It's always a blessing to me when people deepen their walk with the Lord. When they have a new experience, receive a new revelation, experience a heightened sense of joy.
My friend shared with me that the Lord had spoken to her in a cartoon. She was amazed. I was tickled. What is so awesome about our God is that he meets us where we're at. He speaks in ways even we can understand.
Think about it. He spoke to Moses in a burning bush. He spoke to Gideon through a fleece. He reached Jonah in the Whale. They didn't come to him; he came to them.
What makes my friend's experience even sweeter is that my other friend tells me a day later that the Lord spoke to her on the show "Super Why" -- for those of you not familiar -- that's a children's show -- she happened to be watching it with her granddaughter.
My son was excited last Sunday when the Lord spoke to him. He's eight and he was in Sunday school. He said the teacher asked where you could find a particular scripture. He said the Lord told him "New Testament". He raised his hand and shared the answer. He was so excited! The Lord gave him the answer and it was right. Imagine that:)
I explained to him the Lord talks to us all the time. We just have to listen. I explained if he was far from me and I yelled his name "Jack". He wouldn't hear me. He was too far away. But if he was right next to me, I could whsiper his name and he'd hear me. And that if we stay close to the Lord -- in prayer; in his word; in worship -- in his presence, we will hear him when he speaks.
He then asked me to tell him some times the Lord spoke to me. This question brought back a flood of experiences I had with the Lord. He's never left me nor forsaken me. He always was there in the times of hurt; correction; joy; and love. The Lord is there at all times.
I believe that just as the Lord spoke to Adam and Eve; Abraham; Moses; Noah and the list goes on -- he speaks to us. He is a living God and a loving God. He wants to direct our paths.
If you would like to hear from the Lord, ask him a question. Continue to ask him until you receive the answer. Ask him to make you aware so you don't miss his answer. Per Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks recevies, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
There's a saying I like. God answers prayer three ways -- "Yes"; "Not Yet"; "I have a better idea."
Continue seeking and be patient. And be okay with God's "timing and better idea". He truly does love all and wants and knows what's best for each of us. If you trust in him and know He is God. The rest is cake:)
As you experience more and more with God, your faith will grow; your trust will grow; your peace will grow; and your joy will grow. So be blessed and know he is God:)
For those who have already experienced the Lord in new ways the following is for you: (In Him all things are possbile:)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Stop Sleeping on the Job!
The Monday prior to the Tsunami that hit Japan, my 7-year-old son, Jack had a dream of a tidal wave where a 1,000 people died. Prior to that I kept getting "dragons" and "water".
Not knowing what that could mean, I kept seeking the Lord. Then when the Tsunami hit, my friend said "there's your dragon and water." I wasn't quite sure so I looked up Japanese dragon and it said that the japanese dragon was the diety of the water.
So then this left me pondering why the Lord was telling me about the dragons and water and giving my son the dream of the tidal wave. My questions "Why do you show us these things?' "What do you want us to do?"
He said "I want you to be aware that people are dying everyday -- sometimes by the thousands -- and they don't know me." "I want you to care."
Wow! Talk about heavy. Many times as Christians we say we want everyone to know Jesus. That we want them to experience the fulness of his love, yet we spend our time trying to get through our own lives and don't make time to minister life into others.
So tonight as I sit here repenting, asking the Lord to make me wise -- wise with my time, my resources, and my gifts. Give me wisdom to see the needs; to be proactive and not reactive; to not procrastinate but to motivate -- to reach into the lives of those around me -- those I know and those I don't know -- and minister him to them -- that they may know Jesus and that no one should see hell on my watch.
Just as when Jesus was in the Garden -- He had asked the disciples to watch and pray. Each time he came back to them they were asleep. vs 45 "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of the sinners." Everytime I read this, I hear him saying "Stop sleeping on the job! I'm being handed over to the enemy, my people are being handed over to the enemy -- wake up! -- Watch and pray!"
Lord, make us a people who watch and pray. Make us diligent and mindful. Let us hear your voice and respond to your command. Make us wise and not foolish. Make us a unified front and victorious against all attacks of the enemy -- winning souls to you -- in Jesus' name. Amen!
Not knowing what that could mean, I kept seeking the Lord. Then when the Tsunami hit, my friend said "there's your dragon and water." I wasn't quite sure so I looked up Japanese dragon and it said that the japanese dragon was the diety of the water.
