Daily Devotion (Nov. 4 – 6)
Friday, November 4, 2011
The God-Related Life
The Word:
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
— Mark 10:25, NIV
Reflection: One of my favorite movie quotes is from A League of Our Own. The movie is based on true events and real people. In a scene between the team manager/coach and a young and talented athlete, the coach says: “Of course it’s hard, it’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t everyone would do it.” While the context of the statement is about the game of baseball, it also applies when discussing how to live a God-related life. Most of us want to have financial security, good health and people to love and there is nothing wrong with wanting any of those things. Living a God-related life however means that what God wants is the number one priority and everything else comes after God’s will and purposes. By clinging to and coveting material possessions such as money or depending on other people to make us feel secure then we can not see the road God has mapped out for us to follow. Practicing intentional, thoughtful and generous giving not only strengthens our beliefs and trust in God it is also visible evidence of God’s love and purpose for our lives. Living a God-related life means that God is the main influence on all we do. By working to further God’s purpose rather than our own we are able to stay focused on the road He has prepared for us rather than become lost in the tangled jungles of material possessions. The wealthy young man in this verse was unwillingly to let go of the money, family and power he thought was his security and so lost out in having life more abundant in Jesus Christ. God does not want us to live poorly; after all we are his children through Jesus Christ. Living richly and practicing extravagant generosity shows our love for God and the gift of his Son.
What does living a God-related life mean to you? Does practicing generosity affect your relationship with God?
Pray:
Holy God, I know you will give me all I need for the asking. So that is what I ask of you, that I might have all I need to live my life for your purposes. Amen.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Tithing Is A Life Choice
The Word:
“Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams.”
— Malachi 3:10, The Message
Reflection: I have an idea about this passage and the futility of testing God. Recently there were some staff changes at the day program my son, Bryan attends. Bryan is nearly 34 years old, has mental retardation and some medical problems related to a genetic birth defect called Prader-Willi Syndrome. The first 2 or 3 days, Bryan was helpful to the new staff– friendly and pleasant. Over the next week to ten days the tide turned until he had a “melt down”. Imagine a 2 year old style tantrum in a 34 year old body. That is it exactly. As I tried to “decipher” what was causing this extreme behavior in Bryan it was discovered that the new staff had not been following all steps of the behavior plan designed for Bryan. In other words, they changed the “rules”. The changes occurred as a result of a lack of communication, not a purposeful act. Neither had they changed all of the rules, but with Bryan, if you change one or two rules, then he is going to test ALL of the rules. He will “push the limits” continuously until something gives you –either the rules get re-instated or the situation escalates. I have lived through this cycle with Bryan many times over the past 30 years. If everyone follows the rules as Bryan understands the rules, then life is “sweet”. Being Bryan’s mother has helped me appreciate the patience God has shown his chosen people!
Tithing provides a consistent rule, a biblical standard that most people can follow. It does not impose too much of a hardship on most and gives ample room for us to exert some faith muscle, stretch ourselves. Tithing is a challenge. Tithing is not simply a financial decision; it is decision about how we are going to live. Tithing requires prayer, deep conviction, learning, practice and a mature spirit. Being extravagantly generous requires extraordinary intentionality. What is your purpose for giving?
Do you give to be generous or expedient? How can tithing build a stronger relationship between you and God? Have you prayed about it?
Pray: Almighty God, help me to practice generosity not expediency. Build my faith in you to allow you to fulfill your promise to shower me with blessings beyond my imagination. This is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer, Amen.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Practicing Generosity
The Word:
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:11, NRSV
Reflection: Tithing as described in the Bible was not just a means to support the priesthood, places of worship and provide for the needy it was to set God’s people apart from other by showing how the one true God provided abundantly and generously for his people. As faithful and passionate disciples of Jesus Christ we give extravagantly and generously for the same purpose. Extravagant does not relate to a dutiful, burdensome or required action. Extravagant describes a style and attitude concerning giving that is straight from a truly joyous heart.
To practice extravagant generosity in our lives is to be willing to change our lives. Extravagantly generous people look for where there is a need rather than waiting to be asked. Extravagantly generous people when they are asked to help are willing to put forth the extra effort to do good. Extravagantly generous people give during all seasons. They view financially challenging times as tests of faith instead of being fearful of their future.
When we practice Extravagant Generosity we learn to enjoy things, not be possessed by them. We avoid becoming burdened with personal debt. We practice thriftiness and save, not overindulgence and waste. Those who become Extravagantly Generous learn the secret of being content with what they have as Paul did, giving thanks in all situations. “Love is a gift, and life is grace” is how Robert Schnase describes an Extravagantly Generous attitude.
Practicing Extravagant Generosity changes lives. People who practice it are rich toward God, giving boundlessly.
How will practicing Extravagant Generosity affect your life?
How does your giving to God influence your life?
Pray:
Dear God Do not let me be afraid of testing you in practicing Extravagant Generosity. Remove doubt, worry and fear from my heart so that I can not only let your boundless love in, but that I can return your love in joyous giving. Amen.
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