February 18th

February 18th

Read: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 1 Chronicles 29:6-14: Acts 10:38 & Acts 20:35; Proverbs 11:24-25

Jesus gave His all in obedience to His Father. He did not say, as some of us do, “I’ll give my life for the cause, but I reserve the right to own a grand house while I’m working.” No. He said, “The Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (Mt. 8:20) He did not say, “I don’t mind walking all over Galilee and Judea, but I want an expense account at the best restaurants as I travel.” No. He ate simply with His men, fish cooked over coals on the shore or figs gathered as needed. He just gave … time, energy, love, healing, light, compassion, friendship, mercy, kindness, and His blood to sprinkle on Heaven’s altar within the veil. (Hebrews 2:11-15) He just gave all.

ALL LIFE IS GIVING

All life is giving, and so we live
In a palace of earth and sky 
Where the trees breathe life and all things give 
Without ever reasoning why.

The sun sheds light along our way;
The rain showers life anew;
Each, with never a thought of pay,
Sends blessings from out the blue.

Orchard trees their sweet fruit yield; 
Green plants dispense their seed, 
And birds trill music o’er the field, 
Offerings to someone’s need.

The stars shine forth from vaulted night;
The earth continues to turn;
The moon spills out her borrowed light,
But none expects a return.

Why do we find it so hard to perceive
That the Lord of our palace would give
His only Son, and that if we believe
In His vict’ry, we too will live?

Why is it hard to comprehend 
That all of us too must bestow 
Our gifts of love and even expend 
Our lives that His good might flow?

For all things give, yes everything!
And we must do our part too.
We must give our lives to the living King 
In service, so life flows through.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to give as Jesus gave, never looking for a return on my investment of time, energy, or resources. Please, Lord, make me a cheerful giver.