Day 34:: Honoring

Soundtrack: "If We are the Body" by Casting Crowns

I definitely relate to David in his overflow of blessing and ability to share...however, I don't always follow through like he did. David had immense wealth and prestige and compared to many on this planet, I am very wealthy in many ways, as well. We are quick, as Christians, to talk of those who "Jesus reached out to"...the poor, destitute, sinful, rejected. But hundreds of years before, God has already begun His work in His children to LOVE others with GRACE....to LOVE others, to LIFT UP others, to put others (even when they are different) above themselves.

David wanted to give Maphibosheth a life where he shouldn't have to "shuffle and stammer." He wasn't taking him in for one meal because he had been friends with his dad. He didn't just let him "experience" his life - he gave it to him FOREVER. He wanted to offer him a life he didn't feel like he deserved but that would provide encouragement, confidence, empowerment, and life. GRACE. That's what I want to do. I want to offer life CHANGE to people, not just life IMPROVEMENTS or EXPERIENCES. I want to offer the empowerment and confidence people need through my words, actions, home, and resources that will hopefully point ultimately to God's GRACE.

Because of circumstances, David had the choice to weild power (get vengeance on Saul, feel powerful, etc.) upon Maphibosheth or yeild grace and love (offer life and provision). Over and over again, God chooses grace over a power trip in my life, and I am so grateful...and lucky. How much more do I have the opportunity to do the SAME thing for others?

God, continue to prepare me and use me to offer your life.