Something to think about as you start a new week

Monday Meditations are quick posts designed to get you thinking about God. They provide a fresh perspective as you jump into your routine.

A Gift from Jesus

By Paula Wiseman

But to each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Ephesians 4:7

I've never put grace on my Christmas list.

But that's what Jesus Christ is giving me. (It's in the Bible, so it's not a big secret.) That's what He's giving all of His children, all of His brothers and sisters this year.

He reaches into His limitless storehouse and measures it out. Perfectly. Exactly what I need. It fits me just right.

And He expects me to use it, not leave it sitting in the box until next year. It cost far too much for that.

Thing is, I don't have to wait until December 25th to receive it. It's available anytime I ask.

And He doesn't mind if I re-gift it.

Blessed in Every Way

By Paula Wiseman

A stack of presents

"Now Abraham was old, advanced in age, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in every way." Genesis 24:1 (NAS)

It took a lifetime.

A lifetime to receive the abundance of blessings.

A lifetime to recognize the scope of the blessings.

But the verse begins a new chapter. God isn't through blessing Abraham.

When Abraham thought he had received all the blessings God could possibly pour out… God poured out even more.

I am beginning a new chapter in my life. I know God has blessings ready.

That's just the way He is.

God Takes Notes

By Paula Wiseman

"Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised." Genesis 21:1 (NAS)

Then – When the timing was right. When the events lined up. When Sarah and everyone else affected was ready to receive.

The Lord took note – His attention focused on her.

Of Sarah – a specific individual whom Jehovah God knew by name.

As He said – 25 years earlier God made a promise to Sarah and to Abraham that they would have a son.

And the Lord did – He took action.

For Sarah – A personal intervention on Sarah's behalf. God brings all His sovereign power to Sarah's situation.

As He had promised – God never spouts vain words or makes empty promises. He keeps and fulfills everything He says.

God knows us by name and thoroughly understands our situations. He keeps His promises and He acts on our behalf. We must take care not to lose faith in Him in that time before the "then".

Fire Genesis 22 is one of my favorite chapters. It tells the wrenching story of God's test of Abraham. "Take your son, your only son, whom you love … and offer him …" Just a few quick thoughts from my most recent reading of that chapter-

In verse 5, Abraham tells the young men accompanying them to wait. "I and the lad will go over there, and we will worship and return to you."

The first time the word worship appears in Scripture, it is here. Worship and sacrifice. What about sacrifice?

The sacrifice was loved. God didn't ask for lambs or gold or grain. He asked for what Abraham held most dear.

The sacrifice was offered, not taken.

Without the sacrifice, the offering, worship is a burden. It's carrying wood up the mountain, just to burn it. It's empty.

Knowing this, have I ever truly worshipped God?

Hesitating

By Paula Wiseman

"…he hesitated…" Genesis 19:16

Lot. The destruction of Sodom was imminent. His instructions were clear.
Save yourself. Save your family. Flee.
But he hesitated.
Why?

Maybe he felt conviction. Why should he escape when everyone else faced judgment?
Maybe he didn't feel worthy. How could God spare him?
Maybe it was too much to believe. Did God really mean the things He said?

I've hesitated. Even when the direction was clear. I've staggered at the promises of God rather than move forward.

"…the compassion of the Lord was upon him..." Genesis 19:16

And on me.

In spite of my hesitation, God put me where He wants me.

He chose me. He declared me worthy. He kept His word.

Realignment

By Paula Wiseman

A quiet place I lose heart when I forget to look for the goodness of the Lord.
I get so near-sighted and so focused on the here and now and on myself that I lose sight of GOD,
His holiness
His call on my life.

But when I forget …

He will realign my thinking from a safe place.
A place where not too many others can reach me.
A place with tremendous perspective.
A place prepared for just that purpose.
He won't hide me and leave me, but He will hide with me.

If I let Him …

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)