"Stuff"

    We come into this world with nothing... It's amazing how much stuff most of us obtain, but leave behind.  Just as we came we also leave, empty handed.  
     I've seen it, families fighting and squabbling over their Grandmother's collectibles; recipes, blankets she knit, furniture. Is all that stuff really important? Did those things make up your Grandmother? Were those things "who she was?" Absolutely not!
    Sure, when my Grandma passed away, There were some things that I felt a connection to. Or a fond memory was attached to one thing or another. But I did not "need" those things to remember her, or the memories connected to the stuff. Stuff is nice, although it isn't that important. Our Heavenly Father will provide all that we need.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19


    A little yet big piece of information about stuff... It isn't permanent. Much like this life here, it doesn't last forever. Our treasure isn't here anyway.
      "For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." Matthew 6:21


Have in your possession what you need but it isn't necessary to have much more. This thought makes me think of the parable of the talents, located in Matthew 25:14-30. But there is a part that stands out the most pertaining to what I am getting at.
     "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness." Matthew 25:21 


"For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Matthew 25:29

      Interpret this both how you will. But think of how tightly some people clutch onto their things... Keeping all of their riches to themselves, not sharing their wealth or not doing the right things with it. Whether it be in this life or not, they will not have what they once saw as theirs.
     So the things we are responsible for while we are here, should be well taken care of. When we have an abundance we should give to those in need with a whole heart. So, whoever has (and will give freely) will be given more. This is what we are meant to do, with what we have. Not store it up as if there is a shortage.
    
       "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26


    One last point on what Jesus said and observed.
    
       Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offering were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people thew in large amounts. But a poor widow cane and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 
        " I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on." Matthew 12:41-44


     We don't have to wait until the holidays to give. Or stick to the same amount for tithing every week. Give until you're uncomfortable! How can you expect God to bless YOU when you're not stretching your arms as far as you can? Or when you're not giving uncomfortably and giving from the out-pour of your heart? And I say uncomfortably blessing others or loving others, Because, how many people are comfortable with outwardly loving complete strangers? Am I right? It's tough... Most people's minds would immediately flood with a thousand what ifs. What if I can't pay my own bills? What if I get robbed? Or lied to? Or, Or, Or.......
Let go of the fear. Trust God. And give! He'll let you know what you CAN do. Or what He wants you to do. Say yes, you won't regret it. He will continue to provide all that YOU need!

p.s. Be daring, pray for the things you may desire, but  for others. Trust that you will have all that you need, pray for others who are less fortunate than you.

God bless!