Last night I had a dream that was a bit strange, it was the kind where even after you wake it causes you to ponder through the day about what it all means. Now I understand that this might not be relatable or of interest for most, but hang in there, there is a point.
It started at Dillard’s and we were stranded for some reason. All the shoppers. Then some of us started talking and we made friends. At some point I realized after going round and round the store, through all the same areas looking for something, that I was never going to be able to find it. I resorted to going to the makeup counter because I needed my skincare items. I had no money. So, one of my new friends said they would buy it for me. It was pricey, but I accepted because I was out of the particular item. Once the purchase was complete the friend brought over bags and bags of items. Not only the skincare, but also the counter (shout out Lancôme) was having their gift with purchase and there were 3 of those presented. In addition, loads of color items such as lip glosses, eye pencils, and eye shadows. I was thrilled and also horrified. How much had this cost? I could never accept it all. We had just met. I didn’t need the other items. So, I returned the unneeded items and felt awful.
The point is this. We need salvation because of the downfall of man. We don’t require God to be so good and gracious to us. But yet he is. What have I been doing with the grace and good gifts he gives? Have I been ashamed and unwilling to accept them? My Lord gives hope and gifts and talents to all those whom he loves. He gives salvation freely to all those who accept the sacrifice of His Son. But what about all the extras? He doesn’t give them so they can be shelved. Or worse, deemed too much, and “returned”. He gives them so they will be used.
No, I am not comparing mascara to the givings of my Lord and Savior. However, the sentiment is that if it has been given, it is to be used. What has God done for you? Are you in a place of financial success? Has God placed a particular calling and path on your life? Do you have a voice to sing like no other? Has he given you a talent that you feel undeserving of because of other life choices? Maybe he has presented you with a platform that others do not have. Whatever the good and gracious giftings may be… the enemy wants you ashamed and left at a standstill. Ineffective. God wants you armed and ready for his Kingdom’s glory.
1 Peter 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you”
1 Peter 1:7
“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
1 Peter 2:1-3
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Prayers and Petition 