2 Samuel - David's kindness

For all his many faults King David also had many great qualities. In today's passage we see his incredible act of kindness shown towards Mephibosheth.

"So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. ⁶ His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”
Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”
⁷ “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” - 2 Samuel 9:5-9

We should remember that David didn't have to do this, but he wanted to honour the promise he had made to Jonathan. David's act of kindness revealed his generous nature and his heart of love. 

Even though none of us is perfect, we still have the ability to show KINDNESS to others. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

We couldn't get enough, even if we tried

We couldn't get enough, even if we tried!

I am speaking of how we could never find enough containers/buckets/bottles to store the love of God inside. God's grace is so abundant and massive that even if we tried to capture it or bottle it, we would fall hopelessly short.

"....we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" - Romans 5:5 (The Message)

So, if God is so generous and chooses to give us so much, why do we limit God? 
Why do we act as if God has come to his sell-by-date?
Why have we stopped believing in his goodness?
Why have we closed the lids of our hearts to his generous love and grace?

Perhaps we have lost sight of how Awesome God is? Perhaps we have been so tired and down-trodden of late that we believe God has moved on from us?

May I take this opportunity to remind you that God is still present. He has not gone anywhere! 
So, gather your containers and allow the Spirit of God to fill your heart again.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Getting perspective

This morning we had the privilege of sharing in the work at Eden Kids. We were helping set up some gardens and clearing a few areas so that the kids can plant some veggies soon. It didn't take more than 2 hours, but the time was beneficial for all.

In fact, I often believe that we get more out of these 'mission trips' than the youngsters we are trying to help. It always reminds me of how blessed we truly are and consequently how much responsibility we have to help others.

It seems that people have been speaking about this for generations - it is just for us to listen and to give of ourselves:

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” - Mother Theresa

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

 “For it is in giving that we receive.” - Francis of Assisi

 “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”-Charles Dickens

Living in grace

D3LM3 

Open-handed God

God is generous! God is NOT stingy as some make him out to be - but rather he is lavish in his love and generous in his mercy. Our God is open-handed!

I imagine God as the Sower, scattering seed all over the place, even allowing birds to eat from his hands. When it comes to humanity, God treats us the same. Even though God knows that much of this generosity will be abused by some, neglected by others, and demanded by us, he continues to be open-handed.

"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." - Psalm 145:16

Prayer: Lord, may I acknowledge your great love today and may I seek to be generous with those that I encounter. Teach me to be open-handed in the way I live my life. Amen.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Am I rich towards God?

Reading from Luke 12:21 this morning I got stuck at the last part of the verse...

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich towards God."

How can I be rich towards God? What does this mean?
Well, in a way, I guess it means giving my best to God. Am I generous in what I give to God (this would include every aspect of my life), or does God have to settle for the scraps? It's a tough thing to comprehend.

So, here is the million dollar question - "What does it mean for you to be rich towards God?"


Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Generous God

Sometimes people think they have been short-changed by God. We feel as if God owes us something or that perhaps He has been blessing others and not us. Read this verse and see if it changes your thoughts a little...

John 3:34 - "...for God gives the Spirit without limit."

And this one...

"He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Have a wonderful day!
Living in Grace,
D3LM3