Stealing

Lately, I've had several opportunities to steal! Strange.

One opportunity was while in Walmart. The cashier loaded up my cart with an extra trashcan, without scanning it. After getting back to the car, I realized what had happened. It was just $2.50. But, by God's grace, we returned it.

Another was at Harris Teeter. The cashier accidentally, without realizing it, only rang up one basket as opposed to three. $8.00 savings! I paused for a moment to think of how nice it would be to save $8.00.

Thankfully, by God's grace, it was only a fleeting thought. So, we called the manager to come and correct the total.

It seems another incident recently happened at Giant. So, why am I sharing these silly episodes! Because it was an opportunity to steal. At some point, I'm sure you will have that temptation as well. So, lets learn from it!

Our hearts are greedy. Downright greedy. "Tight money" and a greedy heart are a bad mix. A mix so bad it could lead to stealing.

Beloveds, it's better to be right with God than it is to be rich.

Proverbs says:
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.


So, if you are ever in a position where your money is tight (and it will be at some point!) be on guard against greed. Instead, trust in the Lord. His name is Jehovah Jireh. The Lord Provides. You don't need to steal. He will provide.

(Proverbs 28:25)

Humility

From reading the Psalms, it seems to me that David spent hours praying and pleading for mercy. Why? He saw himself as poor and needy, "small and despised". He knew he needed a Savior. Thus, his writings were drenched in humility. And, his prayer life was frequent and fervent.

This kind of humility doesn't come easy. Many times God will sovereignly design your circumstances, as he did David's, to magnify your weakness. It's like putting on corrective glasses. Suddenly, you realize just how weak, feeble, and stupid you really are. And finally, you make your boast in Christ alone.

Beloveds, until you undergo David-like conditions, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Maybe you won't have so far to fall!

Do Nothing On Your Own Initiative

We have lots to learn from Gracie and Molly!
Obedience, disobedience, importance of relationship, just to name a few.

However, one lesson that continues to cross my mind is this: Gracie doesn't do anything on her own initiative. With a watchful eye, she studies Molly and then imitates everything she does. Gracie has learned to love what Molly loves, and hate what Molly hates. When Molly barks, she barks. When and where Molly potties, she potties. If Molly goes outside, she goes outside. If Molly chases a squirrel, she chases a squirrel. Gracie does nothing on her own initiative.

John 5:30 instructs us to do the same thing: We are to do nothing on our own initiative, but only what we hear and see the Father doing.
Jesus said, "I can do nothing on My own initiative.........

How can we apply this truth?
Realize you are a sinner and incapable of making the right decisions apart from God's help.
Realize you are a sinner and incapable of speaking the right words without the Lord.
Carefully study Christ. Learn His Word and His ways.
Learn to listen, pray, watch, and wait patiently on Him.

Beloveds, the longer you walk with Him, the more you will be able to discern His voice, and know how to follow His initiative.
John 10:27 says that His sheep listen to His voice, and they follow Him...

As His sheep, be His follower. Do nothing on your own initiative.