Dinner's Ready!

They returned today. Birds of all varieties filled the trees, each waiting for its turn at the feeder.  Beautiful birds. Colorful birds. Downy woodpeckers, cardinals and chickadees. Our feeder has remained empty for quite some time. Once filled, it took our bird-friends a few days to realize they could feast in our neck of the woods once again. The promise of nourishing seed awaits each bird that chooses to eat.

Our feeder, chock-full of tasty seed, reminds me of God’s Word, ready to provide sustenance to all who will come and partake. Jesus invites us, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35; KJV). His ‘feast’ will truly bring nourishment and satisfaction to our souls.

Even as our feathered friends have access to our feeder day and night, we also have access to our Heavenly Father anytime. We have a standing invitation from our Savior to come boldly to His throne of grace, “…that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Unlike businesses that maintain set hours, the Bible shares numerous accounts of those who cried out to God ‘after hours.’ “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord:” (Lamentations 2:19). The prophet, Isaiah, sought God at both ends of the spectrum. “With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early:” (Isaiah 26:9).

What do you stand in need of today? Hope, encouragement, direction? Do you hear Him calling your name? Pull up a chair at God’s ‘table’ and let His Word rejuvenate your soul! You won’t go hungry!

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).

*A re-post from 2/2010.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Helping Hands

He did it again. Provided just the words of encouragement I needed to pick up and move ahead. My husband's good at that. He helps me see things from a different perspective. He provides the sounding board I so desperately need when I'm considering my options. He talks me through discouragement, pointing out the endless possibilities. He cheers me on when I feel like quitting. And guides me to the One who filled me with a purpose in the first place - my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I was never promised life without difficulties. Even when I'm convinced that I'm pursuing the purposes God has called me to, challenges pop up along the path. Yet with each challenge, God provides me with someone to come alongside and help put things in perspective. Precious believers, living out the words of the Apostle Paul, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ," (Galatians 6:2; KJV).

I'm reminded of the mighty man of God, Moses. He had no small task leading the children of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. Imagine being responsible for the well-being of millions of people! Along their journey, the Amalekites had come out to fight with Israel in Rephidim. Moses' directions to his military leader, Joshua, were clear, "Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand," (Exodus 17:9).

The next day dawned with Joshua leading the army out to battle and Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbing to the top of the hill - a great vantage point from which to view the fight. Moses quickly noticed an amazing phenomenon, when he held up his hands, Israel overcame the enemy, but when he put his hands down, the Amalekites began beating the Israelites. A bit uncanny, but true!

Moses soon realized he wouldn't be able to hold his arms up throughout the battle without help. Aaron and Hur to the rescue! They found a stone for Moses to sit on, and with Aaron on one side and Hur on the other, they held up Moses hands for him. What were the results? "...and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword," (Exodus 17:12b-13). Wow! Look at what was accomplished when these friends came alongside Moses and offered their help! A great victory!

King Solomon outlined several blessings of godly companionship. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will life up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken," (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
When I'm rooted in Christ and I come alongside a fellow believer, there's no limit to what God can accomplish!

Is there someone the Lord is directing you to help and support? Arm yourself with the Word of God and prayer and be prepared to see God work!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for believers You've put in my life who provide encouragement and support. Help me to be quick to come alongside others who are in need of help. Allow me to point them to You and be careful to praise You for the outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.