Merry Christmas dear friends.

Much love and big hugs,

Shaun and Betsy

Open-Handed vs Close-Fisted 12-16-13

“If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny who He is.” 2Tim. 2:13

Do you have a habit, a girlfriend, a life-style, a job, etc. you’re clinging to?

God tells us if we choose to remain close-fisted, we will experience loss.

If you cling to your life,

you will lose it;

but if you give up your life for Me,

you will find it.

Matt. 10:39

When we cling to our feelings, desires, and affections

(Not open-handed with them before God),

we experience loss, both here and eternally.

Yet if we give up our feelings, desires and affections

(Open-handedness to God),

God promises us abundant life both here and through all eternity.

Life: psychē: the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions, our heart, soul etc.; the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing. 

Abundant: perissos: over and above, more than is necessary, superadded, superior, extraordinary, surpassing, more eminent, more remarkable, more excellent

Disconcerting?

Yes. In our humanness it’s uncomfortable and a bit daunting to release our grip, relinquish control, and completely trust God with the person, place, thing, ideal, thought or habit to which we’ve been clinging.

But let’s remember Jesus’ words:

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved,

 and will go in and out and find pasture.

 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd.

The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jn. 10:9-11

Much love and hugs this blessed time of year!

Shaun and Betsy