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.

God-Given Treasure

By Paula Wiseman

In Genesis 43, there's the story of Joseph's brothers second trip to Egypt. They try to explain to the steward that last time there was a mix-up of some sort, because when they got home, they had all the grain plus all their money. They wanted to make things right and put in a new order.

In v. 23, the steward says God has given you your treasure in your sacks, for I had your money. The brother kept talking about money. The steward wanted them to rethink things.

Treasure is different than money. Even in the Hebrew, the words are different.

A treasure is a secret storehouse. Money is silver.

A treasure is guarded and protected. Money is used.

God has given you your treasure…

Your brother, Joseph. Forgiveness. Redemption. Reconciliation.

What gifts has God given me? Do I treat them like treasure?

One Thing God Forgets

By Paula Wiseman

Did you know there is one thing God forgets?

I forget promises I’ve made.

I forget appointments.

I forget my medications.

God doesn’t.

When He promises… it doesn’t slip.
He never fails. He never forgets.

Except one thing.

There is one thing God forgets.

My sins. My failures.

It’s not that He can’t remember them. He won’t.

He chooses to forget those.

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25

God’s Words

By Paula Wiseman

Also, do not take to heart everything people say… (Eccl. 7:21)

But it's hard not to.

However, God's words are the ones that count and He said "I have loved you with an everlasting love…" Jeremiah 31:3

and "You did not choose Me, but I chose you…" (John 15:16).

Loved eternally.

Chosen.

What can you say to that?

(This is an encore post.)

Being Still

By Paula Wiseman

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

Even though the earth be removed,

And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though its waters roar and be troubled

Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

Psalm 46:10

God is my place of absolute security and safety.

He is my confidence. He is abundantly available and reliable.

Therefore I should not be afraid, distressed, depressed.

Even when I have found my own resources to be nonexistent, and everything else I have confidence in- my judgment, my perceptions, my ability to reason things through- is swept into the maelstrom.

Even when it is at its worst…

Then verse 10 says:

Be still– stop trying to fix this yourself, stop wearing yourself out…

and know– when you stop, then you will realize at the very core of your being

that I AM – your place of absolute security and safety, your confidence. I AM abundantly available and reliable.

(This is an encore post.)

How God Feels About Us

By Paula Wiseman

The Lord your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I paraphrased it-

The Lord is as close as He could possibly be

Your Hero, He will rescue you.

He is thrilled to have you safe with Him.

His love will calm your fears.

He can't help but sing sweet songs to you.

How would our lives change if we grasped how God truly feels about us?

Always Through

By Paula Wiseman

Fire ad Water The Lord says:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name;

You are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

For I am the Lord your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43:1-3 Some of my favorite verses.

Always through.