JUNE 9, 2014
Generous
God
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
[God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think. —Ephesians 3:20
When
our family lived in Chicago several years ago, we enjoyed many benefits. Near
the top of my list were the amazing restaurants that seemed to try to outdo
each other, not only in great cuisine but also in portion sizes. At one Italian
eatery, my wife and I would order a half portion of our favorite pasta dish and
still have enough to bring home for dinner the next night! The generous
portions made us feel like we were at Grandma’s house when she poured on the
love through her cooking.
I
also feel an outpouring of love when I read that my heavenly Father has
lavished on us the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7-8) and that He is able to do
“exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (3:20). I’m so grateful
that our God is not a stingy God who begrudgingly dishes out His blessings in
small portions. Rather, He is the God who pours out forgiveness for the
prodigal (Luke 15), and He daily crowns us “with lovingkindness and tender mercies”
(Ps. 103:4).
At
times we think God hasn’t provided for us as we would like. But if He never did
anything more than forgive our sins and guarantee heaven for us, He has already
been abundantly generous! So today, let’s rejoice in our generous God.
Lord, remind me often that You have been
exceedingly generous to me. Help me to extend that
generosity of spirit toward those around me, so that
they may know who You are and rejoice in You.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Insight
Today’s
reading addresses the wellspring of spiritual power in the Christian life.
Certainly, human willpower or adopting a positive mental attitude is not the
source of this spiritual power. Instead, the apostle Paul points us to the
reality of the indwelling Christ. But the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ
alone does not change the believer’s life. Choosing to yield to the Spirit’s
promptings and meditating on God’s Word give the believer power for living. An
attitude of faith and expectation in prayer access vast resources available in
God, “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20).
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