So then this left me pondering why the Lord was telling me about the dragons and water and giving my son the dream of the tidal wave. My questions "Why do you show us these things?' "What do you want us to do?"
He said "I want you to be aware that people are dying everyday -- sometimes by the thousands -- and they don't know me." "I want you to care."
Wow! Talk about heavy. Many times as Christians we say we want everyone to know Jesus. That we want them to experience the fulness of his love, yet we spend our time trying to get through our own lives and don't make time to minister life into others.
So tonight as I sit here repenting, asking the Lord to make me wise -- wise with my time, my resources, and my gifts. Give me wisdom to see the needs; to be proactive and not reactive; to not procrastinate but to motivate -- to reach into the lives of those around me -- those I know and those I don't know -- and minister him to them -- that they may know Jesus and that no one should see hell on my watch.
Just as when Jesus was in the Garden -- He had asked the disciples to watch and pray. Each time he came back to them they were asleep. vs 45 "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of the sinners." Everytime I read this, I hear him saying "Stop sleeping on the job! I'm being handed over to the enemy, my people are being handed over to the enemy -- wake up! -- Watch and pray!"
Lord, make us a people who watch and pray. Make us diligent and mindful. Let us hear your voice and respond to your command. Make us wise and not foolish. Make us a unified front and victorious against all attacks of the enemy -- winning souls to you -- in Jesus' name. Amen!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
There Has To Be Something More
Many times it seems that people think that to be a Christian you have to give up so much and therefore it's too hard or not worth it. My experience has been quite the opposite.
My life before Christ was one of self-reliance. Everything was dependent on Nancy. I had to defend myself, protect myself, prove myself, and fend for myself.
Now don't get me wrong. I was pretty good at all that. I could rip a head off and feel right doing it. I could avoid sticky situations to avoid getting hurt, I did well at work and in school and supported myself since I was 16 years old. I had friends. I had someone I loved and I seemed to enjoy myself most of the time.
However, there were things I couldn't control. I couldn't control those around me. I couldn't make them act the right way or love me the right way. I had a lot of hurt and anger inside of me. I always tried to turn lemons into lemonade, but the lemon was still sour no matter how much I tried to sweeten it.
One day I decided there has to be something more. I began to ask the Lord what he did for me. I had heard testimonies of who people were healed of addictions, mental illnesses, and physical ailments. Since I didn't have those issues and I knew God's an impartial God, I kept asking him, "What did you do for me? I know you did something."
One day during worship at church the Lord showed me in a song what He did for me. The words were "I'm set free to worship. I'm set free to rejoice forever more." It was at that moment I realized all the hurt and anger that I carried around for 25 years was gone. The Lord had healed me! The Lord had set me free!
And from that point on, I've continued to grow in the things of God and the closer I am to him, the "more" he shows me and the "more" he does in me and through me. I've been I've been able to walk through hurtful, scary things without fear or hurt. Instead I walked through them with joy and peace. I'm able to love the offender.
So when the Lord says he came to give us life more abundantly and that his yoke is easy and his burden is light -- He means it. He's talking about walking in love. He said to keep his commands and the greatest is love. And when He talks of taking up your cross and following him. He's saying leave all the junk behind and pick up the new thing I have for you.
When you choose to follow Jesus you're saying I give up defending myself; protecting myself; proving myself; and providing for myself. I now choose to follow Jesus and allow him to do that for me.
It's an awesome place to be able to walk in confidence through a world of uncertainties. To walk in peace in a world of strife and to walk in love in a world of hurting people.
So yes, following Christ does require giving up your old life. By wouldn't you want to? Even if you're good at what you do, wouldn't it be nice to have someone to do it with you. Someone who loves you no matter what-- unconditionally. And let's face it -- He knows us best -- he knew us before we were in our mother's womb. He knows "more" than anyone else!
We spend all kinds of time and money in trying to learn and gain more wisdom and wealth. When we accept Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, we get immediate access to the master of the universe. Cool!
So regardless of where you're at with your walk with the Lord, ask him to show you his glory and be encouraged and forever changed!
My life before Christ was one of self-reliance. Everything was dependent on Nancy. I had to defend myself, protect myself, prove myself, and fend for myself.
