Reflections on a Heritage of Overabundance
Good Morning Friends,
A couple of times a week I pick up excess day old food from Starbucks and take these tasty treats to local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and outreach centers. Sometimes the people giving are in equal need to those receiving. You see opportunities to serve are everywhere and sometimes it is as simple as a smile and a thank you to the employees giving and the volunteers receiving. It is a good practice that has prepared me to be ready to embrace the Holy Spirit’s call to serve in more formidable ways, trusting God in other situations that arise all around and today prompts my thanks and cautious Reflections on a Heritage of Overabundance.
Scripture: Jesus declared, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 (NIV)
Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:6-12 (NRSV)
Message: The culture in which we live can confuse us about what abundance is really all about… what philanthropy is all about… what love is all about. You see if we are honest we will know that pure lack is never a valid excuse not to give for God is always making more and using the weak and the poor to bring about the increase we are privileged in which to partake. Grace and joy abound but not always justice. That can take much longer. Still in honor of God we rejoice that we have been blessed to be a blessing to others but cautious of the unintended consequences of laying claim to the power of abundance apart from God.
Pray we have true life in abundance. Pray we follow the Good Shepherd and lack for nothing. Pray our life is not anxious or fearful. Pray we are connected to God with access to an abundance of hope. Pray that the Golden Rule is for us not about the Gold or the Rule but about the surprise of joy in loving others. Pray our emptiness is filled to overflowing with God’s love.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 