Jesus says in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”

The direction in this verse is pretty clear, that if we give, we will receive. However, I think the second sentence has a deeper message. “For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” The message is not how much we give, but the attitude we have in giving. If we give reluctantly, worried about what is being done with “our” gifts, God may treat us the same way.

But if we give generously, with the confidence that God always provides, we will receive with the same “measure” or generosity.

2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Dear Lord, you provide all we have, and can give us much more, or much less, at your will. Help us remember then to give with a generous measure and you will allways give us everything we need and plenty left over. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard this expression, and may have even experienced the phenomenon. When trying to make a decision, we wait and wait looking for one more piece of information or insight that will motivate us to decide, and begin.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 11:4, “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” The Living Bible version translates this verse as “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”

God is telling us through Solomon’s writing, that we need to act in faith. Particularly when it comes to those things we feel God calling us to do.

There is an expression that goes, “The will of God will never lead you where the love of God will not support you.” We need to remember that God will be there to support us if we move forward in faith.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your guidance, direction, and support. Help us remember to listen for your call, then act, and not wait for perfect conditions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The dictionary defines the word worship with the following phrases: “extravagant respect, admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem.”

So what do we do if we have extravagant respect, admiration for or devotion to something? We dedicate time on our schedule for it, we take time and energy to learn more about it, we purchase books, magazines, on-line subscriptions to stay up to date, we buy t-shirts, go to events, talk about it with others with the same interests, an so on.

The question is, Does this description of worship sound more like our activities revolving around our favorite sport, team, athlete, TV show, musician, band, movie star, business person, or our activities revolving around God?

The first commandment given to Moses by God in Exodus 34:14 Is, ” For you must worship no other gods, but only Jehovah, for he is a God who claims absolute loyalty and exclusive devotion.” TLB.

Dear Lord, Help us see when we are putting other “gods” before you, so we can correct ourselves. Help us remember that putting you above all else, and trusting you will give us peace and joy for a better life here on earth, and life eternally. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is a misconception, which might even be considered a stereotype, that being a Christian means one is poor and struggling, with nothing to his or her name, living in lack. I believe that this is another ploy by the Devil to lead people away from God and Christianity.

Although Christianity is definitely not about gaining material wealth, the Lord provides for the needs of those who put their trust in him.

There are many Christians, who put their faith, hope and trust in, and commit their plans to God, and God has blessed them with much earthly wealth. Church congregations need to remember this as well. We need to trust that God will provide what we need to do his work.

Psalm 31:19 says “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” and Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

Dear Lord, help us remember to count on you for our needs. Help us believe that you want to provide us good things and with those good things we can do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I remember when my children were toddlers, my wife and I seemed to have an extra sense, and could tell what my children were up to even without watching everything they were doing. It was a combination of caring and awareness. We would intervene sometimes to prevent them from getting into trouble or sometimes let them experience challenges to help them learn.

Though at a much different level, these memories came to mind when I was reading Psalm 139:1-6, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

God is completely aware of our every action, thought, and feeling, and He cares about each of us.

Dear Lord, what a joy it is to know that you are aware of our every situation and concern, and care for us with your “hand of blessing.” Help us remember this so we can overcome our fears with trust in you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.