Daily Devotions

Today, I share some thoughts from Christ Church London. We start with the verses,

One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.’ (Proverbs 11:24-25)

We learn from this that God is a generous God, and everything we have is a gift from Him. 

Learning to be generous is an act of worship; using the money and resources He has given us to bring Him glory and be a blessing to those around us.  Generosity is not measured by the amount we give, but the manner in which we give it. Someone can have very little, but the little they give in faith may please God more than a large amount given reluctantly.

Take some time to reflect on these thoughts, and ask God to help you grow in the practice of generosity:

Heavenly Father,
Our generous Provider,
There is nothing I have
That has not come from your hand.
Every act of generosity on my part
Is only a response
To the generosity with which
You have already blessed me.

I reject the image of success,
Into which this world tries to shape me.
An image defined by
Wealth,
Status, and
Power. 

Instead, I ask that you
Would remake me in your image.
An image defined by
Generosity,
Humility, and
Servanthood.

May I model my giving
On the one who gave it all.
And may others see in me
A glimpse of your character,
Against which the riches of this world.
Seem dull and worthless. 

Would you cultivate in me
A spirit of contentment.
Help me not to strive for more and more,
But grow in gratitude,
For all the ways you have blessed me.  

Would you mould within me
A generous heart,
Empowering me to give sacrificially,
Not under compulsion,
But in joy and faith.

Amen.