What We Receive

The Bible speaks of the tithe. The tithe is the believer’s opportunity to acknowledge that all we have has been given to us by God, and in fact, belongs to God. But God expects us to do something else with everything that He gives us. We should be passing on to others out of the blessings that God gives us.

Genesis 12:2 says, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” God abundantly blesses us so that we have a storehouse of blessings with which to bless others. God’s goodness follows us wherever we go and His grace provides us with blessings beyond number. What we do with these blessings is vitally important. Sharing these blessings with others produces the fruit that God desires from the seeds of blessings that He gives.

How Did I Miss That?

Sometimes I have been in the midst of some circumstances and will not see or hear some important detail that occurred. Even when watching an event I can completely miss out on something important. My mind can focus on some minor detail and miss the important things.

I Chronicles 16:10-11 says, “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!  Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” The glory of the Lord fills the earth.  Ask God to open your eyes to behold His glory as it surrounds you today. Ask Him to open your heart and mind to understanding how His glory is near to you. Let Him strengthen your spirit and soul by His presence.

Well Spent

When we go to the store and purchase an item, we expect that this item will provide some value to us, making our lives more enjoyable or easier. When we work hard at our jobs, we expect to receive the provision of fair wages and benefits. It is so easy to have the same mindset in relationships, giving of ourselves with the expectation of receiving benefits in return.

II Corinthians 12:15 says, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” Real love is revealed when we give of our time, treasures, and talents without the expectation of receiving love in return. Removing all selfish intentions is only possible when God’s love is at work in our lives. Let’s ask God to activate unselfish love in us and through us to others.

Representation

Today we have many companies that will put your company’s or organization’s logo on t-shirts, jackets, duffel bags, or just about anything else. We walk around in clothes with these logos and represent the company.  How much we know about the business and how well we represent them is quickly apparent and vitally important to the company.

Micah 4:5 says, “For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.” To walk in the name of the Lord is to know Him well and to represent Him well. We represent Him well when we follow Him closely and our actions display His image.

Sunrise or Son Rise

As I walked on the sands of Daytona Beach, I watched the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. The light was brilliant and the colors spectacular. I happened to glance upward and saw dozens of people on their hotel balconies also watching the sunrise.  It seems that everyone is enthralled with the beauty of sunrises.

Revelation 21:22-23 speaking of heaven says, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” One day soon we who have trusted in Jesus Christ will bask in the glory of God the Father and His Light will fill our hearts with joy.