November 15th, 2020

DAY 10 - INEXPRESSIBLE GIFT

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given 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 to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
By the time this devotional is finished, we will be in the thick of the holiday season. For every person who sees this as a time of gathering, family, feasting and joy, there will be someone who simply doesn’t. Those who have lost loved ones or are separated from their family and friends due to distance, social or otherwise, may find their joy dulled in these few months. I would entreat you, Beloved, to set your heart on Christ’s and ask Him how He would have you love them. It is our duty and privilege as the prize of Christ to partner with Him to bind up the brokenhearted and celebrate the prodigal’s arrival home. While that sounds beautiful in theory, it is messy in practice. 
As we love people in this season, I would ask you to cheerfully give of yourself so that Christ may be glorified. Give your time cheerfully. Give your wealth cheerfully. Give of whatever He asks without reluctance, for He has already given much on your behalf. 
- David Hazzard