average farmer's, so that he made $288,000 in 6 years.
If you tithe 10%, God will bless the remaining 90%!
What this has to do with weight loss: Every day, you sow a seed for your weight-loss harvest. With every good habit, you set into motion a harvest of good health. Just as the farmer must be patient after sowing seed, resisting the urge to dig it back up to see if it's growing, you must be patient and allow for the slow changes. Just as the Lord honors your obedience in tithing, giving you an abundant harvest, if you partner with Him, and if you don't give up, one day, you'll see a whole new, healthier you.
Confession:
I am a tither. I give God 10% of all I earn. He blesses the remaining 90%, and I experience Floodgate blessings from Heaven.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #145 [Four Promises]
II Corinthians 9:10 "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (NIV).
In connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping, we have learned that
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
4) Generous givers are remembered, forever.
I love this verse (II Corinthians 9:10), because it contains four promises within it. The first promise is that God will supply seed to the sower. If I desire to be a generous giver, God is going to help me do that, by providing the seed. If you sincerely pray, asking God to provide so that you can give more, He will do it. Back up your prayer with the Word from II Corinthians 9:10, and watch God work!
The second promise is that God will supply "bread for food" to the sower. You see, God does not just care that you are able to give, He cares that your needs are supplied, as well. The Greek word for "sower" is speirō (spi’-ro), which not only means "to scatter," but it also means "receive seed." Both promises are held within that one Greek word, sower.
The third promise is that God will "supply and increase your store of seed." Not only will God make sure you have seed to sow (if you ask for it), but He will go beyond that. God is so willing to "multiply the loaves and fishes." If you know about these promises and act on them by praying and believing that you receive, you will see that "increase" of "seed." It could happen all at once, but most believers have faith to see it happen gradually. God will move according to your heartfelt faith.
The fourth promise is that God "will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." This is the fruit of the believer who abides in Christ and in the Word. The harvest will be physical, spiritual, and financial. Keep track of your blessings, as you generously give, and you will see the "fruit." Get into the habit of really paying attention. So often we look for the "windfall," when the incremental blessings (like small raises in pay) are important, as well.
What this has to do with weight loss: No matter how much weight you have to lose, the number can look rather daunting. Instead of focusing on the entire amount, focus on 10 lbs. at a time, or even 1 lb. at a time. As you rely on the Lord to give you the help to release one pound of weight, He will supply that help. As you are obedient to His instruction, He will honor your obedience and you will see another pound of weight go. It's a gradual process, and one which requires your patience. Take it one day, one pound at a time.
Confession:
God provides and multiplies seed for me to sow, and He takes care of my needs.
In connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping, we have learned that
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
4) Generous givers are remembered, forever.
I love this verse (II Corinthians 9:10), because it contains four promises within it. The first promise is that God will supply seed to the sower. If I desire to be a generous giver, God is going to help me do that, by providing the seed. If you sincerely pray, asking God to provide so that you can give more, He will do it. Back up your prayer with the Word from II Corinthians 9:10, and watch God work!
The second promise is that God will supply "bread for food" to the sower. You see, God does not just care that you are able to give, He cares that your needs are supplied, as well. The Greek word for "sower" is speirō (spi’-ro), which not only means "to scatter," but it also means "receive seed." Both promises are held within that one Greek word, sower.
The third promise is that God will "supply and increase your store of seed." Not only will God make sure you have seed to sow (if you ask for it), but He will go beyond that. God is so willing to "multiply the loaves and fishes." If you know about these promises and act on them by praying and believing that you receive, you will see that "increase" of "seed." It could happen all at once, but most believers have faith to see it happen gradually. God will move according to your heartfelt faith.
The fourth promise is that God "will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." This is the fruit of the believer who abides in Christ and in the Word. The harvest will be physical, spiritual, and financial. Keep track of your blessings, as you generously give, and you will see the "fruit." Get into the habit of really paying attention. So often we look for the "windfall," when the incremental blessings (like small raises in pay) are important, as well.
What this has to do with weight loss: No matter how much weight you have to lose, the number can look rather daunting. Instead of focusing on the entire amount, focus on 10 lbs. at a time, or even 1 lb. at a time. As you rely on the Lord to give you the help to release one pound of weight, He will supply that help. As you are obedient to His instruction, He will honor your obedience and you will see another pound of weight go. It's a gradual process, and one which requires your patience. Take it one day, one pound at a time.
Confession:
God provides and multiplies seed for me to sow, and He takes care of my needs.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #144 [How will you be remembered?]
II Corinthians 9:9 "As it is written, 'He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!'" (Amplified)
Our key verse defines God's giver as one who "scatters abroad" his gifts. That means that God's giver is a liberal giver. Visualize with me two seed sowers. One sower reaches into his bag of seed, grabs the biggest handful he can, and flings the seed, repeating the process over and over, until the ground is covered with seed. The other sower carefully counts out three seeds, to place in each hole, and repeats the process every 6 inches. Which one is the generous sower? The first one, of course. Which one will reap the abundant harvest? The first one.
According to Psalm 112:9, God equates giving with "righteousness." An easy way to remember the meaning of "righteousness" is to think of it as "right standing with God." It also means "equity (of character or act)." God's giver gives because it's a natural outpouring of thanks to God, and, frankly, it's "the right thing to do."
Based on the fact that the early Christian church had "all things in common" and "gave to those who had need" (Acts 2:44-45) and the fact that, over all, traditionally, Jewish people are well off because they take care of one another, I believe that if every churchgoer gave as he/she should give (10% tithe and over and above that, in offerings), there would be no need for government-funded social programs. It's rather difficult to feed someone spiritually, if that person is physically hungry. I know it's overwhelming; the need is so great all over the world, but what could happen if God's people gave and gave generously.
The "righteousness" of God's giver "endures forever." How long will you be remembered, after you're gone? One of the ways you can be remembered is by being a giver. No, you don't have to give a huge amount and have a plaque put up with your name on it (that would seem to go against the scripture that says, "When you give, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" Matthew 6:3). Others will recognize a giver, because a giver will give of not only their treasure, but their time and talents, as well.
When you give, you bless others, but you also reap blessings on yourself and your family, blessings that will continue from generation to generation. God will see your secret giving and "will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:4), not only in "the here and now," but for all eternity.
What this has to do with weight loss: On the weight-loss journey, we can become too focused on our journey, too focused on the number on the scale, too focused on our weight issues, that we forget that there are more important things (and people). We must strike a balance between being focused on self and focused on others. There's room for both. In the end, though, it really won't matter how much weight we lost. What will matter is how we influenced others. May that influence be for good, not ill, so that when others reflect on our life, they'll remember how we helped and didn't hurt, and may the memories attached to our name and life live on long after we're gone.
Confession:
I am a generous giver, and my "righteousness endures forever."
Our key verse defines God's giver as one who "scatters abroad" his gifts. That means that God's giver is a liberal giver. Visualize with me two seed sowers. One sower reaches into his bag of seed, grabs the biggest handful he can, and flings the seed, repeating the process over and over, until the ground is covered with seed. The other sower carefully counts out three seeds, to place in each hole, and repeats the process every 6 inches. Which one is the generous sower? The first one, of course. Which one will reap the abundant harvest? The first one.
According to Psalm 112:9, God equates giving with "righteousness." An easy way to remember the meaning of "righteousness" is to think of it as "right standing with God." It also means "equity (of character or act)." God's giver gives because it's a natural outpouring of thanks to God, and, frankly, it's "the right thing to do."
Based on the fact that the early Christian church had "all things in common" and "gave to those who had need" (Acts 2:44-45) and the fact that, over all, traditionally, Jewish people are well off because they take care of one another, I believe that if every churchgoer gave as he/she should give (10% tithe and over and above that, in offerings), there would be no need for government-funded social programs. It's rather difficult to feed someone spiritually, if that person is physically hungry. I know it's overwhelming; the need is so great all over the world, but what could happen if God's people gave and gave generously.
The "righteousness" of God's giver "endures forever." How long will you be remembered, after you're gone? One of the ways you can be remembered is by being a giver. No, you don't have to give a huge amount and have a plaque put up with your name on it (that would seem to go against the scripture that says, "When you give, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" Matthew 6:3). Others will recognize a giver, because a giver will give of not only their treasure, but their time and talents, as well.
When you give, you bless others, but you also reap blessings on yourself and your family, blessings that will continue from generation to generation. God will see your secret giving and "will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:4), not only in "the here and now," but for all eternity.
What this has to do with weight loss: On the weight-loss journey, we can become too focused on our journey, too focused on the number on the scale, too focused on our weight issues, that we forget that there are more important things (and people). We must strike a balance between being focused on self and focused on others. There's room for both. In the end, though, it really won't matter how much weight we lost. What will matter is how we influenced others. May that influence be for good, not ill, so that when others reflect on our life, they'll remember how we helped and didn't hurt, and may the memories attached to our name and life live on long after we're gone.
Confession:
I am a generous giver, and my "righteousness endures forever."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Life Plan Devotion #143 [Blessed]
II Corinthians 9:9 "As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever'" (NIV).
We have learned the following, in connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping:
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
Today, we will look at another way that the giver benefits. In verse 9 of II Corinthians chapter 9, Paul quotes the psalmist, from Psalm 112:9. What a great example, using the Word to back up what you say!
If one reads II Corinthians 9:9, as quoted from Psalm 112:9, without reading either passage in context, one might assume that the "he" of the verse refers to God, for surely He "has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor" and "his righteousness" indeed "endures forever." However, when one reads the previous verses of II Corinthians chapter 9 and the entire 112th chapter of Psalms, one understands that the "he" refers to the benevolent person, the giver.
I encourage you to read Psalm 112 (below), for it expounds on why "the man who fears [reverences] the LORD" is "blessed" (112:1). Reverence of God is the foundation of a life lived for Him. It speaks of awe, and when you are in awe of Him, you worship Him, and when you worship Him, you delight in serving Him. Giving is an integral part of serving Him.
Psalm 112 (NIV)
"Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears [reverences] the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; each generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn [symbolizes dignity] will be lifted high in honor. The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing." [Note: words defined in brackets by author, according to the original Hebrew.]
What this has to do with weight loss: Sometimes we believers who are on the weight-loss journey become afraid that it just won't happen for us, that, in the end, we'll end up the same as when we started. However, Psalm 112 promises that if we fear/reverence the LORD, delight in/follow His commands, good things are bound to happen, even when difficult moments come along the way. Give the Word to yourself, first, and then give to others, because you are blessed.
Confession:
I fear and reverence the Lord. I follow His commands. I am a giver. I am blessed.
We have learned the following, in connection with the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping:
1) One's harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed sown.
2) Giving is a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
3) God blesses the giver, so the giver can give more.
Today, we will look at another way that the giver benefits. In verse 9 of II Corinthians chapter 9, Paul quotes the psalmist, from Psalm 112:9. What a great example, using the Word to back up what you say!
If one reads II Corinthians 9:9, as quoted from Psalm 112:9, without reading either passage in context, one might assume that the "he" of the verse refers to God, for surely He "has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor" and "his righteousness" indeed "endures forever." However, when one reads the previous verses of II Corinthians chapter 9 and the entire 112th chapter of Psalms, one understands that the "he" refers to the benevolent person, the giver.
I encourage you to read Psalm 112 (below), for it expounds on why "the man who fears [reverences] the LORD" is "blessed" (112:1). Reverence of God is the foundation of a life lived for Him. It speaks of awe, and when you are in awe of Him, you worship Him, and when you worship Him, you delight in serving Him. Giving is an integral part of serving Him.
Psalm 112 (NIV)
"Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears [reverences] the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; each generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn [symbolizes dignity] will be lifted high in honor. The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing." [Note: words defined in brackets by author, according to the original Hebrew.]
What this has to do with weight loss: Sometimes we believers who are on the weight-loss journey become afraid that it just won't happen for us, that, in the end, we'll end up the same as when we started. However, Psalm 112 promises that if we fear/reverence the LORD, delight in/follow His commands, good things are bound to happen, even when difficult moments come along the way. Give the Word to yourself, first, and then give to others, because you are blessed.
Confession:
I fear and reverence the Lord. I follow His commands. I am a giver. I am blessed.
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