Allie is a new member of a small group of believers who meet weekly. She began visiting a few months ago when a friend invited her to come so they could pray for her and support her in her battle with cancer. Allie has since received significant healing, and she has taken steps toward discovering the God who heals.
Allie’s taste in fashion and furnishings is exotic. Her flat is filled with fairies, feathers, crystals, and cheapbut- classy antiques. Browsing an antiques shop recently, Allie came across a beautiful, old Singer-style sewing machine. “God,” she whispered to Him, “I’d love something like that for my place.”
God is a gift-giving God. He gives us food and joy (Acts 14:15-17), sunshine and rain (Matthew 5:45), Jesus and eternal life (John 4:10; Romans 6:23), the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts (1 Thessalonians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 12). Jesus compared the Father to earthly parents. If we, fallen and selfish as we are, know how to give our children good things, how much more so does He!
Still, there’s a world of difference between eternal life and a sewing machine, don’t you think? Allie wasn’t praying for food, rent money, world peace, or eternal salvation. Her request was a childlike prayer made to a God she’s becoming acquainted with. A couple of days after her visit to the antiques shop, Allie was walking out her front door on her way to work when she saw a pile of junk by the roadside. She stopped, stunned. There stood a complete Singer-style antique sewing machine. On it hung a sign: “Perfect condition—please take.”
Perhaps our Father God likes to give a few toys every now and then— particularly to those inching toward His kingdom.
More:
• Jeremiah 33:3
• Luke 15:22-24
• Romans 8:32
Next:
What gifts has God given you over the years? What does this reveal to you about His nature? Matthew 7:7-11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him (v.11).
bethanyF on February 3, 2010 at 8:57 am
I like to buy hockey cards and sports cards. Sometimes I feel this is out of control and I should be giving the money to the Lords work. Last night I experienced a lot of anxiety from it. Almost everything I do gives me terrible anxiety. I fret and worry all of the time. The Lord is so good to me, but even simple things such as hobbies make me go mad. I pray that the Lord would help me through this and that I may be a light for him.
Lilyofthevalley on February 3, 2010 at 9:12 am
What an amazing way to start the day. Gift giving is one of the 5 love languages, and God IS love, so how can we think anything different from our Maker? How great is it to take on the day knowing that your heavenly Father loves to take care of you in all ways, even in giving you toys sometimes!
<3
Marilyn T on February 3, 2010 at 11:35 am
God gives us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Expect all your happiness from Him, and seek it in Him – in his being, his perfections, his friendship, and his love – those things, which are totally apart from what He gives (Ps 37:4). Never indulge a desire you cannot form into a prayer to God; regulate your desires, asking only for those things it would be proper for God to grant the godly.
Gary4orphans on February 3, 2010 at 4:38 pm
For BethanyF (and others) a personal observation if I may. I would suggest that hobbies or anything else we may spend money on is not the central issue. It isn’t a “sin” to have something that gives us pleasure. I would suggest that the key to feeling OK about it, and in fact BEING OK about it is found in one word: “BALANCE.” If we “only” buy stuff for ourselves we are out of balance. If we “only” give to others, that is good on one hand but still out of balance if you can’t pay the rent or buy milk for your child. Don’t beat yourself up over having “something” you like. But be balanced. Support your church first (first fruits) then find a charity or other non-profit that you want to share God’s blessing with. Just be balanced. God wants you to have nice things but He expects you to help those who don’t have nice things; those who have little or nothing at all. Don’t feel guilty about buying for yourself, just spend half on you and half on someone other than you. Balance is a good thing.
Balance includes right motives. Don’t give for the “purpose” of making yourself feel OK but give if you truly WANT to share a portion of what God has blessed you with. If you don’t really WANT to give to others, PRAY about that and seek His counsel.
My 3 a half cents worth (inflation you know).
purestrength on February 3, 2010 at 9:33 am
Our God is so generous! There are so many times when He has given me the desires of my heart! He has given spiritually as well as physically. My son and his wife – she is a gift to our whole family- lived on less than $6,000 last year because of God’s generous provision. They have all of their needs met and more. They even won a $1000 shopping spree to their favorite outdoor store because God loves to give gifts to His children! They had just spent the summer ministering at a Christian youth camp and had some camping things in mind when that happened. God gives us the desires of our heart and if our desire is to love and obey Him then we have all we need.
Gary4orphans on February 3, 2010 at 4:28 pm
For BethanyF (and others) a personal observation if I may. I would suggest that hobbies or anything else we may spend money on is not the central issue. It isn’t a “sin” to have something that gives us pleasure. I would suggest that the key to feeling OK about it, and in fact BEING OK about it is found in one word: “BALANCE.” If we “only” buy stuff for ourselves we are out of balance. If we “only” give to others, that is good on one hand but still out of balance if you can’t pay the rent or buy milk for your child. Don’t beat yourself up over having “something” you like. But be balanced. Support your church first (first fruits) then find a charity or other non-profit that you want to share God’s blessing with. Just be balanced. God wants you to have nice things but He expects you to help those who don’t have nice things; those who have little or nothing at all. Don’t feel guilty about buying for yourself, just spend half on you and half on someone other than you. Balance is a good thing.
Balance includes right motives. Don’t give for the “purpose” of making yourself feel OK but give if you truly WANT to share a portion of what God has blessed you with. If you don’t really WANT to give to others, PRAY about that and seek His counsel.
My 3 a half cents worth (inflation you know).
Chileshe on February 3, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Thanks to you all for your valuable contibutions to today’s devotional. Many a time I have learnt more from what others say or react to the devotionals. I’d like, however, to single out Gary4Orphans. Everyday I look forward to reading what you say on the day’s topic and I am so glad to say your indepth look at issues encourages me. God’s love to you all.
riri on February 4, 2010 at 7:23 am
Wow! You are right, Lilyofthevalley, this is an amazing way to start the day, even if I am reading it a day later. This story truly reminds of who God is.