S.O.A.P. for 02/26/2009 Generosity

You've given me so much, Lord... Teach me how to pay it forward.

S: Leviticus 19:9-10
"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of the field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. I am the Lord your God."

O: God instructed HIS people to provide for those in need. He requires that the people leave the edges of the fields unharvested, providing food for travelers and the poor. God desires generosity for He is generous and we are created in HIS image.

A: This law was a protection for the poor and the stranger and it served as a reminder that God owned the land; the people were only caretakers. They were called to be good stewards of what God allowed them to be responsible for. Laws like this revealed God's generosity and how HE wants us to reflect that generosity. It's easy to forget about the poor and the needy when you have your own problems, but how "big" really are those problems. There will always be someone who has "less" than us. In what ways can I "leave the corners of the field" for those in need??

P: Abba, Father,
You are such a wonderful, loving Father. It amazes me continually, the depth of care that You show us. And it doesn't stop there, Lord. You always go deeper and desire something from us in return that You know, in Your infinite wisdom, will only serve to bring us closer to You, and help us walk in such a way the reflects You more and more. I am not worthy of such a gift, and yet, You continue to tell me I am. I am humbled and so very loved by You, and it fills me with awe, joy, and wonder! And to think that you would teach us to show that same love to others. If only I could make someone else feel the way you make me feel. How generous You are to teach us Your generosity, and how wonderful that you desire that we, too, reflect that generosity to others. Father, we live in a different world, a crazy messed up world, but You are still so very relevant! Your Word still speaks to us, and it still applies! Oh how my soul aches to please You, Lord. Please reveal to me ways in which I can "leave the corners of the field" for those in need. Father, God, to the world it may not seem as though I have much, but to You and I, I know I am truly blessed. Father, teach me what it is I can share more of, for everything comes from You; even my life and my every breath. I desire to live completely for You, please reveal to me just how to do that, when sometimes it feels like I have so little to give! Teach me of spiritual gifts to offer, teach me of Spritual needs to be met when I have nothing material to offer. I know there is more, I just cannot see it. "Give me Your eyes that I may see everything that I keep missing"...
Thank You for loving me enough to want me to reflect You in my life. Thank You for hearing my prayers and responding according to Your will. I pray that I may learn to live a life reflective of the generosity that You show to me each and every day, and I pray that my generosity may indeed one day become part of my legacy.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Give me Your eyes for just one second, give me Your eyes that I can see... Everything that I keep missing, give me Your love for humanity. Give me Your arms for the broken hearted, the ones that are far beyond my reach, give me Your heart for the ones forgotten, give me Your eyes that I can see.
*Brandon Heath*