Based on “Learning to Trust GOD Our Provider” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 6/2-3/12,
Message #6098; Daily Devotional #2 - “Freed to Give”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Maybe you’ve seen this motto: iPray, God answers, Yes-No-Wait. The Biblical concept of meeting needs is simple and straightforward. There are needs, there’s prayer, and then God meets needs, often using people to help people. Sometimes we throw additional problems into the mix when we think too much about the situation, relying on our own wisdom instead of applying God’s directions. God already knows what our needs are before we pray (Matthew 6:8). But we pray so that we learn to trust in Him and build a relationship over time. God loves to give, and He promises that He will meet our needs (Philippians 4:19).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Looking back upon my own life experiences, I can see that there was never a time when the Lord actually abandoned me. Like Paul, I know now that there were some lessons I needed to learn (Philippians 4:12). But when God answered, in His plan, purpose and timing, it was perfect and far better than anything I could have orchestrated. His plan was to change me permanently, not just to patch me up with a temporary fix. Scripture isn’t just information, it’s for our transformation. The challenge is to move the knowledge from our heads to our hearts, then to our hands and feet. The Biblical law of giving is simple: we get what we give (Luke 6:38). If we give generously and with our heart, we’re promised that we’ll always have everything we need with plenty left over (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)! But it’s not just about money and possessions. One of the core values of our church is about also contributing our time, passion and talents for the glory of God. We’re not forced to give, it’s a privilege. God gives to you and me so that we can give to others (2 Corinthians 1:4). It’s our blessing and joy to share our hope and comfort in Christ with those who need it.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Jesus tells us what we are to give (Matthew 23:23). It may be difficult for someone else to tell you or me specifically what we should give back to God. You probably know your own talents and gifting. God certainly knows, and one day will ask you and I what we did with all the resources He gave us to manage here on earth (Romans 14:12). We have a high standard to consider because the Word of God says that for those who have been given much, much will be required (Luke 12:47-48). Our common problem is a sin nature which is selfish and doesn’t want to share. But God is fair and wouldn’t hold us accountable if He didn’t enable us to do what’s right. Supernaturally, when God gave His only Son sacrificially we were freed from the bondage of sin and self. We now have a choice. We can ponder what we’ll say on that day of accounting at the judgment seat, or we can seek Him first and ask Him to help us take care of the rest (Matthew 6:25-34).
Cultivating (Additional Reading): James 2:17-26; Galatians 6:7-9
JC
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.