Now don't get me wrong. I was pretty good at all that. I could rip a head off and feel right doing it. I could avoid sticky situations to avoid getting hurt, I did well at work and in school and supported myself since I was 16 years old. I had friends. I had someone I loved and I seemed to enjoy myself most of the time.
However, there were things I couldn't control. I couldn't control those around me. I couldn't make them act the right way or love me the right way. I had a lot of hurt and anger inside of me. I always tried to turn lemons into lemonade, but the lemon was still sour no matter how much I tried to sweeten it.
One day I decided there has to be something more. I began to ask the Lord what he did for me. I had heard testimonies of who people were healed of addictions, mental illnesses, and physical ailments. Since I didn't have those issues and I knew God's an impartial God, I kept asking him, "What did you do for me? I know you did something."
One day during worship at church the Lord showed me in a song what He did for me. The words were "I'm set free to worship. I'm set free to rejoice forever more." It was at that moment I realized all the hurt and anger that I carried around for 25 years was gone. The Lord had healed me! The Lord had set me free!
And from that point on, I've continued to grow in the things of God and the closer I am to him, the "more" he shows me and the "more" he does in me and through me. I've been I've been able to walk through hurtful, scary things without fear or hurt. Instead I walked through them with joy and peace. I'm able to love the offender.
So when the Lord says he came to give us life more abundantly and that his yoke is easy and his burden is light -- He means it. He's talking about walking in love. He said to keep his commands and the greatest is love. And when He talks of taking up your cross and following him. He's saying leave all the junk behind and pick up the new thing I have for you.
When you choose to follow Jesus you're saying I give up defending myself; protecting myself; proving myself; and providing for myself. I now choose to follow Jesus and allow him to do that for me.
It's an awesome place to be able to walk in confidence through a world of uncertainties. To walk in peace in a world of strife and to walk in love in a world of hurting people.
So yes, following Christ does require giving up your old life. By wouldn't you want to? Even if you're good at what you do, wouldn't it be nice to have someone to do it with you. Someone who loves you no matter what-- unconditionally. And let's face it -- He knows us best -- he knew us before we were in our mother's womb. He knows "more" than anyone else!
We spend all kinds of time and money in trying to learn and gain more wisdom and wealth. When we accept Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, we get immediate access to the master of the universe. Cool!
So regardless of where you're at with your walk with the Lord, ask him to show you his glory and be encouraged and forever changed!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I Can Only Imagine
Everytime I think about the Lord and the day when I'll see him face to face, I get overwhelmed. I think about how I love my son and my husband and the affections I have for them and how much I enjoy eating Jack's little chubby cheeks and how the love I feel for them is even greater toward my God.
We were listening to a version of "I Can Only Imagine". It's the song about how we'll react when we come face to face with Jesus. I asked Jack "What would you do?" He said "I'll sing; I'll dance; I'll hit my knees for him." I said "I think I'll eat his head" :)
Jack then said "Mom, I would die for Him and I would kill for Him." He said "You know, how you say that about me."
That got me thinking. I always tell Jack that I love him so much I'd die for him and I'd kill for him. It hit me that is exactly how the Lord feels. He loves us so much that he died for us and He took out the enemy for our sake.
Then the thought came to me "Imagine what it would be like without the Lord". I envisioned the Holy Spirit leaving my body and taking with Him all my joy; all my happiness; all my purpose. I would be left a shell -- an empty shell with no hope; no peace and no comfort. It grieves me so deeply. My life wouldn't be worth living without the Lord as a constant presence in it.
Knowing Jesus gives me a sense of security and confidence. I know that anything I must face I will not have to face it alone. The Lord is always with me; comforting, directing and reasurring.
You never really realize how great of a presence the Lord is in your life until you think about what it would be without him. I remember years ago my friend shared that the Lord said to her "what if you could never talk to me again?". I also remember being so upset -- to the point of tears. I couldn't imagine. Or let's put it this way -- I didn't want to!
It's always nice to imagine what it's going to be like when we finally meet the one who loves us enough to die for us. But I think it's also helpful for us to imagine what it would be like without him. This will keep us compassionate toward others and zealous for the work the Lord has for us to do. There are many who have not had the awesome experience to know my Jesus.
It is those times of imagining that remind me of my purpose and my mission -- to help others find Jesus and experience the awesomeness of our God in a real way.
