Daily Devotion (Oct. 31 to Nov. 3)
Practicing Extravagant Generosity – Week Three
Daily Devotional Meditations for Spring Branch Presbyterian Church
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Joy of Giving
The Word: “How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?”
— Psalm 116:12, NIV
Reflection: Within the words of Scripture are many teachings which concentrate on possessions, wealth, giving, gifts, generosity, offerings, charity and sacrifice. Looking at three of these well known stories, we can see where faith, love and extravagant generosity are used to enrich the giver, the receiver and those who are witnesses. There is the widow who gave “all that she had”. Commending her faith, Jesus open-ed the eyes of his disciples to understand that it is not the size or amount of a gift that is matters but the heart of the giver (Luke 21:1-4). As the result of Jesus’ extravagant love and amazing grace toward Zacchaeus, we are shown how a greedy, selfish cheat was transformed into a man of justice and generosity. For Zacchaeus’ restitution was not for those he had wronged only but extended to the poor he had neglected also (Luke 19:1-10). The story of The Good Samaritan tells of someone who not only went out of his way to help a stranger, but paid for his care without any thought of being repaid (Luke 10:35).
The greatest lesson of transforming love and extravagant generosity is found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” It is because of this costly and gracious gift that all followers of Jesus, past, present and future see the ultimate self-revelation of God. This is why Christians are givers because the God we serve is a giving God—the source of life and love and all good things.
Does what I give or don’t give really matter? Does it make any difference? Absolutely! The person it matter to most is us. Generosity is a spiritual attribute only acquired through the practice of giving. Acting generously is something others see, it becomes a visible and tangible part of us as Christians allowing the world to see, hear, taste, touch and feel God’s love through his people.
How do you feel when you give? Have you ever felt God calling you to give more?
Pray:
Dear God who gave the best of all gifts, your son Jesus, open my heart to hear you calling me to the rich, full, extravagantly generous life you have planned for me. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Aligned With God’s Purposes
The Word:
“They…gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:3-4, NRSV
Reflection:
My parents who were born during the Great Depression told me many stories about how they endured these difficult times. In all their stories I do not recall ever hearing one about their church closing the doors because the bills could not be paid or about discontinuing a ministry due to lack of funds. Probably such stories exist some where the generous congregation to which my parents belonged was able to carry on the work of the church. They remained aligned with God’s purposes in the world. Communities of faith strengthen and encourage each other through tough times. When we give generously we affirm our belief in the mission and ministry of our church. Generosity focuses on the principle of stewardship that it is the Christian’s need to give rather than the church’s need to receive which is most important. This is a powerful spiritual truth. We give because we want to share with others the life-giving ministry that we have experienced through our church. We give to reach more people, because we feel called to be supportive to ministries far and wide. Churches that have generous members offer more ministries, work with greater confidence, and experience less conflict. Being generous has a greater impact on our community and the world.
Let’s listen for God’s call to us to make a difference in our church, our community and our world. Let’s commit ourselves to being more generous with our time, our talents and our resources. Remember, we most please God when we are aligned with His purposes.
What is God calling you to do to help our congregation to thrive?
How does God’s call to you to be generous affect you?
Pray:
O Gracious God, give me ears to listen and hear your call to me. Help me to discern where you want me to put my time and talent and resources so that I am aligned with your purposes in this world. In Christ’s holy name, Amen.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
How Much Do We Need?
The Word:
“Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
— Luke 12:15, NRSV
Reflection:
My father died when I was rather young. As the eldest daughter many household tasks were delegated to me, one of which was grocery shopping. I learned to be a thrifty shopper and planned menus and shopping trips carefully. During a visit to us, my grandfather suggested we go pick up a few extra groceries at the store. Since I normally walked to and from the chance to do the weekly shopping and not have to carry the groceries several blocks home sounded like a really good idea to me. As we shopped my grandfather kept putting things into the basket that were not on my list and would explain that it was something for him or my grandmother and he would pay for the purchase. The last straw for me came on the bread aisle; after he placed a second loaf of bread in the basket I turned to him and said, “Just how much bread do you eat?” Needless to say it has remained a story told many times to tease me about my thriftiness. But really, just how much do you need?
Poverty of the soul can not be filled with possessions. What all of us really need is to fill our lives with purpose. To walk with faithful conviction that God will not only provide for us, but that He will do so every single day and that there will be more than enough for our needs so that we can share His abundance and show His love to others through our giving. Practicing generosity counteracts greed and allows us to prioritize our lives. What is your priority, acquiring more “stuff” or living a real life for God’s purposes?
Pray:
O God of abundance, thank you for loving me with such generosity that you sent your only Son, Jesus Christ that I might have eternal life with you. Show me how you would have me share my rich life with others in word and deed. Amen.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
I Have Learned to Be Content
The Word:
“I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty….I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
—- Philippians 4:11-13, NRSV
Reflection:
Some people are never happy no matter what their circumstance. Some believe that if they just had more money they could be happy. For some it may be a job, or someone special to love or a car or a house or…, well you fill in the blank. The Apostle Paul had lived a life of security with choice foods to eat, a nice place to live, fine clothes to wear, an excellent education, good social standing –a life of plenty. Then literally in the blink of an eye all of that was forever gone. Blinded by ambition and power Saul lived with an impoverished soul. Blinded by God, Paul gained eternal life and a real life filled with God’s purpose. Paul knew that it wasn’t what he had or did not have that allowed him to fulfill God’s purpose in his life. He knew that God would give him all that he needed. Paul would be able to travel through out the world establishing churches and training leaders and teachers by the strength and abundance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Today our church holds worship services, assists local and world missions, provides education for all ages as well as supporting Christian fellowship in our church, our community and abroad. All of this is entirely by the strength of God and the generosity that flows from the Spirit into each of us. Without the generosity of the many generations before us where might any of us be today? Without our generosity where will our children and children’s children be tomorrow? Instead of saying not me, ask why not you? Instead of saying I do have enough, look at what you have ask what can I give?
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, who has given so generously to your children, I give you my thanks. Open my heart through the power of your Holy Spirit that I can see your purpose for my life and share generously the abundance you have given to me. By the amazingly generous love of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Share this post:
