Monday, April 27, 2020

Your Stimulus Check

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

A lot of folks are excited because they received an extra $1200 in their accounts. One thousand two hundred dollars, is a gift, regardless of your situation. For some, it's a lifeline, and for others, it feels like a bonus. The more prudent among us may decide to save all or most of it (if they can) for another rainy day.

A stimulus check is a check sent to a taxpayer by the U.S. government. Stimulus checks are intended to stimulate the economy by providing consumers with some spending money. When taxpayers spend this money, it will boost consumption and drive revenues at retailers and manufacturers and, thus, spur the economy (source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stimulus-check.asp).

Ironically the timing of this check is not the best time to stimulate the economy. With stay-at-home orders in place and most shopping establishments closed, it's hard to shop. Also, shopping right now for me feels frivolous! (Confession: I have made a few online purchases, questioning my sanity right up until I hit checkout).

The bottom line is the stimulus check is free money; you didn't earn it. Whether it does what it was intended to do remains to be seen.

Like a stimulus check, you can't earn God's love, and it's right on time. Unlike a stimulus check, God's love does precisely what it was intended to do. He loves you so much that He sacrificed Himself for you (John 3:16). God's love is what stimulates us to be better people; God's love humbles us; God's love changes us. Love is the driver for a better, more satisfying life, but God's love satisfies in ways you can't imagine. So though times are bleak, you can be at peace because of his great love.

What will we do with his love check for you? I urge you to accept his love; to recognize your worth in Him. Because of his great love for us, we can live. God's love is the best stimulus.

Prayer - Dear Lord, may we all feel your love in tangible ways. For those searching for peace, draw their hearts to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection - Are you reaping the benefits of God's great love? If you're unsure of how to do so, please let me know in the comments.


--Nylse

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17 comments:

  1. I love it - God's love is the best stimulus!

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  2. It's like the gift of salvation. Free but you do have to accept it and take it as your own!

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  3. Love this post. I've heard conflicting comments about what to do with the check. I've also heard conflicting perspectives on what to do with Jesus. God's word says with loving kindness He has drawn us. He is the only one with a limitless source. The ultimate stimulus.

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  4. This is highly relevant. As we receive the infusion of incomd, let's rejoice in God's generosity --always the right gift at the correct time.

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  5. So poignant for this time! So well put too! ~ linda

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  6. A very poignant post Nylse! Yes, His love is free & is always there, what we do with it is up to us. I'm glad we love back using it wisely, investing it for future eternal dividends.
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

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  7. We have yet to receive this stimulus check so I can't answer your question. #TrafficJamWeekend

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  8. So thankful for God's love freely given to us! May we freely give it to others as well. Love your perspective here, Nylse.

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  9. And like God's love, another good use for the stimulus check is to give it away if you are able. If you need it yourself, count it a blessing.

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  10. What a great thought! He has given us the greatest stimulus ... ever! May we honor Him and use it wisely. Blessings!

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  11. Wow! What a twist this post took. I did not see that coming, Nylse! Such a good comparison - we did nothing to earn the stimulus check (and I feel a little guilty shopping now too) nor did we earn God's love. Thank you for making me think today.

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  12. You are so right. God's love is the best stimulus!

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  13. We felt a bit guilty about receiving this check, as we really didn't need it to survive, so we plan on doing a few "pay it Forward" activities.....just little surprises to brighten the day of a few people who live alone and might need a bit of cheeriness in their lives

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  15. I loved your post. God' s love is like a stimulus check. I certainly did't earn it but I am so grateful. Maree

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  16. Amen, and thankful for undeserved grace God has blessed us with! Thanks for the reminder. Many blessings to you!

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