Wellspring. Karen Moore
simply a matter of buying a meal. It's a function of inviting them to the feast of a gracious God who gave everything for our good. Giving begins with you. It keeps you in the flow of blessing in ways that nothing can measure. Is anyone thirsty in your midst today? Be their blessing.
In the Flow
Lord, show me how I can open up my heart and be more generous to others. I know that you have been more than generous to me. Amen.
January 9
Wow! That Was Stupid!
Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes.
—Proverbs 14:29
It's a New Year, and you have set new goals for yourself. So, what happens if things take a little longer than you expected? What happens to your faith when you have to wait things out?
We live in a world of instant gratification. When the Internet goes down for five minutes, we're irritated. We're used to getting information now and we don't like it very much when we have to wait . . . for anything!
Look at what happens if you get caught in a traffic jam for fifteen minutes, or you're in line at the grocery store with the sweet little lady who has twenty-seven coupons. At first, you're a little annoyed, maybe a little antsy, and then just out and out angry because someone else is taking up your precious time. After all, you're pretty important and you have things to do.
Impatience leads to all kinds of problems. You try to go around the traffic jam, only to get caught in even greater congestion elsewhere. Today, watch the flow and energy around you. Observe your willingness to slow down enough to recognize that prayerful patience will reap greater rewards. The reward will surely help limit those stupid mistakes.
In the Flow
Lord, I know that I am not always patient. Help me realize that you can use me a lot more when I slow down and think of you. Amen.
January 1 0
For God So Loved You
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won't perish but will have eternal life.
—John 3:16
Can you really take that in? Are you able to comprehend what it actually means that the God of the universe, the One who created everything and who has the only real power and authority over heaven and earth, actually loves you? Wow! Who are you?
Who you are may not be nearly as important as what you are. You are his child, his object of affection. You are the one he sent his only Son to redeem because he couldn't stand the thought that anything would ever happen to you. You mean the world to God and he is doing everything he can to prove himself to you.
Today, take a moment and imagine what it really means to be loved by God. Embrace the idea. Pray and ask God to help you understand it more fully. Then, remind yourself that such love deserves to be shared. You're in a relationship and it's the biggest one that you'll ever be part of. It's bigger than your spouse, it's bigger than your partnership at the firm or your membership in the church. It's you and God, one to one.
God so loved you that he acted on your behalf a long time ago. You have every opportunity to act on God's behalf today.
In the Flow
Dear Lord, I can hardly take in the idea of your great love. I know that it is a gift of your spirit and I treasure it. Help me to be worthy of your love in all that I do. Amen.
January 11
What's Your Reality?
Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don't see.
—Hebrews 11:1
Reality TV is a funny concept. It invites us into a personal encounter with someone we've never met and before long, we're in a virtual relationship. We think we're part of their lives and they are part of ours. The problem is that neither of you knows the other, and chances are good you never will. It's simply not reality.
Sometimes we want faith to be a bit like a reality TV spot. We want to plug in and connect with it, and ultimately make the right choice and come out with the happy ending. We want it to be easy.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that faith is about a reality we hope for, an outcome we believe in and move on even when we don't have proof. It's a lot like love or appreciation of the arts. No one else can really understand your choices or how you feel, but it's your reality.
Look at the things you have faith in. Furthermore, look at the things you don't have faith in and check in with your Creator. He is the only reality. He is the proof of what you don't see. Have faith in him and faith in yourself and the things you hope for will begin to come to you according to his will and purpose. Open your heart so that greater faith can flow through you to others.
In the Flow
Lord, I thank you for the gift of faith. Sometimes I have a lot and I feel on fire for you. Other times, I have a little and I look to things in this world to give me answers and direction. Help me see all that you want for me with eyes of faith. Amen.
January 12
When You're Smiling
A joyful heart brightens one's face, but a troubled heart breaks the spirit.
—Proverbs 15:13
Remember the old song that suggested "when you're smiling, the whole world smiles at you"? Proverbs 15 agrees.
Today, notice the difference in your attitude when you encounter someone with a smile. A smile invites you in and suggests that friendship is possible. A smile says all is well and the world is a beautiful place today. A smile puts you on holy ground.
A frown, on the other hand, breaks you down and leaves you feeling uncertain, unavailable, unloved even. Your troubles weigh in and prevent you from seeing all that is good. Of course, you'll have days when a smile is simply not going to carry you along, but do what you can to make those days as few as possible. Imagine the smile God has on his face when he thinks of you. It just may help you to have a lighter and brighter countenance. After all, your smile is what others embrace.
A smile is like a welcome glass of cool water on a warm day. It refreshes you and strengthens you. It warms you as you follow in the footsteps of the One who loves you more than anything. Yes, you really can smile because God loves you.
In the Flow
Lord, I may not always feel like smiling, but I realize that with you in my heart, I always have a reason to smile. No matter what I'm going through, help me to hold on to the hope and joy I have in you. Amen.
January 13
What Are You Thinking?
From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.
—Philippians 4:8
Have you ever gotten caught in a gripe session? You know, the kind where everyone is grumbling and complaining about life and it appears that there is absolutely nothing to be glad about? How