Devotional for September 3, 2020
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Yesterday I had a conversation with an old friend. We were texting back and forth and he informed me he was moving because he accepted a job promotion. I congratulated him and spoke of how proud I was of him, and then he responded, “Thanks. You inspire me because of your leadership.” That caught me off guard. I had not spoken to this individual in almost a year, but I REalized in that moment, that someone is always watching.
Therefore, as today’s devotional continues to REmind us, let us not grow weary. There are a number of things that God has BEgun in me, and I wonder when they will come to completion and some into fruition, but after last night and the word this morning, I will continue to press on, waiting when necessary, for the answer is on the way. Last night after having pain in my back and attempting to go to bed earlier than usual, I was moved to push through as some things were brought to my mind. When I finished the tasks, it was after 2am! I fell asleep without REading my nightly devotionals, but I know Everything God Ordains (EGO). It was meant for me to REad them this morning and prior to me REading my Osteen entry, because it all gave me confirmation that all that I did last evening was a part of God’s plan.
One devotional, “The Trap of Self-Sufficiency”, spoke about guarding our hearts from the love of money. Last night I stayed up working on my goal to be debt free. I picked up a book I have had for two years and started REading and working through some of the activities REcommended to assist me on my JOurneY. After completing that I was moved to work on a session that I spoke to my sister about. I was led to put together a virtual workshop to speak on the manifestation that has occurred in my life in only six months during the pandemic, in hopes of helping others walk into their passion and purpose as well.
Though not to my surprise, the second devotional from last night said “Don’t Run Alone.” I’m so grateful for my sister, who continues to support me, but most importantly inspires me. And then, I read the devotional this morning from Osteen’s “Daily Reading From Break Out” and it further confirms that me waiting and then following through with what God put inside me last night into the early morning, that in His perfect timing, He is bringing my dreams to pass.
Ecclesiastes 2
As we go about this life, let us work to be lenders and not borrowers, but let us also not strive to just store away what we have been blessed with, for as in Ecclesiastes 2:21, “A person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune” (Ecclesiastes 2:21). May we understand the importance of enJOYing the fruits of our labor, and giving, for when we give it shall be given unto us; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38).
I love the title of today’s devotional by Steve Repak: “The Richest People Give The Most”. I REcall how I wanted to give, struggled to give, and when I gave I felt like I wasn’t giving enough, but gave from my heart. Since surrendering completely to God, I do not hesitate to give to Him first, without hesitation or REservation, and as a REsult, He has blessed me in unexpected ways I could have never imagined for myself. As today’s devotional emphasizes, “God is more concerned with how you give, not how much you give.” It is written in His word, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Romans 13:10
When you can’t figure out what to do or how to do things, REmember do everything in love, for love is in need. 🙏🏽💚🦋🌈
Think beyond the tithe for there is your time and talent, too, this Thursday, my friend.
