All From Him
I am thankful for doing better and getting stronger. However, it seems I am still vulnerable to some good days and not-as-good-days. At times I still feel as sense of fatigue that requires me to rest, and limits my activity.
I mentioned Mark Batterson’s book “All In” in yesterdays’ blog. As I was reading the next chapter in the book he makes the statement, “Few things are as life changing as a near-death experience.” He went on to describe that he had spent several days on a respirator after surgery on his intestines. Batterson is one of the most quotable authors that I know. He observed, “Death is a mirror that give us a glimpse of who we really are. Death is a rearview mirror that puts the past into perspective.”
I can relate to those statements.
He said after his near-death experience that he now celebrates his birthday and the day he should have died. I thought that was a good idea. But I wasn’t sure whether to just choose one of the days I almost died or just celebrate them all!
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:17,18
An important aspect of our love and commitment to the Lord is a humble heart. These two verses above are as much related to stewardship as they are commitment. One of the great miracles of the trip to the promised land was God’s provision for this great multitude. Yes, the manna was a test. But their clothes and sandals did not wear out. For forty years! They were constantly reminded of their inadequacy and God’s sufficiency.
It is important that we remember that what we have is from God. What we have belongs to God. God grants the wisdom and strength that is needed to meet the needs of His people. When they left Egypt they carried the wealth of the land with them. As they conquered kingdoms the livestock and gold and silver were theirs.
The caution here is, “guard your heart, check your thoughts.” Many years ago a young pastor stood under the star lit skies of Colorado’s western slope. Beside him was a veteran pastor. The veteran pastor said, “standing here looking to the sky you can get the feeling the whole world revolves around you.” The young pastor agreed. The aged pastor then responded, “I’ve got news for you, it doesn’t!” The sacrifices of one generation, the blessing bestowed on one generation can easily be taken for granted by the next.
Notice the reason for God’s abundant blessings. “That He many confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers.” The blessings on a generation are often God’s promise fulfilled to a previous generation. Joel prophesied hundreds of years earlier, about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter said, this is that, which the prophet foretold.
Bottom line, stay humble, stay thankful, don’t take the blessings of God in any form for granted.