The Way of Generosity: Opening Our Lives

Day 1
Read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Picture the compassion and generosity in the words "open your hand wide" (Deuteronomy 15:8). The needs around us these days are certainly overwhelming: natural disasters, wars, disease, economic crises, homelessness, hunger—the list goes on. Do these events and world conditions simply immobilize us or do we respond with our hands open wide? David Jeremiah writes, "What are our few dollars, small faith, and simple prayers in the face of such needs? (yet) The sweetest taste you will ever have is offering what is in your hand to God and watching Him multiply it and make a difference" (Turning Points, 2008, Vol. 10, #8, p45). Pray that the Spirit will move you to open your hands, open your heart, fill you with compassion, and make you generous in sharing your life with those in need—here in Hollymead, Charlottesville, Southwestern Virginia and, perhaps, even in far away places like Mississippi, Haiti, Honduras. Prayerfully consider the gifts God has generously given you—are you open to the possibilities?

Day 2
Read Joshua 24:14-15. What was Joshua's challenge to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land? Recall again the events of the Exodus—how God provided for His people. Did they ever waver in their trust? Joshua tells the people to choose between gods and GOD, who has faithfully provided for them. We, too, must make choices about in whom or what we put our trust. Yesterday, we read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Revisit these passages and then continue in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verses 8-11 as well as chapter 9:6-15; note how God provides for, challenges, promises, and blesses the people. Pray for the Spirit's guidance; trusting God, pray for courage to share your life with others.

Day 3
Often we run after happiness and find it elusive, but God's Word promises us that we can live joyfully, even if our circumstances are not "happy." Have you thought about the difference between happiness and joy? Consider that one has to do with the people in our lives, our possessions and achievements (externals) and the other with the work of the Spirit within us—the "joy of our salvation". Read John 15:9-12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22; and 1 Peter 1:8-9. Pray that you will be filled with the abundant joy that only the Lord can give—filled to overflowing--sharing this joy with others.

Day 4
Jesus shows us what God's love looks like. As you reflect on Jesus, do you see God's relentless, immeasurable love; outrageous generosity; tender compassion; sacrificial service? Consider how we are to reflect these qualities as you read Ephesians 5:2 and Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7. Meditate on van Dyke's lyrics: "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above." Pray you will joyfully reflect God's love to others.

Day 5
Paul tells the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord. What does this mean? Read Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5,9; and Philippians 1:21a. On what are your heart and life centered? What are the riches Christ laid aside, and what riches are ours because of his grace (2 Corinthians 8:9)? Sing or pray Havergal's lyrics: "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee…Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only all for Thee." With open hands and open hearts, "serve the Lord with gladness."