Giver > Gifts

Do you desire what God can give you more than you desire Him?

This would be like [as ladies] yearning for the lawn to be mown, the car to be fixed, and the spiders to be killed—when in reality we're really yearning for the intimacy with a man from whom those gifts might flow. It's the same with God- when I'm yearning for spiritual gifts, or blessings, or answers to prayers, I'm actually desiring the intimacy with God that those gifts would naturally flow from.

We should choose the Giver over the gifts. The Creator over the creation. But even as I write this I know there's still something wrong with my thinking... as I write "should."

So my simple reminder today and probably for the rest of my life [because let's be real, lessons like this aren't just learned overnight] is this: Giver > Gifts. The Giver is more important than, bigger than, and to be desired, loved, worshipped, enjoyed, savored, yearned for, and thanked over the gifts.

Notice my reminder isn't Giver Gifts. Gifts are still good! Heaven knows my heart flutters for my man every time he saves me from a giant spider [one of the non-perks of an older place], but if that's all I want him around for then there's a problem. Gifts are good. The Giver is better. Seek HIM first, friends. He is bigger. He is better. All good things flow from Him.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

Kingdom Dreaming

I just got back from a day trip to the Wisconsin Dells, where my director and I were finalizing some last details for the Dells Summer Training Program (STP). (Feeling lost? Check out this post about my summer plans!)

Wow. This summer is gonna be so stinkin' good! We met with a couple guys who run a really sweet ministry in the Dells that reaches out to the thousands of international students, as well as raises awareness for human trafficking, works with the Ho Chunk Native Americans and Hispanic populations in the area, and more! It was so neat to sit down with them for a couple hours and talk about God's Kingdom coming to the Dells.

Their passion was stirring, and near the end of the conversation the older of the two got teary eyed as he talked about the international students. "Wouldn't it be neat if all 3,000 of them just got a chance to hear the gospel? If each of them would just get the chance to hear about Jesus?" It was a beautiful time of Kingdom-dreaming.

Reflecting on our conversation, I am reminded of a passage in 1 Corinthians 4:20

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Boom. May this be our reminder today, and everyday. To seek His Kingdom first, and fully pursue that which brings His Kingdom down to earth, to your circumstances everyday.