So in lieu of my endless babbling, here is today's "Morning" from Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. I do have a "Coffee Talk" at the end regarding his writing today. I would like to know what you all think!
Morning
"He that watereth shall be watered also himself."
Proverbs 11:25
We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselves watered. How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers for usefulness. We have latent talents and dormant faculties, which are brought to light by exercise. Our strength for labour is hidden even from ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the Lord's battles, or to climb the mountains of difficulty. We do not know what tender sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow's tears, and soothe the orphan's grief. We often find in attempting to teach others, that we gain instruction for ourselves. Oh, what gracious lessons some of us have learned at sick beds! We went to teach the Scriptures, we came away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our converse with poor saints, we are taught the way of God more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. So that watering others makes us humble. We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked for it; and how much the poor saint may outstrip us in knowledge. Our own comfort is also increased by our working for others. We endeavor to cheer them, and the consolation gladdens our own heart. Like the two men in the snow; one chafed the other's limbs to keep him from dying, and in so doing kept his own blood in circulation, and saved his own life. The poor widow of Sarepta gave from her scanty store a supply for the prophet's wants, and from that day she never again knew what want was. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over.
Coffee Talk for Today...
What do you think about the last line? Do you think he is making an argument for helping others in that we will receive blessings in return? Should we serve others with any preconceived intentions that are self seeking? Maybe I am interpreting this incorrectly, but that is why I want to know what you all think!!!
Blessings,
Heather
Wonderful post Friend!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting so many sales on ebay.
I do believe God blesses me/others when we give.
I give to share HIS love, but it sure is nice when others return His love to me. I baked and shared last week. Just baked and wow have I been blessed this week.
God is Great!
Joy
Trace
www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
Hi, Trace!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you- God does bless us when we share His love. It is a fine line when I teach that concept to my class. You want them to give to share God's love, and God will bless that. But then, you don't want them to do things with the wrong motivation- because you think you will be blessed. That's another concept I worry about the class I will be teaching this year- the heart attitude. When we do it for the right reason, the blessing is in the joy we feel serving God. Everything else is bonus...
Yes, the eBay sales are a blessing! I am scared to death still about shipping it all... It is a lot of stuff! She must really like decorating! I don't know, do you send it in multiple boxes or one big box? Ugh. A few of the things are pottery and heavy, most of it is light. Maybe I ship the pottery separately?
Hmmmm, whatcha baking? I am about ready to make coffee cake in a cup. I found a microwave recipe on Pinterest... Hmmm, Mmmmm... I think I am going to put oatbran and apple sauce to make it a bit more healthy... Just a bit!
Thank you for responding, Friend! I appreciate your fellowship!
Blessings,
Heather
Hi Heather, though by now it's bedtime over here and I've been on the go all day sorting the kids out for 'back to school'. Now that my oldest is a teenager, she's kind of particular about what goes with what - I really don't think I was ever like that so she mustn't take it after me, ha ha!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on this passage as I never thought of it this way.
To do God's will in any kind of service is to do it unto Him -'in as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' So it is only of God's goodness and grace that we receive anything in return, we are unprofitable servants at best. Hope that makes sense!
Isn't our God so good? Thanks so much for making me think!
Christine
So, how was 'back to school'? Teenagers, it's all about the look. Elementary- it's all about the recess and fun!
DeleteYou nailed it- I love how you said, "We are unprofitable servants at best". I know sometimes I get caught up in, "Well, I helped this person, now what do I get." Boy, does Satan use that worldly mentality, especially in the lives of kids in our culture today. I did this, now what? Well, you do your best unto the Lord and the reward is in pleasing Him. That is why there aren't any behavior rewards this year. The heart is the focus this year. Last year's class got it. Through God's power, and not my own, He will work in their hearts... I have to just not meddle and let Him work... ;)
Sooo, you were particular with what you wore as a teenager. I remember that panic in high school- Does this look good? Will people laugh at me? I remember changing outfits a million times. The sad thing is, it continued into College. The push is that everyone should find a husband in college. I was so consumed by that (and this is embarrassing) that if my hair or clothes didn't go right, I didn't go to class. Now, I wasn't skipping class left and right, but I did some. Vanity, vanity... Ugh! I still have nightmares about it, I think as guilt for my vanity!
God is so good. He still loves us as the imperfect, vain sinners that we are... Otherwise, He wouldn't have gone to the trouble and pain of sending His Son...
I feel like we have been crossing like ships in the night lately with all of the business! It is good to hear from you, as always, dear friend!
Now I have figured out- when it is 6 pm here, it is night time for you... Awww.
Blessings and love to you!!!!
Heather
Afternoon
ReplyDeleteYes I agree there is pure HIS JOY in giving!!
I am always more blessed just sharing HIS LOVE than anything.
Hmmm I love oatbran and applesauce muffins.
Hope your having a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Trace