Measure

Today I am linking up with the women of Five Minute Friday. The idea is simple: Write for five minutes flat on the week’s posted topic. This week’s word is : Measure

So what is the measure I use to give?  To give of my time, to give of my finances, to give of my gifts/skills?  Do I have a sliding scale according to how much I like doing/giving of something ?  Is it dependent on who I am doing it for, different ways for different people according to how much I like them or judge their need to be?  My goodness! I realise how prejudiced I am and that I do limit how much I give depending on the people or situation.

So what does the bible tell me?

Luke 6:38
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full–pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

It tells me that by limiting my giving , I am infact limiting my own blessing!  By limiting my giving to those I like or count worthy, I am limiting God’s blessing on my own life.

By giving abundantly, giving generously, giving freely and without prejudice , then I will receive back much more than I ever gave out in the first place.

The amount I give is the amount I will receive back!

Pressed down, running over and poured into my lap!

 

I need to open wide my hands,

open wide my heart,

open wide my life

and give according to the measure I have been given by Christ.

Freely, freely you have received , freely, freely give …

 

 

Rewards

When our dog was a puppy we trained him using rewards as an incentive.  So when he obeyed, he got one of those little puppy treats.  When he behaved, he got a reward.  He learnt through rewards.

We do this with children as well, don’t we?  We reward good behaviour with words of encouragement or treats.

Does this then spill over to my spiritual life?  Do I expect rewards from God?  If I have been ‘good’, if I have been faithful in my quiet time, in going to church, in doing good deeds, do I expect a reward?  Do I expect God to show me favour?  Do I expect an extra blessing?  Do I expect God to give me an easier life because I have been faithful and obedient?

If so, then my thinking is wrong.  My devotion, service and faithfulness to Him should all come out of a grateful heart, a heart full of love towards Him.  His grace is unmerited, His favour is freely given, His mercy is extended in grace.  I don’t deserve any of it.

He should be enough for me.  He Himself is my reward and with Him I should be eternally fulfilled and happy.

 

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”  (Gen 15:1)

 

PLACE

Today I am linking up with the women of Five Minute Friday. The idea is simple: Write for five minutes flat on the week’s posted topic. This week’s word is : PLACE

When I read this week/s prompt I immediately thought of this song by Matt Redman

Once Again

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I’ve wondered at your gift of life
And I’m in that place once again
I’m in that place once again. And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I’m humbled by your mercy and I’m broken inside
Once again I thank you
Once again I pour out my life
Pour out our life’s to you. Now you are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I’ll bow
But for now I marvel at your saving grace
And I’m full of praise once again
Full of praise today
I’m full of praise once again. And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I’m humbled by your mercy and I’m broken inside
Once again I thank you
Once again I pour out my life

Yes, I’m in that place once again. Once again weary and tired of doing things in my own strength, once again weary and tired of carrying worries and anxieties with me.

So once again, I come to that place at the foot of the cross, once again humbled and broken. I come to that place where I can lay down my burdens, that place where I can lay down my anxieties, that place where I can find refreshment for my soul, that place where I can find healing balm, that place where my sins are forgiven.

Once again broken and humbled. But in the right place, at the foot of the cross looking to Jesus.

Are you in the right place today? Are you there at the foot of the cross?

• 

More

Today I am linking up with the women of Five Minute Friday. The idea is simple: Write for five minutes flat on the week’s posted topic. This week’s word is : MORE

For some reason the passage of scripture which came to me is this one from Joshua chapter 15:

16And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” 17Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

18One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him ^b to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

19She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

‘give me also springs of water’

You see Aksah knew she had the land, had the inheritance, but she wanted more. She wanted her & her land to flourish, she wanted it to be watered, she wanted it to bear fruit, she wanted more.

‘Give me also springs of water’.

The water which will well up and become life-giving, the water which refreshes our souls, the springs which remain constant and fresh and which won’t run dry.

Lord give me also springs of water.

Give me this water so that I can drink deeply of it, give me this water so that I can flourish, give me this water so that I can more than just survive, give me this water so that I can thrive and flourish for Your Glory.

Give me also springs of water.