The Daily Office for June 18, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 80
Numbers 9:15-23
Romans 1:1-15
Matthew 17:14-21
Reading (Psalm 80)
Reflection
Those who frequent casinos, buy dozens of lottery tickets weekly or bet on sporting events all hope for the same thing: easy money. Put a little in, get a whole lot more back. And sometimes, people do. But, of course, this rarely happens. Usually a good return requires planning, careful investments and patience. Of course this formula is true in all aspects of life, including one’s spiritual growth.
The Bible has one constant theme on resource management: “Blessed are those who are generous.” God blesses those who are generous with true riches such as the joy that comes from helping another, the peace that comes from obeying God and eternal rewards that we cannot begin to fathom. Such rewards are not always immediate, and they cannot always be seen right away. But we must learn to take God at his word. When he promises blessings, we can surely expect it. And that’s an investment strategy that has unlimited returns.
Generosity is not just a good feeling. We can’t call ourselves generous if we merely sympathize with the plight of the poor. Generous people are sacrificing people. They surrender convenience, comfort and luxury so that others will thrive. But if we are willing to take the narrow path, we will find greater rewards than we could ever achieve in a headlong rush for the good life. Pray for missionary families from your church today – those who have invested their lives in sharing the Good News with others.
Collect for the Day
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.