Grams Writes

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24, ESV).

When I read that verse I had to think about what all it was saying. Certainly it had to encompass more than “getting.” The only way I knew to think about this was to consider what all a person could give.So, here goes.

Of course, the most obvious act of giving that comes to mind is the giving of money. It is said that Americans give more to other causes than any other people. That’s probably because we have the most to give. However, taken in light of this verse (and others), that fact alone may very well be why we have the means to give. But, as time goes on, with the present difficulties with jobs and layoffs, people will inevitably give less to outside causes. One word of caution: never think you can short-change God and still prosper. His Word is very clear. If you honor Him with what He has blessed you with, He will pour out still more blessings, abundantly.

Now think about this a minute–is money the only thing you have to give? I think not. We are more than the balance in our check book. What about giving of your time? If you have a family, that’s a good place to start. God gave the father and mother the responsibility of teaching and training their children to become mature adults who will love God, accept His Son as their Savior, and work to advance the kingdom. You can’t fulfill this responsibility if your mind is somewhere else and your heart is cluttered with unnecessary, worldly pursuits.

Do you need friends? Do you desire a close relationship with someone? The Bible says that if a person would have friends, that person must first be a friend. So, offer your friendship; give of yourself; open your mind, your life up to those around you. So what if there are some who are not willing to respond in like manner? Others will. I had to learn that the hard way, but it works.

Do you want a closer walk with the Lord? Know how to get there? Dive into His Word. Give yourself to studying the deep truths of the Bible. God will respond. He says if you will draw close to Him, He will draw close to you.

Do you feel like no one loves you; no one cares whether or not you live or die? Jesus cares and let me let you in on a little secret. He has other children who loves just like He does. But sometimes these people who would love you are pushed back because you refuse to let them in. It’s up to you to open the door. When you begin to love others, the response of love from others is almost instantaneous.

There may be other ways a person can give, but these are the ones that readily come to my mind. So, you want to have what you need and that in abundance? Then open up; give of your self, your intellect, your emotions, your time, and yes, even your money. God has said you will grow even richer. I believe HIm. It’s amazing how it works.

Grams

I usually start my morning off with reading in Psalms. Today it was Psalm 107. In this psalm, the writer gives examples of troubles and afflictions man gets himself into and when his life is a total wreck, he cries out to God. God, being the good God that He is, hears the cry for help and comes to the rescue. The psalmist urges man to consider God’s steadfast love.

I looked at each example given, compared it to happenings in today’s world, and I realized once again just how much God loves us. You know, the ones who totally ignore Him until our world falls apart and then it’s a scream for help. Often we have the attitude that God owes us; that it’s His job to rescue us from the messes we get ourselves into. But, that is clearly not the case. He does it simply because He loves us.

The psalmist refers to it as His “steadfast love”; love that is unshakable, unmovable, grounded deep in who He is–the great God of heaven and earth. Can I love like that? I’m not sure. I know we’re commanded to love each other, to love the lost world, and to love God, but I never quite seem to get there. At least, not without slipping back every once in awhile. But, it’s a goal I’ve set for myself–to learn to love with a “steadfast love.”

Verse 43 says, “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.” Today, consider this.

Grams

I read an online devotion this morning. Occasionally this particular devotional site will miss the mark, but not often. More times than not this group of women writers drives a point, a truth from God’s Word, straight into your heart. At the very least they cause me to think. Yes, that’s right . . . think. This morning was no exception.

The topic was accountability. That’s a fairly common term used in a lot of different circles. It is actually a tenet for a successful walk with the Lord. Now to say that we are accountable covers a lot of territory. To whom are we accountable and for what? Once we determine the answer to those questions, then comes the problem of making it happen.

It is really easy to answer the first question–to whom are we accountable. Automatically we say we are accountable to God and we’d be correct. We are accountable to God. He is our maker and redeemer. If anyone has a right to expect certain behaviors from us it should be the one who created us, first and foremost. Then if I’ve surrendered my life to Him, determined to follow His lead, then I’m accountable to Him for that life. Not just certain things that I do, but for everything that goes into making me who and what I am. Now, that’s a tall order, even for the most dedicated and staunchest of Christians. But it is one that we must give due consideration, that is if we expect to live for Him and accomplish anything close to what He has in mind for us.

The difficult part comes when we actually get down to the doing of what we’ve been talking about. How do you hold yourself accountable to almighty God? We all know there are certain precepts, dos and don’ts, that we are expected to adhere to. These are laid out clearly in God’s Word, our guide book. Those things are basically no brainers. But, what about the abstract? How does that play into all of this?

I’ve thought about this quite a bit. You can get yourself so engrossed in trying to do that you miss out on what God has for you. You see, the accounting of your life walks hand in hand with the one with whom you are building a relationship. And that’s the secret. It’s not a checklist of whether or not you did or did not do a certain thing; it’s getting to know your friend Jesus so intimately that the accountability comes natural; it’s part of your relationship with Christ.

God, in His goodness, allows people’s lives to intertwine, to mess in such a way that they help each other be accountable to their mutual friend. And there you have the beauty of relationships.

