RHEMA 6/23/09  EXCHANGE PLEASE

HEARD:  Forgiveness.  Your life, you offer so much grace. 

Where to draw the line.  When you see something different, exchange. 

COMMENTS:  Earlier this month I had heard that something was not going to be replaced and I pondered that.  Then when I heard the above about exchanging I finally understood.

To replace something suggests that it was lost or destroyed and no longer functioning at all.  To exchange something is to swap one existing thing for something else.  So when we buy a faulty item at the store, we go to customer service and get it exchanged for a new one, or a refund of what it cost us.  Scripture talks about buying, which means it costs us something in order to obtain it.

Matthew 13:44  NKJV

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

Matthew 25:10 NKJV

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 

Luke 22:36 NKJV

Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.

Revelation 3:18 NKJV

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

WORD TO PONDER:  EXCHANGE PLEASE   6/23/09

Beloved one, there are some promises in My Word that cost you something in order to obtain them.  It can cost you time, effort, suffering, and all that it takes for you to overcome opposition.  Sometimes the war against your possessing your promises escalates to such a level that what you believed for and what you got does not line up.  Or even without the enemy’s help, you might have dropped it on the ground on the way out the door. 

Look at My guarantee.  I promised you My good and perfect gift, so don’t accept damaged goods.  Neither accept a substitute.  Dear one, if what you receive doesn’t line up, take your promises back to customer service and ask for an exchange! 

James 1:16-17 NKJV

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.