October 22, 2015
Trust God for Today
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“How great a love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1a).
Friend to Friend
Have you ever tried to out give God? Go ahead, give it a try. But I can tell you, it just won’t happen. You can’t do it. We have so little to give and He has so much. John wrote, “How great a love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1a). Lavished! I just love that word.
Proverbs 31:10-31, tells of the virtuous woman who is worth more than rubies. In the listing of all her fine attributes, she is described as “laughing at the days to come.” Why is she laughing? I think it is because she’s not worried. She knows God will take care of her and her family. In no way am I implying that we sit around on our haunches and do nothing, just waiting for God to drop our daily bread in our laps. God is not too fond of laziness. Just one look at Miss Worth-More-Than-Rubies and you can see that she is a busy woman. At the same time, her last accolade reads, “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” It is a trust in the One who holds the future that serves as the solid foundation for her entire existence.
Jesus came to free us from worry about tomorrow by teaching us about God’s provision for today. And when we give to God, He gives us so much more in return. We can be sure that when we give God our meager offerings, He will bless us with the riches of heaven. Jesus showed us what he could do with a few loaves and fish. He doesn’t need much to work with – and yet he requires it all.
Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). Another translation calls it “abundant life.” The Amplified version says, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance—to the full, till it overflows.” Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase calls it “real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” That’s what God wants for each of us.
But be sure of this — abundant life doesn’t consist of mere earthly possessions. That is the dime store stuff of life. Abundant living is a cornucopia of love, joy and peace in knowing that God will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me everything I need and more. Today, I give You all I have. Like the woman who put her two mites in the offering, I give you control of my heart, my soul, and even my finances. Show me when and where to give my time, my talents, and my resources. I come to You with open hands to give of myself and to receive Your lavish blessings.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Mark 12:41-44. If you have access, read these verses in several translations.
What did Jesus say about her gift?
Now read and record Luke 6:38.
What happens when we give?
Got you in God’s Word today, didn’t I? Feels good, doesn’t it? If you actually looked up the verses, click over to my Facebook page and say, I did it!
More From the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion was taken from my book How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free: A Woman’s Walk in Power and Purpose.Ever wondered just how valuable you, as a woman, are to God? Let’s find out! We tend to read the gospels with our 21st century eyes. But when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was toward women, we begin to understand just how radical Jesus’ ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free...at setting you free. He risked His reputation to save theirs…and yours. You’ll write your name into the gospel and see yourself in the lives of the women of the New Testament to fall in love with Jesus all over again! You’ll begin to walk in the power and purpose that God intended all along. Buy this book from any retailer in the month of October, send a copy your receipt to kim@sharonjaynes.com, and receive a free download of the 118-page Expanded Bible Study Guide.
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