Cycle of Blessing September 23, 2018
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Ann Voskamp, bestselling author, shared a story on the radio this morning that resulted in an “aha moment” for me, as Oprah would say, about the Cycle of Blessing.
She told the story of a young woman who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer that she took a gift of a little red bucket of brownies. When this young woman called to thank Ann, she mentioned how her son with Down Syndrome was enjoying that empty red bucket. She went on to share how many in our culture, especially those who are in a similar situation as hers, are pursuing a bucket list. Filling their bucket with all those things they want to do before they die. As she watched her son play with that bucket, she said it came to her that she wants to leave behind an empty bucket. She is determined to withhold nothing and to be a blessing to all those around her. When God calls her home, her goal is to have left nothing undone and her bucket be empty.
As I listened to that story, the Cycle of Blessing message came alive to me. It is so much more than receiving God’s blessing to overflowing and using that overflow to bless others. It is about creating a continuous cycle of blessing, so we have unlimited resources to give it all to others as He so generously gave all of Himself to us. Let us resolve to withhold nothing and use every blessing to establish His kingdom on this earth and bring glory to His Name. And, like this precious young woman, when He calls us home, let us leave behind an empty bucket.
This is what makes the Cycle of Blessing message so different from a typical prosperity message. The focus is not on receiving and holding onto God’s blessings; it is about giving it all away with open hands and hearts.
Barbara Hunter Media Director, GTGIM
God’s Spirit continues to show up where ever this message is shared. Below are some pictures of the Port Harcourt conference.
コメント