Being generous.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. The LORD performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed." Psalm 103:1–6
It’s my belief, that before a sinful human being can be generous, they need to honestly take a personal inventory of their earthly blessings on this side of Heaven. Yesterday, I shared a photo of a group of 22 Haitian school kids who would list their blessings as follows; having a Savior, being able to attend a Christian school with a feeding program and having clothes. The author of Psalm 103 lists several blessings to start our thinking. As we reflect on God's gifts to us, it's helpful to be specific.
Do you have eyesight? Mine is flawed, but it's still a gift. Do you have a good mind? Once again, mine is questionable, but it's a gift. Do you have leadership abilities that cause others to follow? A good education? These are all gifts. Has our Creator given you a family? Has He given you sufficient clothes? How about a nice home and a warm, soft bed on a cold night or a comfortable place to live in the hot summer? Do you have more than one home? These are all gifts from God's hand. Reflect on His numerous gifts to you. It will increase your joy and prayerfully, a smile will soon replace that frown as you consider being generous; sharing with someone who if facing more challenges than you are facing.
I like to label the attached photo ‘two dollars’ as that is the price to purchase lunch for these eight students. Their parents didn’t purchase their shoes at a Foot Locker or their clothes from Old Navy. They most likely purchased them from a large cardboard barrel in a local market; they are throw away items from the U.S. These kids don’t know that ‘new’ shoes come in a colorful box with tissue paper and have never experienced the aroma of new shoes.
Generosity; please remind yourself of God's promises regarding generosity. God promises if you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully. Don't ever be afraid of outgiving God; it is absolutely impossible to do that. He will keep every one of His promises related to generosity. For the price of a few soft shell tacos you can provide lunch for these eight young missionaries.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay