Holding Nothing Back

A number of years ago I wrote a book.  It was called “When the Leaders Led”.  I wrote it mainly because a number of folks kept encouraging me to put some of the stuff I was teaching into a format that could be used by churches and ministries.  In my mind it was designed to be a practical tool to help worship and music ministries.

It’s sold out and out of print now but back in the day I remember reading comments on a worship website where someone quoted my book.  They got the words right but totally missed the point I was trying to make… I think my reaction may have involved some shouting at the screen and pacing about the room …followed by the realization that once you put something out there you can’t control how it’s going to be used.

All of that to say this: Here are some words from Oswald Chambers.

“Never reserve anything. Pour out the best you have, and always be poor.”

Those words have had kind of a ringing effect on me.  They keep echoing through my thinking.  I confess I may not be thinking exactly what the author was thinking when he wrote those words but he does mention in the following in the same section:

“The grace you had yesterday will not do for to-day. Grace is the overflowing favour of God; you can always reckon it is there to draw upon.”

This morning my reading came from Exodus 16.  That’s the story of God’s provision of manna to His people in the desert.  Each family was supposed to gather just enough food for the day… and trust that God would provide tomorrow’s food… tomorrow.

Can I trust God to provide what I need when I need it, or do I insist on a safety net.  “Look, God I’m sure You can provide what I will need tomorrow but just in case You get busy and forget…  or get angry… let me take a little extra.”

I wonder if we sometimes try to store up grace just in case it runs out.  Not like runs out exactly but… you know… maybe God forgets… gets too busy… or too angry to give us more.

When we horde grace we call God a liar… a poor provider… a covenant breaker.  His promise is grace beyond measure.  Grace never-ending! 

Unlike manna that only came at certain times of the day…

Unlike manna that I had to go out to collect…

His totally sufficient grace is ever-ready and overwhelmingly available every- and anytime I need it.

…I suppose that’s what makes it grace.

So that grace that you have?  Don’t try to reserve or save it.  Poor it all out… ALL of it… try to be “grace-poor”!  God has promised that can never… will never happen so stop being so stingy with it!

…just sayin’

(Oswald Chamber quotes from My Utmost for His Highest)