As we can see with our own eyes and experience for ourselves through God's natural world (the universe), His generosity cannot be out-done.
It is overflowing.
Abundant.
Without measure.
And although "there are some things stored up for the future when we will be face-to-face with him (see Ephesians 1:13–14; Hebrews 4:8–11; 1 Peter 1:4–5), ... there is much that God gives to people here on earth now.
In order to enjoy all of God's generosity. we have a part to play:
Take possession
Caleb said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it' (Numbers 13.30b). But others objected, 'They're way stronger than we are. They spread scary rumours' (vv.31–32, MSG).
There is always going to be opposition but we must not be put off by the giants.
'80 percent of the people said they were not able to defeat the giants, and only 20 percent believed God was greater than the problem', points out Joyce Meyer.
'Sadly, we often stare at our giant-sized problems instead of at our God ...
the more time spent worshipping and praising God would help us keep a clear focus and enable us to go forward with a strong, positive attitude, believing we can do anything God tells us to do.'
Believe God's promises
The Lord said to Moses, 'How long will they refuse to believe in me?' (14:11). The people of God started grumbling against their leaders and saying, 'Why didn't we die in Egypt? ... Let's pick a new leader; let's head back to Egypt' (vv.2–4, MSG).
In the face of opposition and a few problems, the people of God are sometimes tempted to return to their old lives – thinking that they were better off before they started following Jesus. This is a temptation to be avoided at all costs.
Watch for his guidance
God is so kind and generous to us. He promises to go before us 'in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night' (v.14). If we want to enjoy all the good things God has for us we have to keep our eyes fixed on his guidance.
Follow him passionately
The majority were put off by the giants. Only Joshua and Caleb were different. 'Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly' (v.24). In the end, only those who followed the Lord 'passionately' (v.24, MSG) enjoyed the land flowing with milk and honey.
This invitation to receive God's generosity is intensified in the Gospel of John 12:24-26.
Jesus challenges us to be generous without measure, like a "grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies…it produces much fruit."
Falling, dying to self, is fruitful.
Just as it was for Christ to die on a tree, only to have that tree be the root of abundant harvest; of abundant life.
If we attempt to comprehend God's generosity in all that we see in the natural world, we will perhaps find ourselves desiring to follow his example, even to die to ourselves, and in our dying, bear much, much fruit." From Nicky Gumble, Bible in One Year.
In this week of Lent, how are Jesus' words about dying and His generosity sitting with you?
Is there something you are sensing an invitation to let go of in order to enter more fully into the life God desires for you?
What help do you need in order for this to happen?
Prayer: Abba, we open the gates of thanksgiving and praise for your amazing generosity and all the good things you have in store for us.
Help us to take possession of all the gifts that you have for us, to believe your promises, to follow your guidance and, like Joshua and Caleb and Mother Teresa, Hildegard of Bingen and Julian of Norwich, to follow you passionately...Amen!🙏🏻
Lyn Woodruff
River Prayer Reflections
text group/blog
It is overflowing.
Abundant.
Without measure.
And although "there are some things stored up for the future when we will be face-to-face with him (see Ephesians 1:13–14; Hebrews 4:8–11; 1 Peter 1:4–5), ... there is much that God gives to people here on earth now.
In order to enjoy all of God's generosity. we have a part to play:
Take possession
Caleb said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it' (Numbers 13.30b). But others objected, 'They're way stronger than we are. They spread scary rumours' (vv.31–32, MSG).
There is always going to be opposition but we must not be put off by the giants.
'80 percent of the people said they were not able to defeat the giants, and only 20 percent believed God was greater than the problem', points out Joyce Meyer.
'Sadly, we often stare at our giant-sized problems instead of at our God ...
the more time spent worshipping and praising God would help us keep a clear focus and enable us to go forward with a strong, positive attitude, believing we can do anything God tells us to do.'
Believe God's promises
The Lord said to Moses, 'How long will they refuse to believe in me?' (14:11). The people of God started grumbling against their leaders and saying, 'Why didn't we die in Egypt? ... Let's pick a new leader; let's head back to Egypt' (vv.2–4, MSG).
In the face of opposition and a few problems, the people of God are sometimes tempted to return to their old lives – thinking that they were better off before they started following Jesus. This is a temptation to be avoided at all costs.
Watch for his guidance
God is so kind and generous to us. He promises to go before us 'in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night' (v.14). If we want to enjoy all the good things God has for us we have to keep our eyes fixed on his guidance.
Follow him passionately
The majority were put off by the giants. Only Joshua and Caleb were different. 'Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly' (v.24). In the end, only those who followed the Lord 'passionately' (v.24, MSG) enjoyed the land flowing with milk and honey.
This invitation to receive God's generosity is intensified in the Gospel of John 12:24-26.
Jesus challenges us to be generous without measure, like a "grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies…it produces much fruit."
Falling, dying to self, is fruitful.
Just as it was for Christ to die on a tree, only to have that tree be the root of abundant harvest; of abundant life.
If we attempt to comprehend God's generosity in all that we see in the natural world, we will perhaps find ourselves desiring to follow his example, even to die to ourselves, and in our dying, bear much, much fruit." From Nicky Gumble, Bible in One Year.
In this week of Lent, how are Jesus' words about dying and His generosity sitting with you?
Is there something you are sensing an invitation to let go of in order to enter more fully into the life God desires for you?
What help do you need in order for this to happen?
Prayer: Abba, we open the gates of thanksgiving and praise for your amazing generosity and all the good things you have in store for us.
Help us to take possession of all the gifts that you have for us, to believe your promises, to follow your guidance and, like Joshua and Caleb and Mother Teresa, Hildegard of Bingen and Julian of Norwich, to follow you passionately...Amen!🙏🏻
Lyn Woodruff
River Prayer Reflections
text group/blog
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