God's Generosity

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."

Malachi 3:10

It is impossible to out give God. If we are willing to trust Him, and give generously of our resources (which by the way, all belong to Him anyway), He will provide more than we need. Much more. God is faithful and generous. If He says He'll do it, He will. 

This is Love

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

1 John 4:10

God the Father sent Jesus Christ the Son to earth to die for our sins. Not because the world's inhabitants loved God; for it can hardly be said of those who do not know Him that they love Him. No, God sent Jesus to a world that He loves, in spite of the fact that the world does not love Him. It is remarkable that God loves to that degree, that He would sacrifice His Son to ransom people who may never love Him. 

Do You Need a Heart Transplant?

"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

Ezekiel 36:26

What condition is your heart in? Is it soft and yielded to the Lord? Or is it hardened by hurt and disappointment, by anger and sin? God is the Great Physician. He can take a damaged heart and exchange it for a new heart that loves freely, without resentment, bitterness or guilt. This is the heart God longs for you to have, along with a new spirit. His spirit gives the strength to keep your new heart in great shape.  It takes a supernatural heart transplant that only He can perform, and He's always on call.

True Hospitality

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." 

Romans 12:13, NIV

So often we confuse hospitality with entertaining. Hospitality is not setting out your best dishes and making a seven course meal for twelve. There's nothing wrong with doing that, if it's something you enjoy and can afford to do. But too often women (or men) who are culinary-challenged, on a strict budget, or don't have even four matching plates, are discouraged by this misconception. In the original Greek, hospitality means "to show love to strangers". And Webster defines hospitality as "generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests". A wise woman once said regarding hospitality, "I'd be happy with a peanut butter sandwich served on a paper plate, if I didn't have to make it myself." I'd add to this, served with love and a smile, and you've got the idea of true hospitality. 

Daniel's God

"I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;

         For He is the living God and enduring forever,

         And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,

         And His dominion will be forever. 

    He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders

         In heaven and on earth,

         Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."

Daniel 6:26-27

Daniel did everything right in the sight of the Lord, yet God didn't stop Daniel's enemies from throwing him to the lions. Instead, the Lord did something far more impressive. He protected Daniel from certain death. Such an act was a far greater testimony to God's power, and it resulted in His glory throughout the kingdom by the decree of King Darius himself.  Daniel entrusted himself to the Lord, knowing that He would either save him in this life or the life hereafter. The "God of Daniel" is the very same God we serve today. He may not choose to immediately deliver us from trouble, but in the end He will save us. 

The Mark of a Great Leader

"For I proclaim the name of the LORD;

         Ascribe greatness to our God! 

    The Rock! His work is perfect,

         For all His ways are just;

         A God of faithfulness and without injustice,

         Righteous and upright is He." 

Deuteronomy 32:3-4

After commissioning Joshua to take his place, Moses died in Moab. God did not allow him to lead the people across the Jordan to the Promised Land because of Moses' disobedience at Mirabah (Numbers 20:8-12). The words from Moses' song to the Israelites, recorded in Deuteronomy, were some of the last that he would speak. He reminded the people of God's greatness and perfection. He described Jehovah as faithful, yet just; righteous and upright. And solid. Rock Solid. Moses directed the Israelites attention to God, instead of to himself. This is a mark of a great leader; giving all the glory to God. 

Worship the God of Your Life

The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
         And His song will be with me in the night,
         A prayer to the God of my life." 

Psalm 42:8

Day and night the Lord is with you. He is absolutely dependable. With authority He delivers His lovingkindness to you in the daytime, and in the night His presence should bring praise from your lips. He is the Living God. All glory and honor are His. Worship Him and rejoice that you are loved.