This Thanksgiving Commit to a BOUNTIFUL EYE

I guess it's the prerogative of bloggers to go a different direction when the season dictates such a change, right?

It's been my plan to share a little bit of what I'm learning from the book of Nehemiah, incorporating the type of "voice" we need in our country to bring the church into a season of revival.  

Oh, how the CHURCH needs a Nehemiah! 

Of course, you and I may not have big booming voices  (we may not be that kind of personality), but we can be micro-voices.

Enough micro-voices with the same heart as a Nehemiah and we can make a difference.

Enough micro-voices combining with a message of hope that centers on keeping the main thing the main thing (the gospel), and we can see true Holy-Spirit led revival.

Enough micro-voices and the issue of "deconstruction" is non-existent, and the Bride of Jesus will begin to look like she's the Bride of Jesus!

That series will start next week, and I've already asked you to join me.  I'm not looking for Readers, but Prayers.................AND, MICRO-VOICES. 

Smile. 

So, in line with the fact that tomorrow is THANKSGIVING, I'd like to travel the old dusty-road my mind wandered this week. It has challenged me, and perhaps you will be challenged also.  But first, from our house to yours:

A few years ago, when I was still Dean of Women at Arizona Christian University, our Student-Services-Team read a book (not remembering the name or the author, sorry) with an entire section devoted to the concept of developing a mindset of ABUNDANCE.

An abundance-mindset is (for the most part) developed over time (it's a process).

For those who have a "half-glass-full" attitude, it comes much easier.

People who live out of abundance have specific qualities about them:

* They live with an attitude of gratitude.

* They believe there is "more" always more to be gained, to be had, to be shared, to learn, to see...

* As a result, people with an Abundance-Mindset are generous.

* They share ideas.

* They freely offer to help others.

* They forgive readily.

* They welcome competition for the growth that it brings....they are risk-takers.

* They think big and are challenged by change.

* Abundance-mindset folks look for more information and are stimulated by personal growth.

* Spiritually speaking, these individuals live fully in their identity in Christ, and are convicted to live out their God-ordained calling, helping others to do the same, even if it is in competition with their calling.

* People with an attitude of abundance are people who are at REST.

Not so with those who have a SCARCITY mindset.

These words describe those with an attitude of scarcity - They are:

Competitive,

Hoarders, 

Fearful, 

Suspicious, 

Victims, 

Resentful, 

Worriers, 

Fighters....

Doubters...

For these folks, there is never enough to go around...they are not enough; finances are not enough; someone might be "better" and take away their position...

They fear growth. think small, and they are never able to REST.

I DO NOT want to be known as one who thinks scarcely!

An abundance-mindset is far more preferable.

Yet, I see a lot of scarcity in me.  😢

And I wish to start that process of living out of the abundance God has placed in my life.

But God...

His desire is that we do live this way!

It's why Scriptures are filled with passages on the giving of thanks.

An abundance-mindset always starts with an attitude of gratitude. 

This gratitude helps us to see there is always more than enough.

More than enough always leads to a generous heart.

This week as I was reading through my Proverb-for-the-day (one for each day of the month), I came across Chapter 22, verse 9:

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,

for he shares his bread with the poor.

That passage led me to this one in 2 Corinthians 9:6-9.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever.”

A BOUNTIFUL EYE:  One who sees plenty... One who understands the good and pleasant all around him/her...  One whose heart lives in bounty, and responds with kindness.

One with an abundance-mindset!

A bountiful eye sees more.

A bountiful eye is flooded with the abundance all around... (even if it is snow, which we have in abundance at the moment).

Lord, this Thanksgiving, I lift up my prayers for a bountiful eye!

And, with it, a generous heart that reaches out to all men....