ARMS WIDE OPEN
I felt a tap on my shoulder, and Lori handed me a piece of paper on it the words, ARMS WIDE OPEN. Written underneath were- 3 Little Words. Perfect. I had originally named this piece what’s your delivery; however, ARMS WIDE OPENwas so much better.
We arrived in Houston got off the plane and headed over to the car rental. It is the same song and dance, so we know exactly what to do. I went to the counter picked up the paperwork for our vehicle and walked out to the parking lot. A9 was to our left the problem was no car. Back in we go. Yes, I was frustrated. Stringer didn’t feel well, and he was having to stand and now in the cold trying to find the car only to figure out it wasn’t there.
As I approached the counter one of the ladies looked at me with her glasses perched on the end of her nose, “Do you need something?” Oh no, you don’t lady! Her delivery was not friendly. Of course, then, in turn, my delivery wasn’t what it usually is. “Yes, I do our car isn’t there and my son in law is sick.” Her reply, “Well you will just have to wait!” Then her head went back down into the computer screen. Nope her arms weren’t open!
A few minutes past and several more people arrived back at the counter- same problem. I guess she had made up her mind it wasn’t her job to help us, so she called for her boss. A sweet man arrived at the counter and fixed all our problems. He then went into the parking lot and helped everyone get through the gate since there was a backup. His ARMS WIDE OPEN!
What was the difference in their delivery?
Our bible study has just started Lysa Terkeurst new book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, I have been a little apprehensive, but man does God speak. On page 22 Lysa tells how one day the UPS truck came rumbling down her driveway, the driver brought the package to the door, rang the doorbell then jumped back in his truck and off he went. The UPS delivery man had no idea what was going on behind that door. To him it was just another day, to Lysa it was something more important.
Many times, people deliver words to us, and it is just another day. Their delivery may be with a harsher tone, or it may be with arms wide open. I ask you what is your delivery? Do you speak as Jesus spoke or do you speak like the budget car rental lady? Or maybe you deliver like the UPS man throw the news at the door and then speed off?
When I think of the phrase ARMS WIDE OPEN, I ponder on how many deliveries we have. I decide how I want my delivery to be from now on, like Christ. Faith filled, calm, patient, caring, loving, inviting, compassionate and forgiving. We should all strive for our delivery to be like Christ.
So how do we deliver like Christ?
When arriving at Baptist hospital yesterday the first scripture, I read as I walked around the fountain was Matthew 11:28-30.
Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
For us to have a delivery that is with open arms we must first COME TO HIMwe must bring everything to Him. When we come to him the Holy Spirit will be poured into us and our light will shine brighter. It is when we come to him that He will radiate through us. We are called to be Christ’s examples here on earth.
Peter lists five characteristics that believers must possess in 1 Peter 3:8.
1 Peter 3:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
What is Peter saying? Peter is saying be in harmony with each other, be responsive to other’s needs, love each other as brothers and sisters, have compassion towards one another being sensitive and caring and having humility encouraging one another and rejoicing in each other’s successes.
We must be a transformed people. People who have been crucified with Christ allowing those characteristics of Christ radiating through us.
Galatians 2:20 New International Version (NIV)
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
So what is your delivery going to be? Are you going to be infused with the Holy Spirit and transformed to be more like Christ?
When we do our delivery will be kind, considerate and empathetic. We won’t just throw the package at the door and speed off down the road. We will come in, sit a while and bring peace to the situation.
So how do you want your delivery to be? WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN!
Challenges of the week:
- Keep your daily appointment with Christ
- Immerse yourself in the word
- Come to Him with prayers being infused with His love
- Fill your cup so that you can fill other cups
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