Generosity: Triggering God

by Cheri Cowell, from 365 Devotions for Peace

Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers GOD, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. — Deuteronomy 15:10 MSG

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. — Deuteronomy 15:10 NIV
 

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Psychology has helped us understand that even a subtle gesture or the tone of someone’s voice can trigger a memory or a reaction. Some memories are good, such as times with a loved one, an especially fun vacation, or a time when God’s presence was very real.

Sometimes, though, painful memories or feelings of anger can be triggered. At times those triggers blindside us. Suddenly we’re dealing with intense emotions we didn’t anticipate.

Today’s verse [Deuteronomy 15:10] says that God has triggers and gives us a specific example.

How we treat people — whether we lead generous, giving lives or cold, stingy lives — triggers God.

When His children give spontaneously without regard for the cost, He is triggered to bless them. He will give peace to those of us who freely give to others in all we do.

Are you living in a way that triggers God’s blessings?

Prayer

God, enable me to me to live openly and give generously, not for Your blessing but to honor You with my life. Amen.

Have you ever realized that you can trigger God’s abundant blessing by being open-handedly generous? Our hearts and what flows out of them matter to Him. God blesses us in order that we may be a blessing to others! How can you show free and joyous generosity today to honor God?