Encouragement

God can revive what he gives us. Has he given you a gift?

Elisha told the Shunammite woman that she would have a son. She desired it and blurted out "Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid." She didn't want her hopes unnecessarily raised only to be disappointed. God doesn't give us gifts to then turn around and disappoint us.

Later the child grew sick and died. She was devastated. She said this time "Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?" She was hurting so bad she thought the worst. Elisha prayed and the child came back to life.

But it's God's desire to restore our gift and use us. I had a man of God pray for me and tell me this story lately. He said that he wondered why God had laid it on him and then had him preach in a different direction. Then when while he was praying he said he knew it was for me.

What an encouragement! I felt as if God was exactly reading my heart and telling me the plans He had in store for me. I greatly appreciate the sensitivity of this Preacher.

Literature

Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.

C.S. Lewis

Good Reading,

Puddles

A Good Lesson

From Today in the Word
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (New International Version)

5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Rather than impersonal duty, we see Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children. Rather than some memorized script, we find Paul sharing his very life. Hearts are won when we share our lives, not just the right answers or doctrine. This is a real challenge to the impersonal atmosphere present in many churches today, where individuals remain anonymous, never experiencing the tender love and intimate care that is pictured in this passage. What a model for ministry today’s verses give us!

Puddles