RE Verse reading–Genesis 1:1; Psalm 100; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:8-9; Philippians 2:5-8; James1:17-18 “For God so loved the world, He GAVE His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) Welcome to the summer study of FBC. The weeks ahead look spiritually rich. Rich in insight. Rich in blessing. For 13 weeks, you are invited to a daily/weekly consideration of various texts of scripture that speak of God’s generosity (and ours) For us, generosity is a learned behavior. It rises out of gratitude. First we receive. Then we give. “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48) With God, generosity is original, essential, unchanging. “Every good thing given, every perfect gift. . .comes down from the Father.(James 1:17) Giving is normal for God. It always has been. May the Lord guide us all to this life-changing discovery. It may require some page turning. It will require some reflection. May He make this the most joyful summer of our lives as we meditate on this truth. We serve a generous God!
I listened to a message this week about religious hypocrites….the dividing line of what distinguishes them seems to be love. Instead of thinking about others, however, I became so clearly aware of my own sin. Honestly shocking, but apparently I had learned at least some of what I had been around in the past. So last night I repented before the Lord and thanked Him for the insight that at ANY TIME I am acting short of full-on love/honest desire to see restoration/covering, etc….. in any way to someone else, I am playing for the wrong team. Our love is to “cover” those around us….but now I understand what it means when the Word says watch yourself….or the very thing you are fighting against you might also fall to (Gal 6). Romans 13 says, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” We owe a debt of love to God and Jesus says this is how He wants it paid back…. love each other…treat them as if it were Me, because if they are My child, it is Me (I dwell within them). Father, never let me forget this lesson!
I owe apologies that I will likely never get a chance to verbalize, but at least now I see and can move forward.
May God make this the most joyful summer of our lives as we DO His Truth!
Father, we hold before you today our military servants/families. Thank you for those who are able to daily display what it looks like to serve others at one’s own expense. (Make me a servant like that!!) Bless them, Father. We ask for strength, wisdom, provision and protection. Thank you. Amen.