Wellspring. Karen Moore

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СКАЧАТЬ may make sense in terms of giving your new ideas thoughtful consideration. Weighing the odds is a worthwhile use of your time. Getting uncomfortable, though, is a challenge, but the writer of Ecclesiastes doesn't really care. He says get it done. With a little due diligence, in the course of time, you may reap a reward, and you may win the day.

      If you don't cast your bread on the waters, you know that nothing can return to you. If you simply cast the bread and walk away, you won't be expectant. You won't recognize the opportunity or be ready for the win. So go ahead. Take a chance on becoming all that God meant you to become and show him and the rest of the world what you've got. It will renew your spirit and you'll be in a refreshing stream of opportunity.

      In the Flow

       Lord, I let things pass me by over and over again. This year, help me take a chance and step up to the plate to get things done. Amen.

      January 4

      The Drink That Refreshes

       Both fresh water and salt water don't come from the same spring, do they?

      —James 3:11

      About this time of year, we love the idea of sandy beaches and warm salty water. We imagine the sounds of seagulls and ocean waves and shells along the shore. We love it until we need a nice cool drink. Hmmm . . . imagine being surrounded by blissful breezes and burning sands, but no cold refreshing drink. Everything is saltwater. It looks like water, sounds like water, but it can't refresh you from the inside. It only leaves you feeling drier and thirstier.

      Life can be like that. We don't notice whether we're being nourished because for the moment we're being satisfied. Once the illusion fades, we catch the reality like we just walked on a jellyfish. We are almost startled to realize we need a taste of something that will truly sustain us, something more.

      Your current faith may sustain you very well, or it may just keep you afloat on an endless sea of uncertainty. It may be time to drink more deeply and receive greater refreshment.

      There is a beautiful beach, a place where you can play and hang out in the sun. All you have to do is ask and you'll be there, filled forever after with the cool, refreshing Spirit that will never leave you thirsty again.

      In the Flow

       Lord, thank you for being the only living water that quenches the thirst of your children. Thank you for giving us all we need. Amen.

      January 5

      God Gave You Today

       This is the day the LORD acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!

      —Psalm 118:24

      Do you ever get so caught up in your routine that you forget what day it is? You have to remind yourself whether you're going to work, or maybe sleeping in because it's Saturday? Some of us may even forget that we didn't "invent" today. In fact, we wouldn't be here at all if God had not acted on our behalf a very long time ago. The psalmist is right to point this out to us. God made this day. Now what will we do to show him how glad we are that he did?

      Since it's the beginning of the year, let's be more mindful of what God has done each morning when we rise. We can begin the day, even before we put a foot on the floor, saying "Thank you, Lord." We can put a smile on our faces and celebrate the fact that we are surrounded by the abundance he provided.

      Every action causes some kind of reaction. God acted. Now it's your turn. This is the day the Lord made so that you could . . . what? What can you do to cause God to celebrate a little? What can you give back today that will connect your heart more closely to his?

      Take a moment and give God a very intentional response. Don't hesitate to show him what you can do. It will be good for both of you. Praise him, praise him for today!

      In the Flow

       Lord, I get caught up in the to-do list of my daily life and I forget to be grateful. I thank you for all you do to make it possible for me to live more fully and richly. Bless this day and walk with me. Amen.

      January 6

      Hitting the Jackpot

       Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

      —Proverbs 11:25

      Have you ever considered what you'd do if you won the lottery or somehow managed to win or receive an unexpected, but fabulous fortune? After you got over the excitement of the event and paid off your house and all your loans, you might start thinking about giving to others. You might start to imagine how good it would feel to share your good fortune.

      The good news is this. You've already won the lottery. You already have a vast fortune to share with others. It may not be showing up in your bank account, but it's there. It's the spirit of generosity that came into your life the day you started following Jesus. It's the day you said, whatever I have, I'm willing to share.

      You have been blessed with an abundance of treasure, and the more you give that treasure away, the more blessed you are. C. S. Lewis reminded us that "nothing is really ours until we share it."

      It's a new day and the perfect moment to look at what you have to give away. It may just be a moment of your time, a smile, a kind word to the taxi driver, but whatever it is, share it. Love is never witnessed by a clenched fist, but only through an open and generous hand.

      In the Flow

       Father, you have blessed me beyond measure. You have filled my home and heart with joy. Cause me to never forget what you've done for me and to always remember to give in any way I can to others. Amen.

      January 7

      Setting Priorities . . .Again!

      Instead, desire first and foremost God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. —Matthew 6:33

      The start of a new year is a good time to take a look at your priorities, to examine more closely where you are willing to put your effort and energy. What's at the top of your to-do list?

      Most likely, you'll find a lot of things there like working hard for that next promotion, studying to get through a course at school, or exercising to get your weight under control. At the beginning of a year, we're usually pretty focused on improving ourselves and our lot in life.

      Matthew recommends that we go back to our to-do list to see if we've remembered to put God at the top of it. He says that when we start there, we're getting it right. In fact, we're getting the message that there's really nothing worth doing if God is not a part of the equation.

      Today, СКАЧАТЬ