And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
TO PONDER
How well can you share? How easy is it for you to share stuff? When I’m given a gift such as a bottle of wine or a Darrell Lee box of Rocky Road or Chocolate bullets, my first response to the giver is ‘do I have to share it’?
Sharing is one of those things in life that needs to be taught. It is an important lesson when bringing up children. The early church did it well. Even those who were not followers of The Way were amazed by the generosity of this new movement. They commented on how generous this group of people were to the poor.
How about this idea for generosity? When you are replacing something that might not really need replacing – but you will anyway, because it’s better than the one you have – why not give the new item away, and be satisfied with the older item? It’s not actually sharing the item but sharing your thoughts. It’s sharing your philosophy. It’s sharing the love we’ve been given.
You don’t have too of course. As children of God, you don’t have to do anything…but hopefully, you will want to. Because of the sacrifice God made for us, we have the opportunity to share…or give stuff away.
PRAYER: Sometimes Lord, we find it difficult to share. We find it hard to give things away. Help us to see those who could use what we have – and prompt us to share it with them. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
TO PONDER
Can you pick the theme this week? Give stuff away and chances are, you’ll be happier. At least that’s the message I’m getting.
Have you thought about it as being more than something tangible? Something more than material or earthly stuff?
What about giving your kindness, especially with those who don’t get it much. How about being kind to unkind people, because they need it the most? When someone snaps at you (perhaps a worker in a retail outlet) for whatever reason, don’t react in a negative way. Ask how their day is going, and then thank them for their service.
Or share your love with people who are hard to love. Love your neighbour who doesn’t look like you, who wasn’t born in the same country as you, who doesn’t think like you, or speak like you, or pray like you, or vote like you. Love your neighbour, no exceptions. It’s good remember the Jesus named ‘love’, not theological or political correctness, as the identifying mark of Christians.
Or give people your time, to listen to their story, and not judge them.
That is something you can be generous with, because the world is changed by your example, not your opinion.
PRAYER: Gracious God, when our ego’s get too big, tell us to pull our head in. When we forget to listen to those in need, give us the patience. When we judge other, please forgive us, and give us the right words to connect with others we normally don’t want to connect with. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
TO PONDER
How much is a ‘good measure’? We don’t use language like that, do we? Another translation says, ‘Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap’. Does it remind you of anything, some other scripture perhaps, maybe of a cup overflowing?
Yes, the Shepherds Psalm, or Psalm 23. ‘You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
This is an example of the abundant generosity of God. A good measure is enough. A good measure is plenty. A good measure is more than enough. And then that extra generosity we’re given, we can give away. We don’t need to work for it either. Luther reminds us that God doesn’t need our good work – but our neighbour does.
So when you have much, share. When you have plenty, give some away. When you have been blessed, bless others. This is part of the call of being a disciple of Jesus, or being a follower of the Lord, of being a child of God.
And give for the right motive, and that is out of love, without expecting anything in return.
PRAYER: Generous giver of all, we are in awe of your lavish and plentiful giving. Thank you. Give us the courage to share that generosity with those doing it tough. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed
TO PONDER
‘How to be Happy Though Rich’, was the interesting title of a book from the 1980’s. Look it up if you like (and chuckle at the classic 80’s colours and vogue!)
It was an author from South Australia, and as I was living in Adelaide at the time, we would see the author’s car – which was a gold-coloured Rolls Royce - around town.
The message in his book (so you don’t need to go purchase it now) was that the secret to be happy whilst being rich, was to give it away.
Local author and theologian Mike Frost also has a story of people offering him funding, because they can’t help but make money. Some people have a very good business mind, and a heart for the church, so are happy to part with much of their wealth to extend God’s Kingdom.
We are thankful for these generous people, as they are sharing their God-given blessings with others.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thanks for all the gifts you give people. Thank you that sometimes these gifts are used to grow your Kingdom. Help us to acknowledge the gifts you’ve given us and work out ways we can share them with those who don’t know your saving gift. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
TO PONDER
Some years ago, there was a regular meeting of church workers in the North West suburbs of Sydney. At that time, suburbs such as Kellyville and Rouse Hill still had market gardens. The schools were very new, and the combined churches in the area supported a chaplain for one of those public high schools. A meeting was called to organise a brochure to give out, to try and attract sponsors, or anyone that could assist in financially supporting the chaplain. We debated about which verse from scripture to put on the front of the brochure. One of the members quickly jumps in and says ‘Easy. The last part of verse 7 above – God loves a cheerful giver’. A couple of us said, ‘no’. Why do you think a few of us were opposed to that part of the verse being on the cover?
It’s true though. God does love a cheerful giver, but he also loves an uncheerful giver, and he even loves the non-giver. It is important to make that clear, especially to those who have no faith background. We changed the front of the brochure to include the whole of verse 7, because giving comes from the heart, which reflects God’s heart.
PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for that unconditional love you provide. Help us to share that love with those around us. Amen
Today's devotion by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
“Truly I tell you, “He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
TO PONDER
She was a member of the local Church. But as a single mum, she would put whatever she could afford each week, into the offering plate, hoping she would have enough left to get through the week, and to put food on her table. This was BC – before Covid - when offering plates were more popular. She was a faithful lady who trusted that God was in charge, and that God would provide. And sure enough, God did. She never went without, she was never short of money, and she never went hungry. And every now and again, there was money left over at the end of the week – and she could treat herself.
The story above in our reading is similar. It’s a great story, because it’s a story of trust. Easy to say, but hard to do – because the expectation of the world tells us that wealth is right. But you can’t take wealth with you, and often wealth will not bring joy, whereas a generous heart does.
PRAYER
Thanks Lord, for providing us with everything we need. In those times when we doubt a little, remind us to put our total trust in you. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
TO PONDER
A favourite author of mine, Philip Yancey, mentioned in his book ‘The Jesus I Never Knew’, that when Constantine made Christianity compulsory in the year 313, giving to the poor diminished. Sharing with impoverished became less. As there was no more persecution of Christians, they began to sort themselves into an organised religion, which means funding that previously was being given to the needy, was used for meetings, and buildings, and staff.
However, don’t judge the church on its lack of generosity. It’s wrong to reject Christianity out of hand without looking closely at the good it has done in the world. The Church provided care, began hospitals, and started schools, and trained medical staff. The 2nd biggest deliverer of social services in Australia after the government is the Catholic Church. Another large social service provider is the Anglican Church.
And why? Because a core task for Christian churches is social solidarity – simply, the love of people. Our religion teaches that we serve a generous and loving God first, and in response to that, we can be generous and love.
Who can you reach out to this week to show generosity?
PRAYER
Carer of all, continue to watch over all the caregivers in the word. Keep them focussed on their job of helping and healing. Give us generous hearts to continue serving you. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
Timothy, do everything you can to present yourself to God as a man who is fully genuine, a worker unashamed of your mission, a guide capable of leading others along the correct path defined by the word of truth. (The Voice translation)
TO PONDER
The words of this text were written by the apostle Paul to his protégée, Timothy. Timothy travelled with Paul on some of Paul’s missionary journeys, but then Paul sent Timothy off to encourage the Christians left behind when Paul moved on. Here Paul is giving guidance to Timothy in this role.
We might argue that Paul’s advice does not specifically apply to us since we are not ordained Pastors, Ministers or Teachers. However, the Bible has a different understanding. In 1 Peter 2:9, we read, ”But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” And in Revelation 5:9,10, we read, “with your blood you [Jesus] purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God”. So, I would suggest that Paul’s advice applies to us as well.
We need to remember that God uses ordinary people, doing ordinary things in their homes, businesses, recreation, etc. to reveal His love and concern for people. As we live in that genuine close relationship with God, trusting Him to guide us in what to do and say, we show people what the heart of God is like. But God does not want us to fake it since people will see through our hypocrisy very quickly. The daily living close to God changes us so that we become more like Jesus, revealing his love to others.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the way your Holy Spirit is working in my life to change me to become more like your Son, Jesus, in living out your purpose for me. I don’t want to be resisting the work of you Spirit, but to grow in trusting your promises and letting your Spirit have full access. Amen
Today's devotion written by Charles Bertelsmeier, LifeWay Epping
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
TO PONDER
We have a reasonably modern expression that parallels the verse for today: “walk the talk”. If you are older, you may be more familiar with the expression, “practise what you preach”. I suspect that a small part of why the Christian church is losing its relevance in today’s society is that many of us in the church don’t live up to the standards we seem to demand of society.
Even as I write this, I am being challenged with the question, will what I write next be just my advice to you or will it be a sharing of how I actually live my life. Well, to be honest, it will have to be a bit of both. When I write, I pray that God will give me words to write that are His words to my readers. Then often, after I have written something, I find that God has spoken some very pertinent truths to me. Ouch!
So, I will bravely write what I believe God is giving me, knowing that He is speaking to me as much as He might be speaking to you.
If I try hard to live to God’s standards, I find I go through a cycle of trying hard, failing, feeling a failure, getting discouraged and giving up. After some time, when the memory of my failures fades, I might get inspired and start the whole cycle again.
What I find God has been teaching me, is that I cannot change myself, no matter how hard I try. I really need God’s intervention, and that is the work of the Holy Spirit. My role is acknowledging my utter helplessness to change myself and then surrendering my whole life into God’s love and purpose for me. It is not a once off thing but a whole new relationship with a loving Father God. And it takes time, which is not a problem for God, although at times it may be frustrating for us that God doesn’t snap his fingers and change us immediately. And God, in His amazing love, may even let us regularly relapse, just to remind us that we need to daily re‑surrender our lives to Him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your love for me. And thank you that your love is not a distant positive attitude towards me, but an intimate involvement in every aspect of my life so that I grow into the person you planned for me to be – even before I was born. Amen
Today's devotion written by Charles Bertelsmeier, LifeWay Eppings