Your Best or Scraps

Leftovers

Leftovers are such humble things,We would not serve to a guest,
And yet we serve them to our LordWho deserve the very best.
We give to Him leftover time,Stray minutes here and there.
Leftover cash we give to Him,Such few coins as we can spare.
We give our youth unto the world,To hatred, lust and strife;
Then in declining years we giveTo him the remnant of our life.
-Author Unknown

God desires our heart. Sometimes we go through the motions of being a Christian, but don't give our heart. The poem above can grab at you and say, "How about you?" And if you are like me, you might reply, "I don't do enough!"
One of the first instances of someone going through the motions was Cain. Cain(Adam and Eve's son) went through the motions of offering a sacrifice to God. His heart was not in the right place and he gave God his leftovers, rather than the best. God was displeased. Abel out of a love for God gave a better sacrifice. Abel was blessed, Cain was eventually cursed. Give God your best and he will bless you.

Quote of the week

"Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing."
-John Henry Jowett

Indestructable hope

Did you ever possess something that was valuable to you? Over the years I have discovered there are two types of valuables: there are the collectables and everyday valuables. Collectables are the valuables that you cherish and place in a safe place; often wrapped in plastic or some protectable container. I personally have sports cards, records, coins, comics and other collectables that fit this mold. The problem with collectables is that they are hidden, no one can appreciate them or see there value to me unless I take them out, but if I do that then they don't last as long.
The everyday valuables are the valuable items that we do take out and use often. They carry great value to us because we are reminded constantly of their value to us through observation and use. Often others see their value to us because they are public with us. This may be the tools for the carpenter, a certain car, or our homes. The problem is through their use they deteriorate until they are unusable or have lost their value.
Truly valuable items are those which are collectable and everyday. This is the value of our faith.
1 Peter 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you"
We have a treasure in our faith in Jesus Christ, one that is meant to be displayed and used and yet it will not "perish, spoil or fade", no matter what! The world may try to rob you of your joy, but there is great reward awaiting you in heaven. Focus on heaven and take joy in your valuable promise that God has given you.