When we think of ourselves better than those who serve us, we tend to not be so generous.

Thanks for stopping by for Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power and Monday’s Mantra with Trench Classes United. Grab your coffee and come on in.

How many times have you sworn you were right only to find out you weren’t? Well, I’m about to share one of those a-has with you!

Just the other day in my own coffee hour with our Father, I was sitting in the Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-13 and reading about the eight profound principles, each with an eternal reward. What’s cool is if you’ll notice, the first one’s reward is “the kingdom of heaven,” and the very last one, “those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” is also rewarded with the kingdom of heaven.  

For the sake of time, let’s talk about just the first one; after all, there’s enough in that one to chew on for a while and strengthen your Strand of Faith with more knots. J

Just chewing on this first beatitude, I recognize a misunderstanding I have always had when it comes to “Blessed are the poor in spirit”…STOP!

When I say “Poor in spirit” to you, what do you think it means?

I thought it meant those less fortunate in all aspects…but I was so incorrect. It means humble and charitable!

Humility leads us to generosity!

Now I don’t know about you, but I used to cringe at the mere thought of humility, but I’ve come to welcome it for humility is necessary in the journey of faith. True humility is not thinking we are better than others. For example, have you ever taken a shuttle with a group of friends, or gone to dinner with a group? Well, those are services. I remember one time mentioning how much I wanted to tip someone for their great service they did with such sweet humility while with a group of friends and one of them said “They weren’t that good!”

When we think of ourselves better than those who serve us, we tend to not be so generous.

And did you know that charitable is not just referring to $$$$? Nope, charitable also refers to the generosity of our time, talents and treasures.

So who do you know that could use some of your charitableness today? Maybe a kind compliment, a word of encouragement, or a thoughtful gesture, whatever the deed, practicing this will keep us “poor in spirit,” for we can never out-give when we are relying on the Giver of all good things to sustain us and take us to our reward of the kingdom of heaven.

Love,

Kim-Evinda

P.S. Don’t forget to join me live at 5:45 tonight @ www.facebook.com/trenchclassesunited

Wednesday’s Word

Who’s Your Santa?

James 1:5: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”

Welcome to Wednesday’s Word @ Chicklit Power and Trench Classes United! I’m so blessed that you took the time to stop by. I pray you will be able to tie a few knots in your Strand of Faith as we talk about the types of gifts we ask for and who we ask!

I got a picture text a couple of weeks ago from our little Bryden’s grandma. It was him sitting on Santa’s lap, and underneath the picture were the words: “I heard him tell Santa he wants a remote control helicopter.”

My heart smiled and filled my soul. I absolutely love getting our grandkids what I know that I know that they really, really want! J

I quickly typed my text and sent it off, letting her know that his remote control helicopter had been ordered and was on its way already.

It brings me a happy feeling, a feeling of excited anticipation to see the look on their faces as they open their presents. They can be so, so expressive, enthusiastic, so incredibly joyful. It’s a good feeling to be part of that.

And then I read this verse in James and I marveled at the fresh reminder that our God is an emotional God and how it must make Him feel when we come to Him and ask Him for things, especially things that will be good for us in the classroom of life. He really does want to give us things…that will help us, not harm us, things that will aid in a better future, not weigh us down with unnecessary baggage.

Some people are of the belief that they are not supposed to ask Him for stuff for themselves; they say it’s selfish. There is such a thing as healthy selfish and this verse definitely contradicts the belief that we are not to pray for gifts for ourselves. Our Father is a good, good Father wanting to shower His kids with good things.

So let’s put this down here, and change it up a little by inserting your name where appropriate and put what you’re lacking: If you, Evinda, are lacking finances, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

Let’s try another one:

If you, _______, are lacking understanding in your current situation, ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

And one more:

If you, _______, are lacking love for an unlovable, ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

Go ahead, it’s your turn. Ask Him…He’s the real deal, not a fairy tale like Santa!

Love,

Evinda