Reckless Giving - Martin Wiles

The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Psalm 37:21 NLT

With selfishness slithering from his fingers, he approached his father and demanded his inheritance.

He was the younger of his father’s two sons. Disregarding the cultural norm, he approached his father and demanded his one third of his father’s possessions. Since most wealth was measured in land and livestock, his father had to sell part of his ownings to answer his son’s demands.

Knowing what the son was probably up to but wanting to show him love, the father bowed to his son’s request. Sure enough, the son took off to a far country. His friends were many as long as he showed them a good time, but when his money ran out they did too. Taking a job at the bottom of the social totem pole was the best he could do, but after a short time he’d had enough.

Living under his father’s roof seemed enticing. He worked up a repentance speech and headed for home. Thinking the best he could hope for was to work as his father’s servant, he imagined how he would beg his father to let him do that. But when his father saw him coming, he ran to him, hugged him, welcomed him home, and acted as if he’d never left. His selfishness was rewarded with a restored position.

According to the psalmist, the father was a perfect picture of a prodigal (generous) giver. The son was wicked. He took and never repaid, but the father gave.

Giving can take many forms. It may be money, possessions, time, mentoring, teaching, or hands-on work. Giving can also be preceded by different motives. Some do it out of guilt, some out of compassion, some out of appreciation, and some because they desire recognition. The father did it out of agape (unconditional) love.

As a believer, I should give because I’ve been given to. The father in the story represents God. God gave His Son to pay for my sins, but He continually gives to me each day. He gives forgiveness, guidance, comfort, strength, love, and wisdom. God has no ulterior motives when He gives. Nor should I. My giving, in whatever form it takes, should come from sheer appreciation of what He’s given to me. When I give in faith, God promises to meet any needs I have.

Give generously—until it hurts. You’ll never be able to outgive God.

Tweetable: It's impossible to outgive God. 

Prayer: Father, we praise You for Your wonderful gift of salvation. May we give as You have given to us. 

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Hearing Voices - Martin Wiles

The Jebusites taunted David, saying, “You’ll never get in here! Even the blind and lame could keep you out!” 2 Samuel 5:6 NLT

When I was a teenager, I heard voices.

“Let’s get drunk,” said the first voice. The 1970’s were in full force. Drinking seemed to be a way of life, so I agreed. And since this voice represented acceptance by my peers, I justified my listening.

Then the voice said, “Let’s do some dope.” I listened again—though I was a little frightened this time. I agreed to the Mary Jane, but nothing more.

“Do you want a smoke?” the voice continued. I did, and for the next ten years I kept listening to that voice.

Listening to the wrong voices hindered my walk with the Lord and kept me in chains when I could have been free. David was anointed king and needed a central location for his capital. His sights were on Jerusalem. Trouble was, the Jebusites weren’t interested in giving it up. When he approached the walled city, they told him he’d never get in. But he did because he listened to a more powerful voice.

Training my ears to listen to the right voices is essential for good spiritual health. Many voices vie for my attention—most of them attempting to lead me down paths taking me farther from God.

God’s voice comes through the inner presence of His Spirit and will always agree with what is taught in the Bible. Being familiar with the teachings therein is vital if I’m to hear the right voice. Listening takes a power I don’t have in myself, but a power God gives so I don’t succumb to the wrong voice as Eve did when Satan tempted her, causing her to question God’s directive.

Voices of discouragement are rife—as they were in David’s day. Finding friends and acquaintances who will encourage me is important if I’m to make respectable spiritual decisions. I can find them through social media outlets, at churches, in small groups, and through good authors. Voices reminding me who I am in Christ: a new creation, a masterpiece in the making, a child of God who has worth and has been accepted into His family, an overcomer of unhealthy habits, addictions, and social mores. Voices that will encourage me to seek God’s guidance in every decision I make.

Hearing voices is acceptable; just make sure you listen to the appropriate ones.

Prayer: Father, give us wisdom and understanding so that we might hear and listen to the right voices. 

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