When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” Jonah 2:7-9
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. James 5:1-5
King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold he had taken from all these nations: Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. 1 Chronicles 18:11
But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Luke 7:7b
Over the last six months, I have cultivated the habit of shopping at Goodwill. I pay good money to take home what other people have decided is not worth keeping. I spend additional money to have my precious finds dry cleaned. I decorate my home with my discoveries. Some treasures I simply stockpile in my closet for future use. I feel a sense of pride when someone complements me on my recycled handbag or my shiny brass candlesticks.
As I peruse the interior of my house searching for more closet space, I realize that I’ve become like that guy in the bible who tears his barn down to make room for more grain. Today will my very life be demanded of me? I suddenly realized I only needed one word from God to experience his healing power -The Word made flesh that dwelt among us, Jesus, in whose Name I pray.
Please, Lord, forgive me for forgetting to thank You, from whom all blessings flow. May I not make these worthless things into idols. Show me every opportunity where I can share with others. Help me to be more like your servant David in dedicating all the gifts with which you bless me to your holy purpose. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen
One day a friend that I was visiting admired a turquoise suede jacket I was wearing. I took it off and hung it on the back of the chair in her kitchen before I left. She called me later and said she was grateful for the gift and glad she hadn’t admired my pants. I was thankful that God gave me a chance to pass the blessings on.
yicareggie
Sixty-six books in a year 