Devotion

Devotion written by MZBC

Pockets and Strings
Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. --- Psalm 112:5

I used to do a lot of volunteer work at a local school where I met and became friends with a couple of paras – Elza and Debra. We worked together well, and we eventually became known as the three compadres. At one point, Debra’s husband fell ill and was unable to work for an extended amount of time. They had three children in school, and money was tight. The strain began to show on Debra. So, Elza and I blessed Debra with a card and a love offering. Debra was grateful and relieved when she accepted it. A few days later, I got a call from Elza. She was a hothead! She saw Debra at the grocery store and noticed that her hair was freshly done, and she had a roast in her shopping cart. Debra’s kids were with her, and they told Elza they were excited because their mom had taken them to the movies. Elza thought she should have kept the love offering she contributed because she did not approve of the way Debra was spending it. This kind of stinking thinking is exactly what messes up the flow of love! We give out of stingy pockets instead of from loving hearts, and we attach strings to our gifts instead of giving them away freely. In other words, we hold on to what we have as if it belongs to us in the first place - even after we give it away! Aren’t you glad God does not use pockets and strings in response to our needs? He graciously opens His hand and lets His blessings flow. God’s Gift to us did not come with stipulations. However, if that were the case - we would all be doomed, wouldn’t we?