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March 24, 2010 Read: If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning in you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. Romans 12:8-13 You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten." For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. II Corinthians 9:7-11 Think About: God indeed loves a cheerful giver. True service, or BEING of true service, is difficult. You cannot fake a cheerful heart, but, as Christians, we have a powerful tool at our disposal. God can help us change our feelings, attitudes, and perspectives. Through the "amazing, powerful practice" of prayer, our Creator can guide us into a heart that fully embraces the "amazing, powerful practice" of service. One potential gauge by which we might determine if we are in the right place, doing the right things is how we feel afterward. If we feel burned out or trapped, perhaps we need to prayerfully re-evaluate where we are and what we are doing. Then we can continue by asking God to help broaden our comfort zone and move us into new areas of service. You've heard this before over the last few days of devotions and you'll hear it again before the week is through- don't be afraid to step out. Pray for discernment and God will set you free from whatever is holding you back from using your gifts to their greatest potential in service to the Kingdom. Pray this Prayer: God, please help me meditate upon these Scriptures. Guide me along the path that will help me utilize all the many blessings you've bestowed upon me to their greatest advantage. Create in me a cheerful heart - ready to give. Give me the spirit of a willing servant - ready to be used where I am needed. Amen. You are invited and encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with the spiritual practices at the Lenten Devotional Blog. We are on this journey together and your words may help another along the way. Having problems viewing this page? Click here to view it online. Click here to be removed from the Lent Daily Devotions © 2010 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere |
