[ Adeodata's Heart] Say "Yes" to God's Good
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RT
Dec 7, 2012, 11:17:12 AM12/7/12
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"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice." Psalm 112:5
For 9 years the "ring, ring" of our telephone drew gasps of anticipation. They signaled one of two things, "You're in" or "You're out." Typically, professional football player's careers hinge on the rise or fall of Sunday's performance. A blown coverage or string of missed tackles coupled with injuries and Club bureaucracy can land you on the sofa, watching the jersey number you donned just a few days ago, running down the field! In 2001, my husband heard, "You're out." We witnessed his former number, 21, breaking tackles and scoring touchdowns and the genesis of our finances withdrawing from the bank! Nonetheless, we were confident that a melodious ring would soon follow. It didn't. In fact, off-season, training camp, and game 11 came and went. Miraculously, he was called back for the final four games, but they would be the last games he'd play for nearly 2 years.
In the midst of this huge loss, we received another kind of call. The conversation went something like this:
Lord: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
Us: "Really Lord! Don't You see that our source of income has exited? And, it's not like we were 1rst round draft picks. No, no, no, league minimum has been our portion. Do You expect us to continue giving at the same rate?"
Lord: "No, I want you to give more. I am your source. I will supply every need of yours according to My riches in glory..." Phil 4:19
Us: "But Lord, there are so many needs. One of our parents has lost their job and moved in with us. We are supporting several ministries and assisting other family as well, all in addition to our tithes and offerings."
Lord: ".....Test me in this,....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. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,..." Malachi 3:10-11
Our "yes" seemed to fast track our faith to a level that moved mountains, inciting us to give despite our sorrow and any natural sign of financial gain. There's nothing GOODER as this week's text suggests, than a debt of relationship with Christ that comes from having to solely depend on Him, and then see Him move on your behalf. God not only blessed us spiritually, giving us great peace and the joy of being the blessing, but has always ensured we had enough, even at times causing our well to overflow.
Getting the good God promised not only required sacrificial and wise giving of our finances, but of our time and abilities, all with a heart that expected nothing from the recipient, but everything from the ultimate Giver. It's not easy to give when your bank account's statement shows mostly withdrawals, or when personal dissapointments mount with every phone call or lack there of. But, as we daily chose to say "yes" with wisdom when others needed encouragement or rent money, we chose God's good. And it ain't nothing better than that!
--
Posted By RT to Adeodata's Heart at 12/07/2012 08:17:00 AM
For 9 years the "ring, ring" of our telephone drew gasps of anticipation. They signaled one of two things, "You're in" or "You're out." Typically, professional football player's careers hinge on the rise or fall of Sunday's performance. A blown coverage or string of missed tackles coupled with injuries and Club bureaucracy can land you on the sofa, watching the jersey number you donned just a few days ago, running down the field! In 2001, my husband heard, "You're out." We witnessed his former number, 21, breaking tackles and scoring touchdowns and the genesis of our finances withdrawing from the bank! Nonetheless, we were confident that a melodious ring would soon follow. It didn't. In fact, off-season, training camp, and game 11 came and went. Miraculously, he was called back for the final four games, but they would be the last games he'd play for nearly 2 years.
In the midst of this huge loss, we received another kind of call. The conversation went something like this:
Lord: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
Us: "Really Lord! Don't You see that our source of income has exited? And, it's not like we were 1rst round draft picks. No, no, no, league minimum has been our portion. Do You expect us to continue giving at the same rate?"
Lord: "No, I want you to give more. I am your source. I will supply every need of yours according to My riches in glory..." Phil 4:19
Us: "But Lord, there are so many needs. One of our parents has lost their job and moved in with us. We are supporting several ministries and assisting other family as well, all in addition to our tithes and offerings."
Lord: ".....Test me in this,....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. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,..." Malachi 3:10-11
Us: "Yes Lord."
Our "yes" seemed to fast track our faith to a level that moved mountains, inciting us to give despite our sorrow and any natural sign of financial gain. There's nothing GOODER as this week's text suggests, than a debt of relationship with Christ that comes from having to solely depend on Him, and then see Him move on your behalf. God not only blessed us spiritually, giving us great peace and the joy of being the blessing, but has always ensured we had enough, even at times causing our well to overflow.
Getting the good God promised not only required sacrificial and wise giving of our finances, but of our time and abilities, all with a heart that expected nothing from the recipient, but everything from the ultimate Giver. It's not easy to give when your bank account's statement shows mostly withdrawals, or when personal dissapointments mount with every phone call or lack there of. But, as we daily chose to say "yes" with wisdom when others needed encouragement or rent money, we chose God's good. And it ain't nothing better than that!
--
Posted By RT to Adeodata's Heart at 12/07/2012 08:17:00 AM
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