Daily Devotions

 

Luke 6:38

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

In these words, Jesus paints a vivid picture of abundance. His promise is not that we will simply receive in proportion to what we give, but that the return will be overflowing—pressed down, shaken together, running over. It is an image of generosity without limits, of blessings that cannot be contained.

Here Jesus teaches us a profound principle of reciprocity: when we give freely, we step into the flow of God’s generosity. Our giving becomes the channel through which God pours His goodness into the lives of others—and in the process, we too are blessed.

Yet in our world, abundance often seems trapped by human blockages—self-interest, greed, and inequality in distribution. As one writer observed: “Abundance isn't God's provision for me to live in luxury. It's His provision for me to help others live. God entrusts me with His money not to build my kingdom on earth, but to build His kingdom in heaven.”

A small boy once went to church with his mother. When the offering plate was passed, she handed him a coin to place in. He looked at it, hesitated, and whispered: “But Mum, if I give this away, then I won’t have it anymore.” Smiling, she bent down and whispered back: “Ah, but when you give it, God makes sure it does even more than it could in your pocket.”The boy reluctantly dropped it in—and later that week, the very church he gave to organised the club where he spent many happy hours with new friends. His tiny act of giving had returned to him far more than he imagined.

Like the boy, we are invited to trust that what we release to God never leaves us empty-handed. Instead, it multiplies—both in blessing others and in blessing us.

To hold tightly to what we have is like grasping sand in a clenched fist—what we keep is limited, and much slips away unused. But when our hand is open, the sand can pile high, and others can share in its overflow. So it is with generosity: when we open our lives, God multiplies what we have so that others may be blessed.

Perhaps today we might reflect: Where is God calling me to open my hand? How can I allow His blessings to pass through me to others in need?

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Prayer

Gracious and generous God, Giver of every good gift,
we thank You for the blessings that fill our lives—
for the beauty of creation, for family and friends,
for work and rest, for hope and joy.

Teach us the freedom of an open hand and an open heart.
Where there is need, give us compassion.
Where there is abundance, give us wisdom to share.
May our generosity reflect Yours,
so that in serving others we may serve You.

Keep us faithful stewards of all You entrust to us,
and guide us always by Your Spirit,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions

 

2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Paul’s words remind us that God is the source of all we need. His grace is not rationed or measured sparingly, but poured out abundantly so that we may continue to serve Him with generosity and joy. Whenever we give of ourselves—whether in kindness, in resources, or in service—He replenishes us so that we are never left empty. His grace ensures that in all things, at all times, we have what is necessary to abound in every good work.

This truth shines through in the testimony of Annie Johnson Flint. Afflicted with painful arthritis that left her unable to walk, she nonetheless wrote some of the most hope-filled hymns of her generation. Out of her weakness and suffering flowed words that still strengthen weary believers today. In her hymn “He Giveth More Grace,” she captures beautifully the limitless supply of God’s sustaining grace:

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

Annie’s hymn reminds us that God’s grace is not diminished by our need; in fact, the greater our need, the more His grace abounds. Out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He continually supplies strength, mercy, and peace.

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Prayer

Gracious Father, thank You for Your promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8 that You are able to make all grace abound to us. Thank You that Your provision is more than enough, not only to meet our needs but to overflow so that we might be a blessing to others.

When our strength fails and our resources run out, remind us that Your giving has only just begun. May Your abounding grace fill us with courage, peace, and joy in every circumstance. Let our lives reflect the truth of Annie Johnson Flint’s hymn—that You giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotions

Malachi 3:10

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the Åwindows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

Continuing our theme of abundance, we come to one of the boldest invitations in Scripture: God Himself calls His people to test Him. Unlike most of Scripture where testing God is discouraged, here the Lord says, “Try me. See if I will not prove faithful. See if I will not pour out blessing beyond measure.”

The Old Testament tithe—giving ten percent of one’s increase—was a practical way of ensuring the provision of the temple, the priests, and the poor. In the New Testament, there is no binding command to tithe, but the principle of generosity is deepened. Giving is not about percentages but about the heart. Paul writes that God loves a cheerful giver, and Jesus commends not the wealthy gifts of the rich but the widow’s two small coins.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote:
“Possessions are not God’s blessing and goodness, but the opportunities of service which he entrusts to us.”
In other words, what we hold in our hands is never just for us—it is an opportunity to serve, to bless, to share.