Do I have those kind of friends? You bet I do. Are they diligent? Oh yeah. It is just understood between us; no topic is off limits if the need is there. Do they care for me; do they love me? Absolutely! You know why I can say that? Anytime someone in today’s fast-paced world takes the time to listen, to talk, to pray, and even to confront, that person cares. Just like Jesus cares. Taken in that light, accountability is a good thing.

Grams

I’ve been absent from my blog for the last several days. This has been a quiet time for me, a reflective time. Now I’m a thinker, an analyzer by nature, to the consternation of those closest to me. But there are times when it is good to reflect, to think back over your life; where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re going. It is always a good idea to take stock of your life, regardless of your depth of commitment to the Lord and His will for your life. And that is what I have been doing since July 21. Why that date? What is so special about that day?

July 21 is the birthday of my youngest. He turned 30. Ah! Now you see; now you understand. But this is more than just the reminiscences of a woman who is getting older. We are all doing that. I have taken the time to look back over the past 30 years, taking stock of my family; what all has happened, where we’ve been, what we’ve done, and where we all are at this time in our lives. It has been a bit overwhelming and humbling ’cause you see, my heart and mind has reeled with gratitude for a loving God who has been faithful all along the way.

Today I’m writing from a grateful heart, offering to my Lord a sacrifice of praise as the psalmist instructs us to do. God’s steadfast love, mercy, and goodness was not given to my boys and me because we were so deserving. Neither was it offered because we are able to do such mighty works for Him. It was offered simply because He loves us and that is so amazing to me. Yes, there are commands and directions He expects His children to follow, to live by, but that does not preclude His love for me, for us. I’ve come to believe that divine love is love that is offered expecting nothing in return. He loves me whether or not I love Him and it is on that basis only that I can praise Him today.

I doubt I’ll see another 30 years, but if I do, I’m positive God will still love me; He will still be faithful to His Word and promises to His children. I rest in that today and from a grateful heart I bless His name.

Grams

“Love is not love if it is offered expecting something in return”–another sentence that has caused me to sit back and contemplate. My mind takes off in several directions.

We use the word love to describe our feelings, likes and dislikes, about numerous objects, situations, people, and God. But the intensity of those feelings, those likes and dislikes, are not the same. You almost need a thermometer to gauge just how much love is being offered. Therefore, it stands to reason we should broaden our vocabulary. A professor once told me words are free; use them. So, I say the same things about love. Instead of using one word to define a myriad of feelings, aspirations, hopes, and dreams, see how many different words can be used in the place of the word love.

Instead of love, a person may like, appreciate, adore, care, fancy, venerate, cherish, treasure, prefer,admire, idolize, prize, and desire. I’m sure the list is inexhaustible if time were not a factor. My point is to save the word love for when it truly expresses the feelings of the moment.

The word love holds a special connotation, especially for the Christian, for the Christian is to love as Christ loves. Herein lies the explanation for that first sentence. When we escape the mundane, when we can turn our backs on the thinking of this world, when we let the love of Christ permeate our inner being, then and only then can we love, expecting nothing in return. That is phenomenal to me.

To love someone even if he or she cannot give you anything back, even if that one is not capable of reciprocating, then you are loving as Christ loves. Isn’t that the way He loves you? It is the way He loves me. I  do not have anything to offer Him outside of my life in Him and that life is to be lived out with Him at the controls, following His direction, and promoting His agenda and not my own. That’s how we make Christ known to this degenerate world. It’s that easy. Love people, all kinds of people, those who cause you to be uncomfortable, those who cannot reciprocate, those who cannot help you advance, even those who would do you harm. When you can do that you have a small understanding of how Christ loves you.

We do not deserve His love. He knew that but gave it anyway. He desires we love Him in return and through Him other people, but that’s a decision He left with us. I’ve come to understand that I can’t really love Him if I love others with the expectation of receiving from them what I think I need or want. Those things I must receive from Jesus Christ. I’ve also learned that when I love others through Him, He is faithful to give me exactly what I need. Isn’t it amazing how He does that?

Grams

I think it was Oswald Chambers who said, “Spiritual confusion cannot be cleared up by reasoning, only through obedience.” Immediately the question presents itself–obedience to what or to whom? Of course, the obvious answer is to God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. But is it that simple? Yes, and maybe no, at least not all of the time.

To the irritation of my closest friends I have a tendency to think about and analyze everything I say and do, as well as everything you say and do, particularly if it involves me or mine. At times this trait or “quirk” of mine has been the cause of some very serious discussions. And I submit I just could not understand what the big deal was. After all, think of all that happens because people don’t think. But, today, I begin to understand.

It is a matter of progression. When I question myself, over analyze, and I question you, your motives, and your reasons for doing or saying, then the next person I can begin to question is God. At this point, spiritual confusion comes front and center. Now, I’m not suggesting people should completely ignore the obvious. Scripture teaches we are to pursue wisdom, but wisdom is not the same thing as reason. Human reason is just that, human.

