Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 30, 2016
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
Gratitude to God follows generosity by God. Therefore, thank God for the generous people He has placed in your life. People with the gift of giving have an uncanny ability to match resources and relationships with compelling needs. Paul described these dear people: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously…” (Romans 12:6a, 8a). It brings them great joy when they are able to give to a humble heart with a huge vision. Nothing satisfies a godly, generous giver more than to significantly leverage their stuff for Kingdom outcomes.
It is not a matter of if they are going to give, but where they are going to give. Generous givers prayerfully scan their surroundings to discern where God is working and where they can invest around their passions. The passion of some generous givers revolves around the poor, for others it may be building construction. Evangelism, discipleship, and church planting grip the hearts of many visionary givers. It is a compelling vision that causes them to invest themselves into greater participation.
Furthermore, it is in the middle of generosity that God can be found. God is a giver (Deuteronomy 26:1). He gave His only son (John 3:16); He gives daily bread (Proverbs 30:8); He gives eternal life (John 10:28). Indeed, generous givers grow in their faith, because God is in close proximity. There is a very good possibility that a generous giver is growing closer to God rather than away from God. It makes sense that godly, generous givers give to causes where God is at work because it is thanksgiving to God that motivates their giving.
The optimal opportunity for the godly, generous giver has Christ at their core because they understand the long-term solution to life is the Lord. Money can muster short-term results, but ongoing life change will only happen when Jesus is at the heart. Thank God that generous givers give others the opportunity to know the Lord and follow Him in discipleship and maturity.
Lastly, finances without faith in Christ provide a temporary solution at best. Therefore, godly, generous givers understand the strategy of giving to causes that lead to their Savior. Where He is preeminent, He sustains the work. Indeed, the fruit of your thanksgiving to God tells the generous giver they are investing in the right environment. So remember, gratitude to God follows generosity.
Moreover, if you are a gifted giver, then exercise your gift to the glory of God. Pray for the right giving plan for you, and then give extravagantly to heavenly causes. Keep Christ in the center of your giving. He is the exit strategy into eternal life in heaven. You cannot out-give God, but you can partner with Him on opportunities that you are both passionate about. Above all else, be extremely grateful to God for the generous givers in your life. Emulate them and thank them.
Post/Tweet this today: Gratitude to God follows the generosity of God. #WisdomHunters #gratitudefollowsgenerosity
Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional.
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