Like a Child
"Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He [Jesus] called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:1-5
Three weeks of living with my parents had a way of turning me back into a child. I've been an adult for quite a few years now, but somehow I found myself fed, clothes mended, and car repairs arranged for me.
I think the key to humility is not just receiving, but acknowledging our need for God for everything. He is the source of our strength, provision, gifts, salvation, relationships, intelligence, and abilities.
When I have stayed with my parents, it's always been a time of transition; usually major life changes which involves tears and struggle. My mom and dad have always been there for me. I am humbled by their kindness toward me...a gift from God.
Today I am overwhelmed by God's kindness and love toward me. In the midst of my weakness. In my feeble attempts to follow him. Trying to surrender everything. More than anything I want to obey and He is so pleased with that. I feel it deeply. To know the Father's love is the greatest pleasure.
And He not only sees my obedience, as hesitant and flawed as it is, He chooses to bless me. Today I received a fairly large mysterious monetary gift. After some investigation, I discovered who gave it to me. Apparently a friend had a dream that they were writing a check to me for a certain amount. So they obeyed. The amount I "sacrificed" in giving away to the Lord in January has now been given back double. So if I ever doubted before that God is my provider, I have no excuse now!
It's not about the money. It's that He actually looks down from Heaven, sees my weakness, and gives me more than I could ever ask or imagine. He is such a good Father.
My heroes of the faith suffered so much more than I - Mother Theresa, Corrie Ten Boom, Jackie Pullinger. Yet He sees my little sacrifice and pours out His love and affection and pleasure on me. That pleasure presses down on me like a heavy blanket. It is emotion, but it's more powerful than that. I can't describe it. I just sit and tears pour down my face. Something from within responds, something deep...
"Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life." Ps. 42:7-8
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him,
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's
spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of
God except the Spirit of God." 1 Cor. 2:9-11
We will get to experience this for all eternity!
Three weeks of living with my parents had a way of turning me back into a child. I've been an adult for quite a few years now, but somehow I found myself fed, clothes mended, and car repairs arranged for me.
I think the key to humility is not just receiving, but acknowledging our need for God for everything. He is the source of our strength, provision, gifts, salvation, relationships, intelligence, and abilities.
When I have stayed with my parents, it's always been a time of transition; usually major life changes which involves tears and struggle. My mom and dad have always been there for me. I am humbled by their kindness toward me...a gift from God.
Today I am overwhelmed by God's kindness and love toward me. In the midst of my weakness. In my feeble attempts to follow him. Trying to surrender everything. More than anything I want to obey and He is so pleased with that. I feel it deeply. To know the Father's love is the greatest pleasure.
And He not only sees my obedience, as hesitant and flawed as it is, He chooses to bless me. Today I received a fairly large mysterious monetary gift. After some investigation, I discovered who gave it to me. Apparently a friend had a dream that they were writing a check to me for a certain amount. So they obeyed. The amount I "sacrificed" in giving away to the Lord in January has now been given back double. So if I ever doubted before that God is my provider, I have no excuse now!
It's not about the money. It's that He actually looks down from Heaven, sees my weakness, and gives me more than I could ever ask or imagine. He is such a good Father.
My heroes of the faith suffered so much more than I - Mother Theresa, Corrie Ten Boom, Jackie Pullinger. Yet He sees my little sacrifice and pours out His love and affection and pleasure on me. That pleasure presses down on me like a heavy blanket. It is emotion, but it's more powerful than that. I can't describe it. I just sit and tears pour down my face. Something from within responds, something deep...
"Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life." Ps. 42:7-8
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him,
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's
spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of
God except the Spirit of God." 1 Cor. 2:9-11
We will get to experience this for all eternity!
posted by Bethany at 10:23 PM
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