Gifts from God come in all shapes and sizes. The picture behind this verse is from friends who are on vacation. They sent me a few pictures and said that they thought I should put a verse with this one.
I was so touched that they were thinking of me while on vacation. I was also blessed by their encouragement of one of my hobbies. I very much enjoy scenic pictures and putting verses with them. So please enjoy my gift with me.
God is so good.
One of the few times that “always” truly applies is God’s Word. God’s Word always has what I need. My responsibility is to continue reading and studying the Bible.
Lord God, please open my eyes to what I need.
Today I had the chance to talk to Christian friends that I haven’t seen for a while. I enjoyed the blessing of a relationship that God put together. I meet this couple 20 years ago when I was their son’s 4th grade teacher. Over the years we have seen each other here and there (we live in a town of 25,000 people). Each time we have talked I have been blessed. They have life experiences that give them a unique understanding of mine. They are able to sympathize with me in ways others could not. Only God can arrange that. He set up their lives and mine in such a way to honor and glorify His name. I am awestruck that God would choose to bless me this way.
Praise His name!
I love flowers. They are happy and cheerful. Most of the time. This bunch is a bit wilted after being transplanted from my friend’s yard, but they will perk up.
I often have good intentions of putting things in “perfect order”. I am a perfectionist after all. However, I am a very, very, flawed perfectionist. I do not always have the energy or desire to put in the amount of work required for “perfection”. I used to chide myself for that. I now have a different view.
I should seek Christ honoring standards in everything I do. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) I think we can lose sight of the object of this verse. If I start seeking man-made, man-honoring perfection, then I miss the God honoring life that I am supposed to seek.
I will not be perfect in this life. No matter how hard I try. I will attain perfection when God calls me home to heaven. He will then give me Christlike perfection. In the meantime, I need to give my life over to God and He will correct my imperfections.
Now back to the flowers. Some things do not require “perfection”. It is acceptable that my flowers are not evenly spaced. I need to spend my time and energy elsewhere. I think God smiles on my imperfectly spaced flowers. He knows who I am (flawed and quirky), and loves me anyway.
Usually, we think of “me first” as a selfish idea. Most of the time it is. However, when it comes to giving – we should lovingly say, “Let me give first”. When a conflict arises, love says, “Let me makes things right first.” When there is a need, Christ-likeness decides to go first to meet that need.
So the next time you have the chance – go first for the sake of Christ and others.
A friend of mine once said, “There are so many good verses and I haven’t mastered any of them.” That is why we are good friends. She sends me to God’s Word.
Perfect for all situations.