Jesus pressed this further when He said to the rich young ruler: “If you want to give it all you’ve got, go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come, follow me.” For Christ, the question was never about keeping a percentage, but about whether our possessions keep us.

There’s a story told of a six-year-old boy who came home from church one Sunday. After lunch, he disappeared into his room. His mother, hearing strange jingling sounds, peeked through the door and found him with his piggy bank emptied onto the floor. Carefully, he gathered his coins into a handkerchief, whispered a prayer, and then threw the coins up into the air. They all clattered to the ground. He frowned, gathered them up, prayed again, and tossed them heavenward once more. His puzzled mother asked, “What are you doing?”

The boy replied: “We learned in Sunday School today that we should give money to God for an offering. I forgot mine at church, so I thought if I threw my money up, God would catch what He wanted, and I could keep the rest. But He hasn’t caught any yet!”

The innocence of a child reminds us of something vital: God doesn’t need our money—He wants our hearts. Giving is never about loss, but about participating in God’s abundance, about being open channels of His blessing.

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Prayer

Generous God, we thank You for the abundance You pour into our lives. All we have is from You, entrusted to us as stewards. Teach us to give not grudgingly or out of mere duty, but joyfully, knowing that giving is a way of sharing in Your love and grace. Guard us from clinging too tightly to what we have, and open our hands to bless others as You have blessed us. May our generosity reflect Your own, and may our lives bear witness to the riches of Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotions

Psalm 72:16

“May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field!”

With harvest season well and truly here, many churches across the land turn their thoughts to abundance, thanksgiving, and God’s provision. This year, my attention has been drawn to Psalm 72:16—a verse rich with imagery of grain, fruit, and blossom. It is a natural fit for the harvest season, yet it also carries a deeper, prophetic dimension.

Many scholars see this psalm as pointing beyond the literal harvest to the reign of the Messiah, when God’s blessings will be fully revealed. It speaks not only of fruitful land but also of prosperity, justice, and flourishing lives—signs of God’s kingdom breaking in.

One detail particularly stands out: grain waving on the mountain tops. These are not the valleys and fertile plains we usually associate with cultivation, but the rocky, less promising high places. Could it be that the psalmist is reminding us that God’s abundance is not limited to easy, fertile ground? Even the most unlikely places—whether physical landscapes or the difficult seasons of our lives—are not beyond the reach of His blessing. God’s provision extends everywhere, even to the “mountain tops.”

The psychologist Ben Sweetland once observed:
“The world is full of abundance and opportunity, but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car... a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result they get little.”

Perhaps part of the psalm’s challenge is to enlarge our expectation of God. His desire is not for scarcity but for flourishing. The harvest reminds us that He is a God of generosity, who delights to give abundantly, even in the most unpromising places.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank You for the promise of abundance that flows from Your hand. May the grain wave across the fields and even on the mountain tops; may the fruit flourish like the forests of Lebanon; may Your people blossom and thrive like grass in the meadow. Teach us not to come before You with small expectations but with open hearts, ready to receive the fullness of Your blessing. Thank You for being the God of provision, justice, and overflowing grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sunday Thought – 28 September 2025

This Week’s Readings

• Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15 – A prophetic act of hope: Jeremiah purchases a field in the midst of siege, symbolising faith in God’s promise of restoration.  
• Psalm 91:1–6, 14–16 – A psalm of refuge and assurance, reminding us that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will find protection and salvation.  
• 1 Timothy 6:6–19 – A call to godliness and contentment, warning against love of money and inviting generous living as a lasting investment in true life.  
• Luke 16:19–31 – The parable of the rich man and Lazarus: a sober reminder that our choices in this life carry eternal consequences, urging compassion and justice.  

Reflection – “Trust, Generosity, and the Promise of Justice”

In the midst of Judah’s siege, Jeremiah’s purchase of property is an extraordinary act of faith. Even as the city lay under threat, he invests in its future — trusting in God’s promise of restoration.

