A Most Generous God

I've been reminded of late that God is EXTREMELY generous. Not only that, but He owns it ALL, so the resources He has to give from are limitless. (How I'd love to be able to say the same as we head into the Christmas season.)

It's funny then, considering His generosity and immense treasure trove, that we are hesitant to ask Him for things. Especially since we are told so many times in the Bible to do just that....'Ask and you will receive...' (John 16:24)

But what I really want to highlight today is that we so often waste our time and our requests asking for things we have already been given. Here's what the Bible says we already have:

From Genesis 1....we have been GIVEN creation. So how about we get out and enjoy it? Look at it with eyes that see it as a gift, so that we appreciate the dew drop on the flower in our front garden; the rolling waves and pretty shells at the beach; the warmth of the sun as we hang out the clothes; the intricate design in the bugs and butterfly wings; the beauty of relationships with those God has put in our lives.

From Deuteronomy 7 and John 13....we have been GIVEN commands and rules and laws. Not so that we feel restricted and restrained but so that we are protected and safe. Like the guard rail on the road near that tight bend that drops away to a cliff and the foaming ocean crashing against the rocks 100 feet below, God's laws and commands are there for our safe-keeping; to keep us from danger and making choices that would harm us and others around us.

From John 14.....we have been GIVEN peace. As something we all crave and repeatedly ask for, sometimes peace seems so elusive. In the midst of busy lives, where things have a habit of not working out the way we planned (like the baby who should be sleeping and isn't....or the DVD that was to be returned by 6pm and wasn't.....or the happy family reunion that ended in arguments and disagreements....or the special dinner we planned and cooked that failed to look anything like Jamie's....or the car that wouldn't start this morning....or the cancer diagnosis of a good friend....or ????) we beg God to give us His peace. And yet, Jeus Himself...the MOST trustworthy of all people who ever made promises...says: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)


And also from John 14....we have been GIVEN the Holy Spirit. And He is the key to unlocking the peace, the obedience and the appreciation that we need for the other 3 gifts. The Holy Spirit ...who Jesus describes as our Counselor, the Spirit of truth and one who lives with us and in us. He teaches us, reminds of what Jesus has said and promised, gives us power, boldness, strength, encouragement, joy and love (see multiple New Testament verses). Won't you take time to talk to Him today? And then shhhhh! LISTEN, obey and be blessed.