Monday, June 4, 2012

Monday’s Devotion: To Keep or Not to Keep


Philippians 4:18-19  (NLT)  At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

I stopped at a friend’s house recently and as we walked through the yard he said to excuse some stuff we had to walk around. He said he was a hoarder. I don’t think he’s a real hoarder but like most of us sometimes saves things that could be used in future projects.  I remember my mother had a large collection of old panty hose that she intended one day to use to make a braided rug. I’m sort of glad that didn’t happen. Downsizing has caused me to take a harder line about what I must give away or throw away although I admit that I still have too many books.  Real hoarders find it hard to get rid of anything.  They continue to acquire and acquire and acquire with no real need for the items they are bringing into the house.  I can’t even watch the reality program on hoarders!  Perhaps they have some deep sense of insecurity.  We should be smart about providing for ourselves, but we also have a need to look to God for provision.  God will open doors for us – not always as we expect or when we expect but scripture tells us over and over to trust in God not in ourselves and not in earthly riches. I’ve learned that it’s not always in acquiring but instead in giving away that we feel real pleasure.  What do you hoard?
Creator God, Thank you for providing for our needs even when we’re not aware of your hand in our lives.  We pray that you will help us trust your care for us so that we may use our resources to help care for others.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

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