Overcomer: Generosity is a Blessing

THURS. 10/8

Read Psalm 37:20-34

But the wicked will perish:

   Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,

   they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,

   but the righteous give generously;

22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,

   but those he curses will be destroyed.

23 The Lord makes firm the steps

   of the one who delights in him;

24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,

   for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,

   yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken

   or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely;

   their children will be a blessing.

27 Turn from evil and do good;

   then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the Lord loves the just

   and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed;

   the offspring of the wicked will perish.

29 The righteous will inherit the land

   and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,

   and their tongues speak what is just.

31 The law of their God is in their hearts;

   their feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,

   intent on putting them to death;

33 but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked

   or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Hope in the Lord

   and keep his way.

He will exalt you to inherit the land;

   when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

Here in Psalm 37 we have an extended passage commending the practice of generous living.  Notice the contrast over and over again - between those who are generous and those who are not.

Reflect

Questions
Notice the famous quotation in verse 25 and 26.  Do you think it is true that God takes care of those who honor him?

Read the passage again slowly.  Name three points of contrast between the life of a generous person versus a stingy person.

Prayer

Father God you are the one who is perfectly generous in every way. I know I need to become more like you.  Fill me with your self-giving love and a more grateful heart.  Help me to think more clearly about the influence of my life on others. May someone notice my generous ways today and be blessed. Amen.

Memory Verse

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV

Share

Gather some family friends together and read the passage. Then ask this question:

Do we as a group/family have a reputation for being generous?  How can we do better this week?

DFM Nation

Next Sunday Pastor Shane Bengry will dive into more in depth teaching on how to overcome Sloth with Diligence.  Take a moment to pray for and invite someone.