ADVANCE: A Revival DevotionalSample

 Advance In Generosity

“Generosity is expressed in an act, but is proven in a lifestyle” - Brian Houston

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:8-11 (NIV)

As the crowds gathered around John the Baptist in Luke 3, questions began circulating about what it means to live a fruitful life. “What should we do then?” they asked. In other words, ”How are we to move forward and advance in this life of faith and salvation?” John’s response is quite specific. He didn’t say, “attend church more”, or “read Scripture more”, or “attend a connect group”. Although those things are very much key to advancing, he points their attention to something else. To advance in this life of faith and repentance, John encourages the crowd to give. This call to generosity is John’s immediate response to the question at hand. For John, generosity ought to be evidence of our faith, a trademark of our repentance.

Generosity not only blesses others, but it blesses those who give. Jesus gives us a beautiful picture of this. In Luke chapter 6 He says, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV) God pours out abundant blessings to those who decide to advance in generosity.

To step forward and advance in this life of faith, we are encouraged to prioritize a heart of generosity. Advancement in personal generosity leads to advancement in corporate generosity, so that the world may encounter the generous heart of the Father.

Action Questions:

In your everyday, ordinary living, how can you personally outwork the fruit of generosity?

Who is one person you can show an act of generosity to this week?

Prayer: “Father, thank you for how generous you are towards me. I want to grow in my generosity towards others because you first were generous to me. Help me to see opportunities to practice generosity to advance your kingdom. Thank you, Lord. Amen.”