11.20.2009

Boyd Bailey: Generous God…

“Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things”. Psalm 107:8-9 The generosity of our God is unprecedented with His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds. He gives rest when we are weary. He gives peace when we are fearful. He gives joy when we are sad. He gives comfort when we are sorrowful. He gives forgiveness when we are guilty. He gives hope when we are doubtful. He gives us His son Jesus for salvation and His Holy Spirit for our comfort, conviction and direction. He gives!

Why is the Lord so extremely charitable to His children? He gives because He loves. He loves you too much to leave you lost in your sins. This is why He gave Jesus as your gift of forgiveness. He loves you too much to leave you bound by lies. This is why He gave you the Holy Spirit to lead you in all truth. The revelation and understanding of truth is part of the Lord’s abundant provision. “He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man” (Amos 4:13). His truth is your freedom to live well.

Moreover, it is God who gives you contentment in your work, and wealth and possessions to enjoy. “When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Therefore, thank Him for what you have and trust Him for what you don’t have.

Because God has been so generous to you, how can you be generous to others? Perhaps you give grace instead of judgment, forgiveness instead of resentment, transparency instead of deception and freedom instead of control. Do you have family or friends that desperately need you to listen, offer advice and provide financial assistance? Pray God’s provision for people you know, and then be available as an answer to your own prayer.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…” (Ephesians 3:16-17). Am I grateful to God for His goodness and gifts to me? To whom can I offer generosity in Jesus’s name?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 8:18; Job 33:4; Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 15:57

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

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