I love you, Lord!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
We were listening to a version of "I Can Only Imagine". It's the song about how we'll react when we come face to face with Jesus. I asked Jack "What would you do?" He said "I'll sing; I'll dance; I'll hit my knees for him." I said "I think I'll eat his head" :)
Jack then said "Mom, I would die for Him and I would kill for Him." He said "You know, how you say that about me."
That got me thinking. I always tell Jack that I love him so much I'd die for him and I'd kill for him. It hit me that is exactly how the Lord feels. He loves us so much that he died for us and He took out the enemy for our sake.
Then the thought came to me "Imagine what it would be like without the Lord". I envisioned the Holy Spirit leaving my body and taking with Him all my joy; all my happiness; all my purpose. I would be left a shell -- an empty shell with no hope; no peace and no comfort. It grieves me so deeply. My life wouldn't be worth living without the Lord as a constant presence in it.
Knowing Jesus gives me a sense of security and confidence. I know that anything I must face I will not have to face it alone. The Lord is always with me; comforting, directing and reasurring.
You never really realize how great of a presence the Lord is in your life until you think about what it would be without him. I remember years ago my friend shared that the Lord said to her "what if you could never talk to me again?". I also remember being so upset -- to the point of tears. I couldn't imagine. Or let's put it this way -- I didn't want to!
It's always nice to imagine what it's going to be like when we finally meet the one who loves us enough to die for us. But I think it's also helpful for us to imagine what it would be like without him. This will keep us compassionate toward others and zealous for the work the Lord has for us to do. There are many who have not had the awesome experience to know my Jesus.
It is those times of imagining that remind me of my purpose and my mission -- to help others find Jesus and experience the awesomeness of our God in a real way.
I love you, Lord!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
A couple of weeks ago I posted on "Moving Forward While at Rest". I used the analogy of floating along the lazy river on an innertube -- though at rest, you're moving forward.
Following that post, I spent the weekend at an indoor waterpark with my family. Once there, I decided to go down a slide on an innertube. As I flew down the dark tunnel, it was fast, sometimes scary, but thrilling at the same time.
That's how it can be in our walk. Although we're trusting the Lord to lead us where he wants us to go -- sometimes it's dark -- we can't quite see the way. Sometimes things move quickly -- with not much time for contemplation or hesitation. Sometimes it's even scary. The Lord will ask us to move forward into unknown territory. Yet there's a feeling of anticipation -- wondering what's next and where it's going to end up.
We have to be willing to make the climb and enter the water, in order to experience the ride. The Lord can only move us forward if we're willing to get on board. Just as with the my ride on the slide, if I hadn't gotten in the water, I wouldn't have experienced it for myself or convinced my son and husband to try it.
That's our walk with the Lord. Until we start experiencing the thrill of the walk, how can we convince others. Quoting scripture won't convince them; preaching at them won't convince them, but taking the ride and bubbling over with the excitement of it will.
So sit back and enjoy the ride -- and share your excitement with others:)
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Following that post, I spent the weekend at an indoor waterpark with my family. Once there, I decided to go down a slide on an innertube. As I flew down the dark tunnel, it was fast, sometimes scary, but thrilling at the same time.
That's how it can be in our walk. Although we're trusting the Lord to lead us where he wants us to go -- sometimes it's dark -- we can't quite see the way. Sometimes things move quickly -- with not much time for contemplation or hesitation. Sometimes it's even scary. The Lord will ask us to move forward into unknown territory. Yet there's a feeling of anticipation -- wondering what's next and where it's going to end up.
We have to be willing to make the climb and enter the water, in order to experience the ride. The Lord can only move us forward if we're willing to get on board. Just as with the my ride on the slide, if I hadn't gotten in the water, I wouldn't have experienced it for myself or convinced my son and husband to try it.
That's our walk with the Lord. Until we start experiencing the thrill of the walk, how can we convince others. Quoting scripture won't convince them; preaching at them won't convince them, but taking the ride and bubbling over with the excitement of it will.
So sit back and enjoy the ride -- and share your excitement with others:)
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Change Your Mind
It's always funny how we respond to the Word of God.
The word says to "honor your mother and father"; "to respect your husband"; "to love your wife"; "to forgive"; "to love your enemy" and "to love your neighbor as yourself".
