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Encouragement 1-19-04





January 19, 2004

Encouragement for Today

 

Treasures from the Heart

Micca Campbell

 

Key Verse:

 

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7: 11 (KJV)

 

 

Devotion:

 

"She didn't come!" cried Peyton from her bedroom. I jumped out of bed and ran into her room. Peyton's head was buried under her pillow as she searched for hidden treasure. "What's wrong," I asked? "Mom, the tooth fairy forgot to come!" she explained with disappointment. Forgot was the key word in her sentence. I had to think fast, which early in the morning, would take a miracle right up there with the parting of the red sea.

 

Call it wisdom from above or a mom on thin ice, but suddenly I had a clever explanation as to why the tooth fairy didn't show. And it worked like a charm!

 

"Oh, Peyton, you're so lucky! That's never happened to me." I exclaimed. She stared at me with narrow eyes of suspicion. I guided her to the edge of the bed, and we sat down. Carefully, I began to explain that when the tooth fairy has too many children to visit in one night, something wonderful happens the next night for those children she missed. Peyton's eyes widened with wonder as she asked, "What wonderful thing happens?" "W-e-l-l, I said with anticipation, you get double the treasure!"

 

"Hooray!" cheered Peyton. "I knew the tooth fairy really was a caring person," she added. I agreed as we hugged each other tight. Whew! All was right again.

 

When our imperfections as parents result in mistakes or failure, we still seek to fulfill the heart desires of our children. Loving them compels us to lavishly provide all their needs. If we, being imperfect, care so much for our children, what makes us think that our perfect, holy heavenly Father would not care more?

 

"But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." Exodus 20:6 (NLT)

 

 

My Prayer for Today:

 

Dear Lord, I confess that there are times that I don't trust your love for me. Help me believe that you love me and care about all my needs just as a parent cares for the needs of their children. Now, here is my need __________. I trust that you are at work caring for me in this area right now. Thank you. In-Jesus name, A-men.

 

 

Applications Steps:

 

Go to a quite place and read the power verses provided. Meditate on God's love and provision for you. Thank Him for His magnificent care, and feel His presence all around you.

 

 

Reflection Points:

 

Why do you think that God doesn't care about the little details of our lives?

 

Do you look at your problem as being to big for God, or that God is big enough to handle your problem? What's the evidence of your belief?

 

God knows that the earth needs water, therefore provides rain. The bird's need food and He provides for them as well. Why can you not believe that He will love you and pour out His blessings on your life?

 

Are you convinced of God's love? If not, don't seek anything else until you are!

 

Do you mediate on the bad things that happen to you and determine that God doesn't care? Then start meditating on the good things and you see His love. Every good gift comes from heaven above!

 

 

Power Verse:

 

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV)

 

Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV)

 

John 15:7, If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV)

 

Romans 5:8, But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet, sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)

 

Proverbs 8:17, I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (KJV)

 

 

Additional Resources:

 

The Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/makeover.html

 

How to Live a Life of Victory by Mary Southerland
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/victoryset.html

 

Intimate Moments with God by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/intimatemoments.html

 

P31 Woman Magazine
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/p31woman.html