Psalm 91 complements this, extending an invitation into the safety of divine shelter. It assures us that God, our refuge and protector, answers with steadfast love—even in times of fear or trial.

The epistle to Timothy then grounds us in practical wisdom: true contentment springs from godliness, not wealth. We are urged to live generously, storing up what truly matters—richness in good deeds, compassion, and faith.

Finally, Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus confronts us with moral urgency. We are challenged: how will we respond to suffering around us? Will we heed the Scriptures and care for the vulnerable before it’s too late?

May this week inspire us to trust God’s promises, live generously, and act justly towards those in need.

Prayer:

God of refuge and hope, help us to dwell in your shelter and to act in mercy. Grant us contentment that leads to generosity, and the courage to love boldly. Amen.

Hymn Reflection – Singing the Faith 621

(Based on the theme of refuge and God’s sheltering presence—Psalm 91)

“Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Though the night deepens and storms are wild;

Still I can trust You—I know You will keep me,

For You are my refuge, my God, and my child.”

(Verse adapted from the classic hymn “Under His Wings” by William O. Cushing)

Daily Devotions

 

Luke 12:22–23

Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life—what you will eat; nor about your body—what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”

We end this series on contentment with some of Jesus’ most familiar, yet most difficult words. They are easy to recite, but far harder to live.

Worry is one of the greatest enemies of contentment. It drains our strength, robs our joy, and unsettles our souls. I once came across an online forum where people poured out their anxieties. One post read:

“Bills—will I have enough to pay them and still buy groceries?
Kids—will they grow up happy and safe?
My husband—his health is failing; will I lose him too soon?
My mother—will she ever love me unconditionally?
Did I upset someone with my words? Are my friends truly my friends?
Everything worries me. It always has and always will. I am the epitome of a worry wart.
So much for a stress-free life.”

Such raw honesty reveals how worry can dominate and paralyse. Yet Jesus calls us to step out of that cycle. “Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” In other words, God has given us something greater than our fears: Himself.

Dr. Billy Graham often reminded his listeners of this truth:

• “Only the Holy Spirit can give us peace in the midst of the storms of restlessness and despair.”

• “Some people spend so much time worrying about what might happen that they never enjoy what is happening now. Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

• “God doesn’t want us to be consumed with worry and anxiety. Instead, He wants us to turn our worries over to Him, and to trust Him for the future.”

That is exactly the invitation of Jesus: release tomorrow into God’s hands, and trust Him with today. Contentment is found not in the absence of trouble, but in resting secure in the Father’s care.

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Prayer
Father,
I confess how easily I let worry overtake my heart.
Instead of resting in Your promises,
I allow anxiety to crowd my thoughts.
Teach me to cast all my cares upon You—
moment by moment, as each burden arises.
Help me take every anxious thought captive
and place it in Christ’s hands.
Remind me daily that You are faithful—
to provide, to sustain, and to carry me through every trial.
Thank You for Your unfailing goodness and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotions

John 14:8 
Philip said to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
The word enough can also be translated as satisfied—“That is all we need.”

Christian writer Tim Hansel once observed:
“Our society has inundated us with the importance of importance. We have been conditioned to believe in the big, the fast, the expensive and the far away. I’m still convinced that if you have to move even ten inches from where you are now in order to be happy, you never will be. Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited again about the privilege of simply being human.”

One of the great mysteries of Jesus’ life is His relationship with the Father and the Spirit—a relationship always marked by intimacy, closeness, and oneness. So close, in fact, that to know Jesus is to know the Father, and to love Jesus is to love the Spirit also. In Him, we are invited into the life of divine community, and in turn, called to live faithfully in human community.

Jesus reminds us that God’s word continues to unfold, taking root in our lives. As I allow Scripture to shape me, I pray to grow in intimacy with God—learning to know the Father as Jesus did.

Philip longed for “something more,” but Jesus showed him that what he already had was sufficient. The invitation was to let the truth he had seen and heard sink in deeply enough to bring contentment.

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Prayer
Dear Lord,
Like Philip, I long to know You more intimately.
Open my eyes to the nearness of Your presence.
Satisfy my restless heart with Your love,
and teach me to find contentment in You alone.
May I delight in the small daily gifts of life,
and grow in the joy of knowing You,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.