It doesn't say do these things only if you feel like it or if they deserve it.
If you think about it, everything the Lord tells us to do is good for us. We think by forgiving or loving the unloveable, we're showing weakness or we're being taken advantage of. The Lord has shown me the opposite.
By doing what the Word tells us to do, frees us -- it frees us to walk in joy and peace and it allows the Lord to use us and most of all to be pleased with us.
The question is how can we possibly love someone who hurts us? Or how can we forgive someone who is mean. How can we walk in joy and peace when we're surrounded by hurt and chaos, especially in those times when the well is dry. You feel like you can't muster up the energy or "want to" to do these things. Good news! There are some practical things you can do to get you to where God wants you to be -- in a place of joy -- your happy place:)
We must first understand that every feeling begins with a thought and if we could change our focus from the negative to the positive, our joy would increase. In Philippians 4:8-9 says Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Some practical things you can do
1. Think about what brings you joy -- your children; laughing with friends; singing; your spouse, etc. I find looking at old photos bring back fond memories and a smile.
2. What are you thankful for -- We only have look at others misfortune to find our fortune. If its something as basic as breathing without assistance; or eating without a feeding tube; or be saved from hell; there's always something we can be thankful for.
3. Love what you can love about them -- find as many things as you can that you can love about them, even if you have to go way back in time to find it -- one memory, one good moment, a kind word or gesture.
4. Know that there are no justified attitudes. If your attitude causes you to act a way God doesn't want you to -- it's not okay. It doesn't matter if you're right in the situation, it matters if you're right with God.
5. If the word tells you to do it, do it!. If he tells you to love, love! If he tells you to forgive, forgive! If he tells you to honor, honor! If he tells you respect, respect!
These are some things the Lord has shown me that has allowed me to grow in love. They have also allowed me to walk through hurtful situation unscathed. And most importantly they have allowed me to please "My Papa" and retain my joy. I pray that they do the same for you.
Old Facebook Post from 1/13/10
The word says to "honor your mother and father"; "to respect your husband"; "to love your wife"; "to forgive"; "to love your enemy" and "to love your neighbor as yourself".
It doesn't say do these things only if you feel like it or if they deserve it.
If you think about it, everything the Lord tells us to do is good for us. We think by forgiving or loving the unloveable, we're showing weakness or we're being taken advantage of. The Lord has shown me the opposite.
By doing what the Word tells us to do, frees us -- it frees us to walk in joy and peace and it allows the Lord to use us and most of all to be pleased with us.
The question is how can we possibly love someone who hurts us? Or how can we forgive someone who is mean. How can we walk in joy and peace when we're surrounded by hurt and chaos, especially in those times when the well is dry. You feel like you can't muster up the energy or "want to" to do these things. Good news! There are some practical things you can do to get you to where God wants you to be -- in a place of joy -- your happy place:)
We must first understand that every feeling begins with a thought and if we could change our focus from the negative to the positive, our joy would increase. In Philippians 4:8-9 says Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Some practical things you can do
1. Think about what brings you joy -- your children; laughing with friends; singing; your spouse, etc. I find looking at old photos bring back fond memories and a smile.
2. What are you thankful for -- We only have look at others misfortune to find our fortune. If its something as basic as breathing without assistance; or eating without a feeding tube; or be saved from hell; there's always something we can be thankful for.
3. Love what you can love about them -- find as many things as you can that you can love about them, even if you have to go way back in time to find it -- one memory, one good moment, a kind word or gesture.
4. Know that there are no justified attitudes. If your attitude causes you to act a way God doesn't want you to -- it's not okay. It doesn't matter if you're right in the situation, it matters if you're right with God.
5. If the word tells you to do it, do it!. If he tells you to love, love! If he tells you to forgive, forgive! If he tells you to honor, honor! If he tells you respect, respect!
These are some things the Lord has shown me that has allowed me to grow in love. They have also allowed me to walk through hurtful situation unscathed. And most importantly they have allowed me to please "My Papa" and retain my joy. I pray that they do the same for you.
Old Facebook Post from 1/13/10
Saturday, February 26, 2011
If You Give A Pig a Pancake
It always cracks me up the way the Lord finds ways to talk to me...
