Devotional Time with God

It’s difficult enough to live in this materialistic world and save enough for oneself, or the family. It takes a huge leap of faith to give to others.  It’s even more difficult when God tests me on it:

I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing.

Malachi 3:10

He promises to give me more when I give more. He promises the riches of heaven, with blessings after blessings. Who wouldn’t want that?  I do!  But the test is difficult since I’m short sighted, shallow, and scared. I must put my eyes on the finish line. I must look to God for His richness.  This world is fleeting. Heaven is permanent!

 Remember this saying, “A few seeds make a small harvest, but a lot of seeds make a big harvest.”

2 Corinthians 9:6

Society will tell me to look after myself, not worry about the others.  The world will say take what’s mine, and that’s usually everything that I can see. The world will tell me to be on the top of the food chain, because it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there.

It’s a good thing the Bible is so anti-world view!

God tells me to give.  God tells me to be a blessing to others.  God tells me to be generous to others. It’s not up to me to accumulate everything for myself.  It’s up to God to give me everything that I need – to advance His kingdom on this world.  Others must see who God is, and He is a generous and giving God.

This world taught me that I’m the center of my own universe.  I’m the god of my own destiny.  I’m the master of my world.

Of course, this teaching is wrong!

Eventually, I will die. Where will I end up? Space dust? All of that love, knowledge, and experiences – POOF, gone!  But I’m glad I know Jesus because He offered me grace and I took it!  I now have an everlasting life promised to me after I’m dead. I now have hope!

I don’t think I can go on trudging along on this earth without God’s healing power (Psalm 147:3).  I will, forever cast all of my care upon him, for He cares for me! (1 Peter 5:7)

The bible do taught me a radical idea: Love my enemies (Luke 6:35).  I often ask myself, how can God ask me to do that? I’ve been hurt. I’ve been mocked. I’ve been cast out.  I’ve been trampled upon.

How can I not seek revenge? How can I just sit here and take it – and worse, forgive and love them back?

First of all, God does bless the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), so I shouldn’t have enemies in the first place if I focus on making peace – with anyone.  Does it mean I don’t fight back when I’m being persecuted? Of course not – I have to defend myself because God has plans for me and He will rescue me in times of trouble, if it so fit His will.

I’m not the judge or executioner. I’m just in a journey to be more like Jesus – and He’s the ultimate peace maker, walking among sinners and enemies.

Jesus is love – and all I need is Jesus. He forgives my sin and wipe away my tears and hopelessness. Thus, all I need is love!

Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.

1 Peter 4:8

I’m reminded of the small fruit tree in my backyard.  It was placed there because a gardener said in order for the tree to bear fruit, it has to be under the sun.  The more sun it gets, the more fruit it bears.  I’m part of a tree of life, God’s perfect life.  I’m just a vine, a branch, but I have the potential to bear a lot of fruit (John 15:5).  I will bear fruit if I’m constantly under Son of God’s light.  Jesus is my nourishment. Jesus is the reason I grow.

One way Jesus taught me to be fruitful is to show mercy and grace, like what He did to me.  My life is not safe unless I give it to Him.  As part of God’s family, we are commanded to love one another.  Therefore, I must show that same grace and mercy to others (Matthew 5:7).

Thank God for His mercy!