Daily Devotionals
June 12, 2020
Generous With Stuff
June 12, 2020
DAILY READING
FIELD NOTES
This week, we’re going to dive deeply into the next Fruit of the Spirit: goodness. To set it apart, we’ll be framing it as generosity. Imagining together one distinct way we can exhibit generosity – or goodness – in our lives. To be truly generous, we have to slow ourselves down, pay close attention to ourselves and those around us and the leading of God’s Spirit.
You didn’t think we were going to spend a week on generosity and not talk about our stuff did you?! We have to talk about our stuff. 1 John 3:17 says, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?” Ouch. What do we have in abundance that could help someone in need? What do we have that could help the church fulfill its mission to make disciples of Jesus of Christ for the transformation of the world? Think. Dig deep. Consider your stuff. What are you being called to give in this moment? Money? Clothes? Services? Toilet paper? Blood? Face masks? Food? What is the thing you have that could save or change someone’s life? Odds are good that giving it away could also save or change yours. Trust God to provide and trust God to multiply. That’s what generosity really is: it’s a sign of our trust in God.
QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD
- Why is it important for you to be generous with your stuff?
- How will you be generous with your stuff? (Either do something today or create a plan for the future and put it on your calendar)
PRAYER GUIDE
Lord, help me see where I have turned stuff into idols. Or where I have failed to see my abundance. Help me to see the needs of my neighbors. Help me to give more freely and more intentionally. Convict me to give. Amen.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT CHALLENGE
For the duration of our sermon series, we are offering daily prompts for applying the wisdom from the scriptures to our everyday lives. Each week focuses on how we can encourage those around us and bear fruit! This week we are focusing on the fruit of goodness.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes
Who is God calling you to bless today with the things you have been given?
To learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit challenge, click here.