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The Devotional Diva - God is Not a Miser
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The Devotional Diva - God is Not a Miser
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NAS95)
I imagine 2009 will continue to be the year of tightening our belts. In the general scheme of things, I doubt it would hurt us to learn to do with a little less. Would it really do any permanent damage if we all learn to make wiser financial decisions and economize?
Now I often remind my husband how lucky he is to have me for a wife, because I am often a cheap date. And yes, I actually use those words. Bear in mind, we have a fabulous relationship. If we happen to be out when lunch rolls around, he knows an Auntie Anne pretzel makes me perfectly happy. There is no need for caviar for this girl.
Yesterday we discussed Valentine’s Day. We’ll be getting together for dinner with some friends. He expressed some concern over the cost of going out. Bob is a very frugal man. My response to his concern was, “I normally don’t mind, but do I have to be a cheap date forever? After all, it’s Valentine’s Day!” We laughed knowing we’ll do what is right with our pocket book when the day comes. Joke and laugh, that’s what we do!
However, in all seriousness, this time of tightening up isn’t a joke for many people. I have friends worried about the necessities of life being available for their families. It’s no longer a matter of cutting corners, they are now living in a frightening circle of “what am I going to do?” and there are no corners left to cut.
In that situation, it’s not unimaginable that a person might completely focus on what they don’t have and possibly even blame God for withholding that which they desperately need.
Okay, my intent in not to depress anyone on a Monday morning, my desire is to do the opposite. Well, I guess I’d better get to it! Our verse in James is a familiar one when discussing Biblical wisdom. However, while I don’t want us to dismiss the wisdom factor, it’s not our focus for this morning.
In re-reading James 1:5 last week, I had one of those “a-ha” moments when pondering over the “gives to all generously and without reproach” portion of the Scripture. This thought scribbled across my mind, God is not a miser! Even while the rest of the world is running in miser-mode out of self-perseveration, God is still in the business of abundance.
I forget at times, that the Father not only wants to see to our needs, but see to them in lavish ways. Perhaps abundance, God’s abundance, should be our word for the day.
This verse of Scripture instructs that when we lack wisdom, we can ask for it. It further tells us that God will supply it generously. Most parents truly desire to instill wisdom in their children. Our Heavenly Father is no different. He does so when you ask and as often as you ask. Just be sure to read the rest of the verses about asking in faith!
He also takes care of our needs. In Phil. 4:19, Paul writes that God supplies all of our needs and does so according to His riches in glory. I have friends that will share out of their humble means when called upon to meet a need. This is a good thing. Nevertheless, God shares from His riches. He keeps no records and charges no interest. Granted He may not give us all we want, but He will see to our needs. I can live with that.
Let’s not forget His love, mercy and compassion. David described these characteristics of Jehovah as great. Is this great as in awesome, oh yeah! But I figure David was mostly referring to the vast expanse of that love and mercy, as in their great big size!
Look at these verses from Exodus 34:6-7, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”
Now if you want to talk about forgiveness, well, God is the God of forgiveness. Since He is a holy God who desires a relationship with us, the only way to bridge that gap between our sin and His holiness is forgiveness. Christ instructed the disciples (and us) to forgive others “seventy times seven” or in other words, every time. I love loving a God who doesn’t ask me to do something He isn’t willing to do Himself.
God is not a miser. He wants you to live in the fullness of His love. He wants to bless you beyond all your wildest dreams. Those blessings may take the form of something very different to what your mind would conjure up, but His “different” is always out of this world.
Times still may be hard for many of us right now. We might not see exactly where the hand of God will land today in our lives. We still may have to live on a little less of the world’s supply. However, I can guaranty you in writing that is His writing; God is not in miser-mode with His blessings. He was, is and always will be a God of abundance.
Today, I encourage you to live in the abundance of His grace.
Abundantly
Barbara
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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