There was someone I knew that I felt sorry for, but wasn't feeling moved to help them with their situation. So as I always try to do, I check myself with the Lord. I was asking him "Am I being hard hearted? Should I help this person even though they got themselves into their mess?" I really wanted to make sure that I wasn't just being a jerk. In the past the Lord had told me "Don't enable them to do what I do not want them to do." But I wanted to make sure I wasn't just using that so I wouldn't have to be bothered.
So I kept asking the Lord several times to see if I was suppose to reach out and help this person. A couple of days later, I find a book in Jack's backpack called "If You Give a Pig a Pancake". I asked Jack where the book came from because he had already brought his library book home the day before. He said he didn't know.
So I sat down and read him the book and thought "this isn't a book Jack would pick" -- it just wasn't a Jack-like book. The book was a story about if you give a pig a pancake, he'll want your maple syrup, you give him your maple syrup and he'll want something else and so on and so on and so on...
So I sent the book back to his teacher explaining I don't know how Jack got this book but I wanted to make sure she got it back.
Then the next week when I went to volunteer at Jack's school the teacher had me go to the library as that was where the class was at the time. Guess what book the librarian was reading to the kids -- none other than If You Give a Pig a Pancake.
Since no one knew how the book got in Jack's backpack and the librarian was randomly reading the book, and it came up somewhere else either on TV or the radio -- it made me ask the Lord "What's up with If You Give a Pig a Pancake?" ... no answer...
A couple of days later I was still discussing with Him the situation with the person I was feeling sorry for and all of sudden the Lord brought up "If you Give a Pig a Pancake he'll want your maple syrup, if you give him your maple syrup he'll want something else" and he went on to recite the whole book to me.
This just reiterated "Don't enable them to do what I do not want them to do". He also showed me that sometimes we can hinder what he is trying to do. Think about it. When do we cry out to the Lord? When did we decide we didn't like ourselves the way we were and wanted change? When did we grow in faith? -- When we went through the hard times; when we finally had enough of our way and wanted to try his way. Many times we can catch people before they fall and never allow them to hit their knees. It's only when we fall so far that only the Lord can lift us up that true change and growth can happen.
So dont' beat yourself up if you're not feeling like you should give just because someone wants. Check it with the Lord. He will guide your steps. And remember if you give a pig a pancake, he'll want your maple syrup and anything else he can get.
Be loving; be wise; be giving and be blessed.
From an old Facebook Post March 3, 2010
So I kept asking the Lord several times to see if I was suppose to reach out and help this person. A couple of days later, I find a book in Jack's backpack called "If You Give a Pig a Pancake". I asked Jack where the book came from because he had already brought his library book home the day before. He said he didn't know.
So I sat down and read him the book and thought "this isn't a book Jack would pick" -- it just wasn't a Jack-like book. The book was a story about if you give a pig a pancake, he'll want your maple syrup, you give him your maple syrup and he'll want something else and so on and so on and so on...
So I sent the book back to his teacher explaining I don't know how Jack got this book but I wanted to make sure she got it back.
Then the next week when I went to volunteer at Jack's school the teacher had me go to the library as that was where the class was at the time. Guess what book the librarian was reading to the kids -- none other than If You Give a Pig a Pancake.
Since no one knew how the book got in Jack's backpack and the librarian was randomly reading the book, and it came up somewhere else either on TV or the radio -- it made me ask the Lord "What's up with If You Give a Pig a Pancake?" ... no answer...
A couple of days later I was still discussing with Him the situation with the person I was feeling sorry for and all of sudden the Lord brought up "If you Give a Pig a Pancake he'll want your maple syrup, if you give him your maple syrup he'll want something else" and he went on to recite the whole book to me.
This just reiterated "Don't enable them to do what I do not want them to do". He also showed me that sometimes we can hinder what he is trying to do. Think about it. When do we cry out to the Lord? When did we decide we didn't like ourselves the way we were and wanted change? When did we grow in faith? -- When we went through the hard times; when we finally had enough of our way and wanted to try his way. Many times we can catch people before they fall and never allow them to hit their knees. It's only when we fall so far that only the Lord can lift us up that true change and growth can happen.
So dont' beat yourself up if you're not feeling like you should give just because someone wants. Check it with the Lord. He will guide your steps. And remember if you give a pig a pancake, he'll want your maple syrup and anything else he can get.
Be loving; be wise; be giving and be blessed.
From an old Facebook Post March 3, 2010
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