Your Gift

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

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Every day, God wakes you up. Isn’t He so kind?

After you’re awake, He hands you a gift.

It’s wrapped with a big giant ribbon. I picture it white with a soft, red floppy bow. How about you?

What’s inside, you ask?

Your day. Your brand new day.

Each day is a gift, bursting of possibilities.

He watches as an excited parent while you loosen the ribbon.

I can imagine His father heart bursting with anticipation when He knows this day holds a precious surprise.

Even when it’s a ho-hum, normal sort of day, He smiles when you open up your day. Because each day is brimming with potential.

I can also see His father heart heavy, as He allows you to open a day full of sorrow.

Does your attitude depend on what’s inside? Or are you always grateful for each new day?

Will you thank Him, no matter what comes?

Will you use this gift of time wisely, not squandering it away on worldly cares?

Or will you live within your self, satisfying your fleshly desires above the cost of obedience to God?

Each day’s time is finite. You are finite as so am I.

God, on the other hand, is not. He is infinite. Timeless. Eternal.

God created you for a reason. A specific purpose. Probably several.

Are you seeking Him for what these are, or are you only living for yourself?

Maybe a mixture of both?

Today is here. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Ask God how to spend your time. He’ll tell you. How? Possibly through an idea popping into your head, a person to call, or a task to complete.

Maybe today your job is to smile at the stranger sitting next to you in the waiting room, asking how they are. Or maybe you’ll pray with the waiter.

God will not only tell you, but He’ll stay by you, helping you finish today with a flourish.

You’ll lay your weary head on the pillow, smiling because God used your willing heart to bless others.

Your day may or may not have gone as you planned – but the gift God gave you? You willing gave it back to Him.

Photos by Mia GolicRob Laughter, & Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

When I follow Your lead,

When I want nothing, because You provide all things,

Goodness and mercy will be with me every single day.

Your favor will be with me when I choose to have You on the throne of my heart.

When I move over and submit to Your ways, the mercy of God will stay with me all my days.

God’s mercy and favor in my life will follow me when I let the Lord, who is my Shepherd, lead me all the days of my life.

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And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Eternity with God.

When we put our trust in our Shepherd to lead us through life, He will lead us through it all: every hill AND valley.

But we never need to fear, because He provides all we need.

He prepares our souls for trials, walking with us through to the other side.

His protection extends to defending us in front of our enemies.

Forever dwelling with Him.

I want nothing less.

How about you?

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Meeting Jesus

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

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My precious sweet grandmother.

She’s going to meet Jesus soon.

Face to face.

Her body is ready.

Her spirit and soul are ready.

Ready to allow her entry into heaven.

As I think about her, I instantly know what she wants us to remember.

Love Jesus.

With your whole heart.

Serve Him with gladness.

Let His touch flow through your fingers into the lives of others.

That’s what she does.

That’s who she is.

Her legacy is one of compassion and love.

Her earthly life has been a witness to God’s very presence.

As we kiss her good-bye, we have kissed the face of God.

May we have faith like her.

May we have joy like her.

And as my grandmother has so beautifully fulfilled God’s destiny for her, may the fruit of our lives fulfill the destiny God has for us, too.