I remember waking up before my alarm on New Years Day. Perhaps it was because, I fell into bed at 9:30 the night before exhausted from our trip to Texas. A friend posted their status New Years Eve “Youth beg to stay up. Parents are forced to stay up and Grandparents dream they stayed up”…uh, grandparents and me. I figured I’d just greet the New Year at 7:00 AM and that’s what I did.
On January 1st we were scheduled to sing in Aledo, Texas, a church we always love to visit. That morning, as the guest speaker approached the pulpit, he began to quote a very familiar verse.
This would be the first verse, from the first message, from the first church service for me in 2012.
And it seemed like God was waiting for the perfect moment to present me with a special gift to encourage my heart. The speaker began…
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10
I thought to myself as he spoke, “Wow, that’s interesting! He’s quoting the verse we chose to be the theme verse for LifeHouse – the church plant God called us to begin in Townsend, Delaware.”
We are just weeks away from transitioning out of 10 years of singing ministry onto this new horizon. I can honestly say many questions still crowd my mind. It’s like Columbus sailing to the new world. How will I know when we get there? What’s the food like? Okay, well not exactly. I know. But, you get the point.
Here I sat under the words of a preacher, far from my home, in Aledo, Texas. And he was sharing a message that confirmed in my heart that we are right on target and God indeed has a plan through LifeHouse Church!
He actually brought a perspective on John 10:10 that I had not considered. He told us that this verse might possibly be the most definitive verse of the Bible. In other words, if someone came up to you on the street and said, “Hey, what’s the Bible all about?” You could say to them,
“See, it’s like this…
Satan came to steal. But Christ came to give.”
Think about it. Look at your life. Satan’s purpose (his mission, his desire, his determination, his intent, his scheme) is to steal from you. It’s what he does. It’s who he is. He’s not trying to get his bachelor’s degree in business on the side. He exists to steal.
He will steal your hopes. He will steal your dreams. He will steal your family. He will steal your health. He will steal your integrity. He will steal your peace. He will steal your reputation. He will steal your influence. He will steal your character.
Maybe he already has.
It’s sobering to think about. All of the “what ifs”. It would be a tragedy to stop there.
But that’s not all the verse has to say. It’s like the ending to any great movie.
The Hero arrives.
Christ came to give!
His greatest demonstration of giving was to give His life – bearing the expense of eternal life for all who would believe in Him.
If He had stopped there, it would be more than enough. But He doesn’t. He offers to us a “rich and satisfying life” right now! I know because…
He’s given me a purpose beyond existing.
He’s given me hope, not in myself, but, in His unfathomable depths.
He’s given me peace even in the troubled times.
He’s given me joy in the many things I once took for granted or overlooked.
He’s given me wisdom to live a full life.
He’s given me mercy by carrying me through the many mistakes I hand over to Him.
He’s given me grace to become the person I was created to be day by day.
He gives and gives and gives.
I am rich…because He gives.
My word of encouragement to you today is that it’s not too late. Don’t let Satan take another second of your life. Call on the “Giver of Good Gifts.” Call on Christ. He’s still giving.
MY CUP OF TEA
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Nana - Reading on Wednesday. Very uplifting. You are right there with Beth. His favor is upon you, xo
Kim Hecksher - As Always, such an inspiration, Tam! 🙂
Barbara Day - Tammy – please point me in the direction of this powder.
Sounds fabulous…
Your Tuesday posts are something to look forward to… 🙂
Lori cardenti - As I read your blog (devo.) – I was drawn to think of those who gave of themselves to teach me about Christ. Mr. Harry Flohr for one who recently moved on to glory. It thrills my heart to see The Giver of LIFE – JESUS reproduced in others such as yourself. Thank you for the reminder of what a privilege and honor to serve so great a God! May many come to Christ’s kingdom through the ministry of LifeHouse Church.
Jennie - What a wonderful reminder, Tammy – thank-you! We’re praying for all of you for your new church plant.
Proverbs 18:16
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”
Mark - 🙂
Chris O'Donnell - I’m so glad that Jesus has given all He had and held nothing back. He has changed my life and given me more than I could ever imagine!
Kristi - This was sooo encouraging! Thank you!!
Lisa Kerns - Such an important reminder for the new year. James 1:17
“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” Thanks Tammy!
Debbie Brown - Thank you, Tammy. Your devotions are always right on target.
Candie Baldridge - Tammy – I enjoy all your posts but this one is my favorite so far. It is JUST WHAT I NEEDED today; I even shared it with my husband. Thank you for sharing!
Amory - Thank you for the sincere reminder!
That powder looks fabulous 🙂
bobbie clarke - Isn’t it amazing when you can see God’s power right before your eyes,or ears. I am happy for you guys to be able to stay close to home & raise those babies near the grandparents. Then God shows you that ONE thing that’s when you know you are doing God’s will. we will continue to pray for the family as always.
Sue Sweeney - Tammy, I was telling Mark on Sunday that you should make a devotional book with all these great blogs. It would be great to be able to read them over again – such encouraging words each week. I am thankful that the Giver doesn’t give us what we deserve, but gives us the desires of our hearts, supplies our needs and sometimes even our wants. As for Satan, yes, he’s there ready to take all of that and then some away – but God is greater. Trust God – resist the devil.
Jenny - Jay and I were sitting in the hot tub recently, talking about life, as we often do. It is such a calm, relaxing place to communicate. We were taking stock of all our challenges and blessings for the new year. The list of blessings overpowered the list of challenges by far…not even close. So we began the new year by saying thank you to the Lord for all He has given, and for His promise in our lives. Looking forward to beginning this new chapter with you.
Holly Grate - Wonderful thoughts to begin my day. Thanks Tammy! We’re praying for you as you begin your church plant!
Michele Hartman - Thanks for this reminder Tammy! Christ does continue to give and give to me, and I am so thankful!