What Have You Got?

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
Proverbs 25:11-12 NIV

We're living in tough times right now - life is uncertain. And in spite of the old adage Life is uncertain, eat dessert first, sometimes people don't see the humor in life. So what do we offer them? We can't offer them what we don't have, so we give them what we do have. You may say, I don't have anything to spare, but I beg to differ. We have Christ. We have His compassion. We have His words. 

Although it's been said, Talk is cheap, there are some words that are priceless. Scripture has much to say about words and how we use them. I've never done a full study on that, but sitting here, I am surprised by all the verses that come to mind regarding exactly that. (Hmmmmm...maybe God's warning me to watch my mouth. Thank You, Father.)

So what have you got that you can give?

Hope, peace.  Don't worry - let's pray about it. We'll ask God for what you need, and thank Him for all He has done to keep us so far. God will give us His peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, paraphrased for conversation).

Encouragement. Remember those early days after you first met Jesus? Those were the hard times! When stuff happened, you let it go, knowing it couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing anyone did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourself then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. It won't be long now...   But we're not quitters who lose out. No way! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting the Lord all the way. (Hebrews 10:32-39 - paraphrased for conversation).

Friendship. Hi, I just called to tell you I was thinking about you today. You wanna come over? Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble - Proverbs 17:17 The Message.

Acts 3:6 ...Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have." 

What have you got?

Prayer:

Father,
         Open our hearts to You and our eyes to see and give us the opportunity to offer what You have given us. And when those opportunities arise, give us the courage and conviction to step up and give what You've given us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen