Get

Each day our world becomes more and more about getting. Even our Christianese is laced with words like obtain and receive. We do see the occasional act of kindness that amazes people but too often these acts are just giving in order to get something in return. Can’t (shouldn’t or will) we give to give?

Today

Greet one another with a holy kiss. Maybe even a big hug. What an opportunity we have today.

Your best and your same (vs. your different and your truth)

Couldn’t help but reblog this from sethgodin.com

“If someone wants your very best version, that probably means that they’re going to get the same version that you’ve done before, the same as the best version you produced a week ago. If you want the best, it also means that you’re asking someone to repeat what’s come before.

On the other hand, if they want you, right here and right now, it won’t be perfect. It can’t be. It will merely be different and real and in the moment.
The opportunity in any given moment is to share your truth, to light a spark and to leap. But you can’t do that at the same time you’re being perfect.

There is no best jazz performance. That’s why it’s interesting.”

Try This

Love, serve, feel, give, care, share, touch, say yes, smile, listen, trust, be dependable, go out of your way, think, pray, love, serve…

Refreshment

I love this thought from E. Stanley Jones, “We must not be self-contained, we must be Christ-contained. We must depend on Him for our primary refreshment. Then if anything comes from without it is all something thrown in, a plus. Glance at the refreshments from without, gaze at the refreshment in Christ. We must give refreshment to others if we are to keep it in Him.”

Everyone is not in the same place in their relationship with the Lord as you are. To many, what you receive from Him is the only contact they will have today.

Consumers

The word consumer has really been on my heart lately; Here’s the definition of consume:

Verb (used with object)
1. To destroy or expend by use; use up.
2. To eat or drink up; devour.
3. To destroy, as by decomposition or burning: Fire consumed the forest.
4. To spend (money, time, etc.) wastefully.

Some words I like better are: give, create or share.

Give and Get, Not Give to Get

There’s so much encouragement to be given, the need may be greater than ever before. Chances are good; you could use a little yourself. How about looking for the opportunity to lift someone up today? I’ll bet you find yourself uplifted as well.

This encouraged me this morning, again from E. Stanley Jones:

“If you look within you’ll be discouraged, if you look around you’ll be distracted, if you look back you’ll be paralyzed; But if you look at Jesus you’ll have peace.”

Giving Our Best

Sharing our God given talents, our supernaturally endowed qualities and His divine love are the best gifts we can give.

Two

I’ve known two kinds of Christians, those that love and those that love to be right.

All That You Have

Rich Mullin once told an audience at Wheaton College; Jesus once told a man you must be born again and we’ve made a big deal out of it ever since. Jesus also once told a man to sell everything and give it to the poor but that doesn’t get much attention at all.