It’s amazing to me how the days pass both slowly and quickly. Another week of study brought wonderful thoughts and truths as we read from Awaken by Priscilla Shirer …
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“While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard.” (Mark 14:3, NLT)
So here we are told the woman came and her offering was expensive. But she was being criticized for what she was doing, to which Jesus says:
“Leave her alone … She has done what she could …” (verse 6, NLT)
Jesus was not interested in the expense of the gift or how much was given. It was her act of giving that He esteemed.
Mary gave generously but lovingly. It was her love that caused Jesus to come to her defense.
What are one or two of those small steps the Spirit of God has been compelling you to take lately? Take them. Today.
“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly.” (Psalm 115:13, NLT)
Doing what we can with a heart motivated in love for Jesus is all He asks.
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“You will eat but not be satisfied; your stomach will still be empty.” (Micah 6:14, NIV)
Contentment.
One thing I have noticed often over the last few months is a discontentment among many.
It has been hard for many to be grateful for what they do have or are able to do. Many are focused on what they are missing. The devotional book states in this way:
“Contentment comes from valuing what you’ve been given, not venting over what’s been withheld.”
(Awaken by Priscilla Shirer, page 152)
The quote brought to mind Adam and Eve, who became discontented once their eyes moved from all they had to the one tree which God asked them to refrain from.Â
Let’s value what we have been given.
What is something you’ve discounted because of something else that’s still missing? Celebrate His here-and-now blessings today.
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It was another week of heat, controversial news, and challenges, which made this verse jump off the page:
“Morning by morning he awakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.” (Isaiah 50:4-5 (NLT)
The Lord will always bring us a word, His Word, to bring good news to us, to strengthen and comfort us when we grow weary.
It is not that God does not speak to us but the question becomes: Are we willing to listen? Some versions read, “He awakens me morning by morning …”. Those who listen know the importance of daily quiet time with the Lord, whether that time is in the morning, in the middle of the day, or at night.
“Galvanize yourself in God’s Spirit with a courageous responsibility for standing tall on His Word and strong in His truth, because nothing can thwart God’s purposes, even amid the most vicious challenges you face.” (from Awaken, page 160)
What types of things are your fiercest battles “saying” to you right now? Be proactive in locating and claiming the truth of God to quell them.
“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me …. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.” (Psalm 3:3a, 4-5, NLT)
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May our hearts be motivated by love for Jesus.
Let’s value what we have already been given.
Be still and listen for Him.
Photo 1: by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash
Photo 3: by David Tommasino
Today I am joining …
Good morning, Joanne! Thanks for the invitation to give generously, lovingly, fully. I leave here with a full heart …
So grateful you did!
So many beautiful truths for this new morning, Joanne. I love Priscilla’s statement about contentment. And especially today, I’m resting in the truth that God is “a shield around me”–and around those I hold dear. Hugs, friend.
Priscilla’s words are so encouraging at this time. Glad they blessed you as well.
I’ve seen Priscila teach twice at my church. I’m always blessed by her words and these are no different, “Galvanize yourself in God’s Spirit with a courageous responsibility for standing tall on His Word and strong in His truth, because nothing can thwart God’s purposes, even amid the most vicious challenges you face.” I am facing a vicious challenge during this season in addition to dealing with the pandemic. Standing tall on his Word whether it be reading it or listening to it in worship music is getting me through.
Doing what we can with a heart motivated by love. Perfectly said.