Deuteronomy 15:14, 18 Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. And the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

These two partial verses struck me because they put the focus on God as our Provider. This of course goes back to the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac on Mt. Moriah, where the covenantal name for God of Yahweh Jireh, The Lord our Provider, appears. (Genesis 22) It is far easier to be generous when we understand that God never runs out of anything! That’s something we can understand with our minds and still have a hard time getting into our hearts! Even so, it is an outstanding statistic that Christians are more generous than anyone else. It is an irony of the current political scene in the US that “liberals” (that’s an ironic name right there) accuse conservatives of lacking compassion for the poor, but conservatives are many times more personally generous than they are. “Liberals” want to help the poor with taxes, that is, with someone else’ money! None of the things in this chapter have anything to do with taxes, but rather with individuals recognizing need, and that God is their supply.

I have been on the receiving end of both government programs and personal benevolence, and I must say that personal benevolence feels a lot better. It also creates much more personal gratitude, and the urge to “pay it forward.” Now there’s a Biblical concept for you! When God gives us so much, yet Himself needs nothing, we do well to express our appreciation to God by giving to others. I know of no other “holy book” that encourages generosity the way the Bible does. God is not stingy, and those who love and follow Him will reflect that in their own lives and characters. The Lord is building a message in me for Sunday’s service, and now I know why I wasn’t able to get further with the notes yesterday! I need to help the believers understand that this is an important part of their stewardship of finances, time, and energy. The better we are focused on God, the more open we will be as channels of His grace and blessing to those around us.

Father, thank You for Your perfect plans for everything! I had been feeling a little guilty about not getting further with my sermon notes yesterday, but You knew that this needed to be included. I pray that I would not be stingy with my money and talents, and especially with my time, but realize that everything I have comes from You, and give You thanks and praise as I make the use that You intend for everything, as an example to others and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!