As we stood in worship this Sunday morning,
arms raised in praise,
singing,
“OOOhhh, oh, oh, here I stand,
Arms opened wide.
Ooohhh, oh, oh, I am yours
And you are mine,”
all I could think about was receiving.
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The Recipient
“What would you do if you had a million dollars?
You know, one, comma, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero?”
“A million dollars? Where did I get it?”
“I don’t know–a very generous benefactor just gave it to you.
What are you going to do with all that money?”
“Why did he give it to me? What did I do?”
“He just gave it to you–he likes you. He’s a nice guy, okay?
A million bucks–it’s yours–what are you going to do with it?”
“Well, I don’t know. Do I get it in installments or all at once?”
“You get it all at once–an entire lump sum–it’s right here for the taking.”
“A million dollars. Thats a lotta money Do I have to pay taxes on it first?
I mean, it could turn into like only $800,000 or something.”
“FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!!” someone just gave you one million tax-free dollars because they like you.
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| Google Image |
What are you going to do with it?”
“Wow, well, I don’t know…….I could put it under this mattress over in the corner…”
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A free gift is free–it doesn’t cost US anything, but it cost Him everything.
And, to state the obvious, it’s a gift–we have to reach out with our hands open and receive it.
How we argue and argue with God–the ‘ifs, ands or buts’, the ‘whys?’
We may have received our salvation–His best, first gift–but have we shared it with others?
Are we open and accepting of His other gifts to us–healing, forgiveness, wholeness?
By God’s grace, my answer will always be a ‘Yes’ and a ‘thank you’ over and over again.
And my stance will be upright, arms outstretched in praise and gratitude for His gifts, every single one of them.
C. Jody Lee Collins 2012
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AMEN, Jody. I think you and I have a lot in common.
Need to talk to you soon. More questions. Where do you go to church, for instance? You might be where I have friends and connections and it could turn into an even funnier time together. I'm so excited about my trip, partly simply to meet you and Gayle and go places together … and meet your daughter in my favorite eating place… Anyhow, He is truly It and All, forever and ever, AMEN!!!
Another, BTW… did I ever say my maiden name was “Lee”? SO.. you and I have names that almost match in so many ways. Makes me grin.
Yes, and thank you ;). That image has me turned all about! Good lesson, Jody.