I am not to rely on my own intellect, my own capabilities, but I am to rely upon God and I do that by being obedient to the Lord, His Word, His teachings, His example, and His Holy Spirit. When I do that, when obedience is foremost in my life, then my motives are pure, what I say will be bathed in His love, and my actions will magnify His name. Through Him I can believe in you; I can trust you to be who you say you are. I can believe you mean exactly what you say, no hidden agendas. I can know because the same Holy Spirit lives in my heart that lives in yours and He will guide and direct and reveal.

So where do I go from here? I decide to trust my motives, my heart. I decide to trust the heart and motives of those I walk the closest with. I decide to trust the Holy Spirit to lead me, guide me, and direct me as I live in obedience to God’s Holy Word. I think it comes down to simply living in the Spirit as opposed to living in the flesh. This may not be the easiest thing I’ve ever done, but then again, it should be a piece of cake for the one who is going to make it all possible. I trust Him and because of that I trust you. It’s that simple.

Grams

“In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues” (Psalm 31:20; ESV).

I don’t know how you go about applying Scripture to life, but when I’m reading the Bible and a particular word or phrase catches my attention, I usually stop to consider exactly what is being said. Not very complicated, really, but I find that it works very well for me. That’s what I did when reading in Psalms the other day.

The phrase “in the cover of your presence” almost jumped off the page at me. I’ve heard men preach about living in the presence of God and being in the presence of God a lot of times, but, I’ve never heard anyone preach or teach about being covered with the presence of God. Were they the same thing? I wasn’t sure.

To live in the presence of God denotes walking in fellowship with Him; letting Jesus be the Lord of your life. Through His presence, Jesus is involved in every facet of your life, from the decisions you make to the people you allow to be part of that life. You walk with Him as He walks with you. A most blessed place to live.

To be covered indicates to me protection and that made sense to me because the rest of the verse talked about being hidden from the plots of men, even from the strife of men’s tongues. But I would submit that one is not possible without the other. To enjoy God’s covering, His protection, is not possible unless you are first living in that presence. And to live in the presence of God one must first belong to Him. God’s presence goes with those who have accepted Jesus as their personal savior.

As you walk closer to the Lord, as you delve deeper into His Word, as you get to know Him as your best friend, you are covered by His presence. You belong to Him and the psalmist says that His presence will hide you in the day of trouble; you will be covered by the presence in your life of the eternal Son of God.

I realize this is probably not the best explanation of this verse and I’m sure there is much more that can be said about it, but the thought of God’s presence covering, protecting, even hiding me from the evil men’s tongues can cause held a special blessing for me that day. I hope this has been a blessing to you as well.

Grams

Antoine Rivarol is a French writer of the 18th century known for writing maxims of a negative slant. He wrote the following: “Man spends his life reasoning on the past, in complaining of the present, in fearing the future.” When I first read that statement I didn’t give it much thought, but for some reason I kept returning to it. Although he doesn’t give mankind much credit for having a positive outlook on life at all, Rivarol does hit pretty close to where a lot of us live. Maybe that was why I continued to read and contemplate on the exact meaning of what he had said.

If a person continues to look to the past while complaining about his or her lot in life today, one has no hope for the future. And a life without hope leads to an existence dominated by fear. Now for the child of God, what does that say about one’s faith in an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present God? Not much at all.

It can be a good thing to think about the way things were when you were a child and enjoy memories of a time when life was simpler. It is a good thing to be realistic about life in general. Things aren’t always pleasant and good and to ignore problems only leads to more of the same. But to let what you once had or did not have; to let the difficult times of the past and the unpleasant happenings of this day bind you in a fearful expectation of tomorrow goes against everything the Word of God teaches for the child of God.

We are to live by faith. We are to forget the past, be content with today, and look forward with anticipation to what God has in store for us tomorrow. Why can I say this with confidence? Because I am an ex-reasoner on the past and an ex-complainer of the present, as well as an ex-fearful looker into the future. Do I still have times when I take a peek at the past? I’m afraid I do. Do I ever get frustrated with the way things are in my life today? Yeah, that’s me sometimes. Have I ever contemplated just what the future held and whether I would be OK? A time or two. But I have found the way out of the past, a joy in living in the present, and a hope for the future.

The Scripture says that the Lord acknowledges a broken and contrite spirit. The Comanche Indian tribe describes a broken and contrite spirit as “my heart is on the ground.” As my spirit broke in repentance and confession of wrong attitudes, pride, anger, frustration, fear, doubt, and selfishness, my heart was on the ground; I emptied myself, placing my past, the present, and my future in the hands of the only one who can erase the past, deal with the present, and orchestrate the events that are coming my way.

Into that emptied life I invited the Holy Spirit and He came in, filling all the spaces that had once been occupied with frustration, anger, hopelessness, fear, and longing. Peace, love, joy, and hope reside there now. My salvation was never in question, but I’ve learned that I must continually empty myself and let the Holy Spirit fill me with all I need to be a follower of Christ. I will tell you this: it was not easy. An emptied life requires that you take a long, honest look at yourself. But to be rid of the past, to appreciate what God is doing in my life today, and to live without dread of tomorrow is worth that look, any day of the week.

Grams