Here we are at Day 5 - the story of Abram and how our story continues to unfold.
The blessing God is speaking about here is his reiteration of the promise to save all mankind through Abram's family tree. Jesus himself will come from this line. As heirs to this promise of salvation, we are Abram's spiritual descendants! And we are blessed …
You must feel the fullness of your own pitcher before you trust the pouring out of yourself. (40)
Our "pitcher" is filled when we immerse ourselves in the living water of his Word! When we have his word and promises on our hearts, we are filled to overflowing! Jesus said, " If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37b, 38
Then when our eyes are opened to the undeserved blessings around us and we are overwhelmed with his generous giving, we too can be a gift. Best of all, we can share the Gift we've been given with others!
The present is His presence, and the greatest present you always have to give is His presence - looking into someone's eyes as you listen, refusing the wrong of rushing, lingering long enough to really listen - to everything.(41-42) It makes me think of Matthew 25:34-40. Verse 40 finishes with, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
And final thoughts: There is no need for more: the heart is full of gifts that is full of Christ. (42) 'Nuff said.
Question #1 - He has blessed me with a Saviour too! Abram looked ahead to the One. We have met the One in Scripture through the eyes of faith.
4 comments:
Your last two quotes are the same ones that struck me today. And I always read the devotion before your blog. :)
LISTEN: We certainly do not live in a time of listening. Everyone talks, everyone rushes, everyone tweets...but do they really listen?
This passage called to mind my father, who was the greatest listener I know. And he could find God's presence everywhere. A few months before he died, I was at home with him. He called me into his office to listen to a choir singing a simple blessing, all on one note, followed by three quiet bell tones. Then he talked to me about the peace he felt in that blessing. That all was well. Simple man, simple words. But he could listen and hear so much.
THE GREATEST GIFT GOD GRACES A SOUL WITH IS HIS OWN PRESENCE: What a comfort! What a joy! If we would listen to scripture and soak it in! What ARE those carols saying? How many times have I heard the students recite passages from Isaiah 40 and Luke 2?
God is there. He is living and present. I have been blessed beyond measure, much like Abraham, with people too numerous to count who have lived and shown me God's grace. I can only pray that God would use me to be a blessing to others by listening and making God visible in my life, so that His presence is evident.
Janine - thank you for all your words!!!
Yes, we're not much for listening. What's the saying - God gave us TWO ears and ONE mouth for a reason?
Tears are falling from reading the story of your Dad. What a beautiful moment you shared with us as he shared his wisdom with you!
" I can only pray that God would use me to be a blessing to others by listening and making God visible in my life, so that His presence is evident." Amen
Abram built an altar to worship God BEFORE God's promises were fulfilled. He didn't wait until he had a son or until the land inhabited by the Canaanites was given to him. He worshipped God at his promise. Do I worship God at his promise? Or do I just sorta stare at him blankly waiting for the fulfillment?
Good questions worthy of asking. And that's why it's so important to STAY IN THE WORD! There he reminds us of his promises, shows us how he's kept all his promises and strengthens our faith.
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