I learned a hard lesson about atonement yesterday. But, it was also concerning personal finances, which I have had to swallow a "large pill" since 2006.
I am now moving toward a place where I can help others. It feels good; no great!
It is always nice, and in my case, appreciated; but as we all know, it is hard for us men to accept help, even when it is freely given, and highly encouraged to accept; without exception!
Yesterday I contacted a gentleman from my new church. He literally took me "under his wing", without expecting anything in return, this past Sunday. He certainly didn't have to, but within four days; from Sunday to Wednesday, I have been blessed beyond imagination. God is GOOD, ALL the TIME.
I contacted him, reluctantly, as I have needed housing, for about two weeks. Within under three hours, I had a place to go to today. Big pills are hard to swallow, but in the same vein, it was, as I said previously, not an option not to contact him. I am eternally grateful that I listened to a "voice of reason." Again, this was not without a fight, but I listened anyway. I guess my point is, blessings WILL come your way, if you only let God do the heavy lifting. We should all strive to listen to the good counsel of others. That is not to say that there is not "bad counsel" out there, but taking the time to consider, and act on, suggestions from those in your circle of believers, will allow you to receive blessings beyond your wildest imagination.
I started a new program yesterday. An author that is respected within the Christian fiction community was once challenged to read Proverbs each day, and thirty and thirty-one on months where there is only thirty days in a month on the calendar year. He was instructed to do this continually for not only twelve months, but ongoing for a period of five years, even ten. It would be guess that he is even doing it today. His life has improved ten-fold and then some, just as his Christian friend had suggested it would. He was taking from a point of experience. Today, Scott has authored some of the most influential books, each year, since taking that challenge, and putting some serious effort into the process.
I am not unlike Scott. My career and hence, my life goals have been spotty at best. I am now no longer stagnant, but I am instead interested in the vast benefits that this practice will add to my life; in relationships, finances and my ability to reach others, thru God, in a multitude of avenues and ways.
There is another authored a book entitled, "The Prayer of Jabez." It too, became a best seller, and the premise is simple. The prayer offered to God was simple. It encompasses only a few verses, but the idea is extremely simple, but perhaps hard to achieve. A principle inherent is that we should ask God to "increase our territory", in both evangelistic efforts, and in any other ways that God would have us to stretch for; and outside of our comfort zone.
That is where God can bless us the most. When we least expect it, if we are only listening for opportunities, and acting on them diligently and AT the appointed TIME, we will realize that God is a "on time" God. Not just for ourselves; as we are inherently selfish to a point, but we need to listen an act on what God commands, and put forth in front of us. It is sometimes a gentle nudge; and it is often a stretch. The question is, "Will be be faithful, and step out in faith; with a designated purpose, to bless others in a mighty way." It is at those times that we will receive our blessings, through the hearts and minds of others.
We can all benefit from the example of Jabez. He also asks for God to "bless me indeed." The best blessings, I believe, are those that come thru watching the glow in someone's eyes, and seeing them grow in faith in seconds; that very instance. And if we are cognizant and simply beleive in the process set forth, we will be mesmerized and extremely pleased; and blessed with the outcome, no matter how big or small. The girl at the checkout counter in your local grocery market, someone that you help with a jump-start or a tire change, returning an animal to the girl next door, or taking the initiative to lead them to Christ.
I guess what I am trying to convey, is that atonement comes and shows itself in a multitude of ways; if you let it. It is not just financial in nature, a mending of a relationship or a much larger task to complete; at God's instruction. The real point of this exercise in humility, is that EVERYONE gets BLESSED.
What opportunities will you listen for, and follow the instruction for the position with which God has in NO WAY coincidentally placed you in today? Ponder this thought carefully, and "step up to the plate", with a purpose when asked. A strecth is ok; and should be preferred, as an initiative will present itself for YOU to grow in your faith.
Find one today; and I promise you, you will be ETERNALLY blessed. "Just Do It!"
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