Just before Mother died, she began losing her mental facilities. That is obviously very sad, but her’s had a humorous situation. She was the CFO of our home and was very frugal – well, more accurately, tight.
About a month before she died, I visited with her. She said, “Ray, I have a trillion dollars. I know I’ve got to pay taxes and my tithe. But I’ve been thinking. I’m going to give you” – are you ready for this dear reader? – “a penny.” Then she thought for a second and said, “No, I’m going to loan it to you.” And she meant it. (The older we get, the more we become like our real selves!)
Mom, brought up by very frugal Estonian immigrants, lived through the great depression of the ‘30’s as a dry dirt farmer’s wife, never learned the concept that God blesses us, not for our sake but for us to take our blessings and bless others.
! Chronicles 14:2 sets the pattern: And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel."
Os Hillman writes: King David learned an important lesson every leader must learn if he is to ensure God's continual blessing. He knew why God blessed him. It wasn't because he deserved it, though he was a man who sought God with his whole heart. It wasn't because of his great skill, though he was a great military strategist. It wasn't because he was perfect, for he committed some horrible sins during his reign as king. No, it was for none of these reasons. God blessed David for the "sake of His people Israel." God never blesses an individual just for that person's exclusive benefit. God calls each of us to be a blessing to others.
A good personal question: how am I doing blessing others with finances, words of encouragement, time, talents? And how about you?
Off to the Pendleton Roundup for a few days. Will check back with you next week.
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