Ears To Hear # 74

OUR HEAVENLY PARENT
“HIS COSTLY GIFTS”

         Our lives, like open books, follow the pattern of good reading. They begin with a problem, but end with a satisfying solution.
         So, why should we be surprised when our mornings appear a little disturbing? When your world seems shaky, even as you go from truth to truth in God’s Word, on the time-table of your life, consider what our Lord has done, is doing, and plans to do.
         As certain as there is sunshine and rain, winter and summer, we too, have seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow in our lives. Sometimes, both in the same day.
         But we “keep on walking.” We open our umbrella when it’s raining. We put it away when the sun comes out.
         Some days, or even parts of a day, we feel like we are walking in a fog and have no idea where we’re going. Then, something happens and we are certain we are making all the right decisions.

I - AWOKE

Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

         That was the verse that came to me as I awoke. “My goodness, Lord. Is that all our life is about? Enduring? What a struggle. What a hopeless goal. Especially when we are tired. Isn’t there more?”
         Back to the Cross. Always, we must return to the cross to get a simple picture of God’s Big Purpose and answers to the purpose of life; even our individual life. The message of the Cross is Simple, beautiful, and points the way for us.
         Then I heard our Holy Spirit say: “Tell them to hang on. I’ll be there soon. I won’t be much longer. Peace I leave with you.”

YOU SAID YOU WANTED TO
KNOW ME
“Let Me Give You Another Example”
COSTLY GIFTS

         When your children are small, the gifts you give them are small and don’t cost much.  But the older they grow, have you noticed your gifts cost much more?
         When they are young, they don’t require as much because you are there to meet their needs. But, when they become adults…your gifts to them may cost you much more. Often, it may be your broken heart, many hours in prayer for them, still trying to show them what you have learned while still learning for yourself.
         Yes, these gifts cost more than the toy truck or baby doll when your child was small…when you saw the delight on their face; when you could see how you had blessed them and made them smile or even laugh with glee. That was your reward. That’s all you wanted…was to see them happy. They never considered the cost to you. And, at that moment, neither did you because you lived in the moment of seeing them blessed.

ANOTHER SEASON

         Another season of blessings came our way that we weren’t aware of until later. That was the season when our children listened to us, sought our advice, depended on it, believed what we said, and put it to use. We had great confidence that we were teaching them the very best way to do things. We would never consider teaching them something we thought would hurt them. (Relate to Father God).
         But, as they grew, they expected more and we desired to give them more. From Tiny baby shoes, now they required size 6, 9, or 12. At the same time, they required more direction from us. Our gift to them was costing us more.
         It cost us patience, love, and deep searching for more truth to give to our children. It cost us “commitment” to stand by our children…no matter what. And to be there for them; giving them the Best Gifts we knew how to give. We would always be their parent. Nothing could change that.

THEN THEY GREW UP

         When they grew up and had children of their own, they too began the process of “Giving Gifts”; each one more costly than the one before.
         Perhaps the one that costs the most is when the child no longer thinks the parent has anything to give them. If they are expecting only financial gifts, then they will miss the greater.
         The parent will always know more than the child…always. Not in man’s earthly learning systems, but in a higher system of life. The parent’s greatest loss is when the child doesn’t honor them by seeking their advice.
         Now the gifts cost more and are more valuable than ever before. The parent is offering Spiritual Gifts.

PARENTS ARE CHILDREN, ALSO

         The earthly parent is a child also, who has a Heavenly Father he/she goes to on a regular basis to seek knowledge and ask advice.
         I hope you see here the relevance of our Heavenly Parent, Who blesses us abundantly from the time before our birth until we come home to live with Him. His greatest desire is that we honor Him by seeking His advice…receiving His good intentions toward us, desiring our success, and delighting us with gifts that are progressively more costly as we mature.

HIS LOVE COST HIM

         His love cost Him the death of His Son on the Cross…so that we might live abundant lives here on earth and in Heaven with Him. 

SO

         So, when we awake in the morning and wonder the purpose of our lives; when we hear a scripture like, “Those who endure to the end shall be saved.”, I pray that we remember God’s most costly gift. I pray we remember Christ’s enduring love that kept Him nailed to the Cross for us.
         I pray that our dear Holy Spirit confirm in your spirit…that God does have a plan. He understands your needs as a parent and as a child, because He has been both and remains forever your Heavenly Parent.
         He has more gifts for you and each one is more precious than the one before. He clearly knows what He plans to give you next. You can Trust Him. Be Blessed!

                     

                 HIS GIFT TO YOU                           YOUR GIFT TO HIM
                          IS LIFE                              IS SEEKING HIS ADVICE