Thursday, August 2, 2018

Good Gifts

We live on a farm, so as they say, "Nothing goes to waste." I set aside vegetable peelings, egg shells, and organic matter for the chickens. Meat scraps, drippings and spoiled food goes to the dogs and cats. As I go out the back door, I drop the dogs' goodies in their bowl then call the chickens, who come tottering and flying from every corner. Almost without exception, the dogs follow to see what the chickens have that they don't. Dumping out celery tips, cantaloupe rind, and apple cores I tell them, "There's nothing here for you. You won't like these. Your food is in your bowl," shaking my head because we do the same thing.



God heaps blessing in my lap, but my eyes follow His blessing on another and I start snooping through their goods, leaving mine behind. How incredibly ungracious and foolish! No matter what God has chosen to give others, He has given exactly what He intends me to have--not because He is unfair or unkind--but because He knows and loves me. He will give me exactly what I need when I need it. He is, and always has been, good, loving, generous, kind and wonderful!

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:13-17)

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.

You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:11-20)

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