Abundant living
This fresh set of Daily Devotions is being provided for our LCA/NZ family, friends and visitors to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the LCA/NZ’s Church@Home resources to encourage us and build trust in our Heavenly Father during this season of uncertainty and physical isolation.
by Jane Mueller
Click here for your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work’ (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Where doubt exists, faith does not. And without faith, the abundant blessings of God become hard to see and grasp.
God doesn’t say, ‘I’ll occasionally fight for you’, ‘You’ll probably prosper’, ‘My favour is intermittent’, ‘I’ll consider renewing your mind and strength’ or ‘Today you might be in paradise with me’. Our God doesn’t mince words. Rather, he speaks with authority, clarity and promise.
Sometimes we operate from a mindset of doubt, deficiency or fear. When we break free from this and instead adopt a mindset of expectation, abundance and optimism, our eyes are opened to God’s overflowing vastness, limitless provision and unspeakable joy. Difficulties and obstacles crumble and vanish when we are sure of the things we hope for and certain of the things we cannot see.
Faith doesn’t ignore reality. Quite the opposite, faith knows we will suffer and experience difficult challenges. But faith also knows Jesus has overcome the grave and defeated the world. Faith transports us to a new reality – one that walks in step with Jesus where perfect love drives out fear, making way for abundant living.
A mindset of expectation, abundance and optimism is not reserved for the most theologically astute. It’s a mindset that exists for all. So how can you embrace it? Live in thankfulness, knowing the peace of God guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Live in love, knowing that when you live in love, you live in God, and God lives in you. Live in grace, knowing you are alive in Christ and have been saved through faith. Live in fullness, knowing Jesus came so that you would have life and have it in abundance.
And rest assured you need not do any of this under your own strength. God works within you by the power of his Spirit.
God Almighty: all things originate with you and we know you work within us to bring them to fruition. All glory be yours.
Jesus, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End: you are our all-sufficient, abundant Lord who will not fail to complete the good work you have begun in us. We give you thanks and praise.
Holy Spirit: breathe over us and inspire us to live by faith and not by sight. We rest in your advocacy. Amen.
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- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
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