Blessed is the giver

“And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.” Heb. 7:7

Have you ever felt like your efforts to guide, counsel and love someone who needs help have gone unnoticed and unappreciated? There are times in our lives when we feel led to pour all our heart and wisdom into someone who is in a difficult circumstance – either spiritually, mentally or physically. We pray, we give, we love. We get involved because we care enough to want to see that person whole. The cost to us is not taken into account, but sometimes that cost is higher in the end than we anticipated.

But there is someone who notices our sacrifices and offerings of support. Jesus calls us to be like Him, and any time we reach out in love and concern, we are showing Jesus to the world – even if it’s just our own little sphere of influence. It still brings Him honor and glory to extend grace, mercy and love, even when we aren’t rewarded with so much as a “thank you”.

God is the One we hope to please. He understands that giving the blessing is more important than getting one. He is our supreme example. Don’t be afraid to move forward with what you have to offer others. God will see and say “well done.”

Lord, humble me to serve you better. Let me not be hindered by pride or jealousy.

A Double Portion

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.” 2 Kings 2: 9


Elisha had been following Elijah around for some time. He had observed miracles and seen first hand the blessings of God on the life of this prophet. Elijah had been promised by God that he would be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind – the only prophet to be given an alternative to death. As time for that big event approached, Elisha stuck as close as he could to his mentor, not wanting to miss anything. Elijah knew Elisha would be succeeding him as prophet so he wanted to grant him a request to get him off to a good start, so to speak.

Elisha wanted to inherit a double portion of whatever it was that Elijah had. Elijah built a legacy and left it to Elisha. It was a legacy of faith and favor from God. Elisha did not ask to be left with riches, or possessions. He wanted the blessing. He wanted the inheritance of powerful service and a double portion of it! He was hungry for the kind of life that would bring the most fruit. He was ready to do it without the comforts of the world.

Most of us are caught up in the world we live in, and the desires of our hearts are not always for the things of God. Guess what, God knows that. He is aware when we are operating at much below our potential and gives grace for that. But He also waits for us to ask for the blessing. He longs to hear the words from our hearts that we are ready for a double portion of His spirit. We have followed Him around long enough to know what He is capable of. Jesus left us with a job to do, just like Elisha. We don’t always understand what we need in order to accomplish the mission.

Are you ready for a double portion? Are you ready to release the glory that God is waiting to share with you? Read, pray, listen, share. Stick close to God so you can succeed at the mission.

Father, show me how to enter into oneness of knowledge with you. I pray you will help me be ready for the job you have in store for me. Bring the harvest, Lord.