GENEROSITY

Jeremiah 17:5-10; 1 Cor. 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26

Introduction

A great concern for everyone in our daily living has always been who to trust. Politicians, companies and others commit so much to publicity and advertisement just to make themselves or their products trustworthy. Trust is said to be a firm belief in the reliability of someone or something. This comes with a total dependence. Trust is essential in life since a misplaced trust can put someone in great despair.

Paul in his last letter to Timothy from prison as he was waiting for his execution saying, his suffering is not unto shame "...because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV). 

Misplaced Trust is a Curse

The prophet Jeremiah tells us the mind of God on trust, saying; "This is what the LORD says: The man who trusts in mankind, who makes human flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD is cursed. ... he cannot see when good comes but dwells in the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land where no one lives." Jeremiah 17:5-6 (HCSB) It is a sin to misplace your trust in worldly figures like humanity. 

Some people fail in relationships and survive with broken-heart. That experience can cause them not to see the good that comes their way. Broken trust can cause breakdown and even death to people. God tells us, trust, misplaced is a curse. 

Beloved, if your trust is in your wealth, property, marriage, education, family or friend etc. you are only claiming curses on yourself. I pray for the Light of Christ to shine on you to put your trust in the right hand, Jesus Christ, the trustworthy Light of the world. One hand you can confidently lay your trust is in God through Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Trusting Him is a Blessing

"The man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit." 17:7-8

There are people who put their trust in those who perform miracles rather than in Christ. They forget that performing miracles does not mean that such people belong to and know Christ. In Jesus’ own words some of such people would be rejected on the day of judgement because they did not know Him. 

We can only trust Jesus Christ when we know Him since it is impossible for us to trust someone we do not know. We cannot trust God if we do not know Him as our Creator. We cannot trust Him if we do not know about His wonderful plan and purpose for creating us. We cannot trust Him when we do not know that He is love and all-powerful and that He desired to have beings of like-mind and like-heart with whom He could share His life. We cannot trust Him if we do not know that He created man in His own image and gave him a share in His authority and dominion. It is very important for us to know Jesus Christ not only as our Creator but also as our Light and as our Saviour. He lightens our path unto righteousness. 

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved with your household. (Acts 16:31) "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." (Psalms 125:1). "...those who trust in the LORD will prosper" (Proverbs 28:25). "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him" (Nahum 1:7). Indeed, trusting Him is a blessing. Put your trust in Him today and be a blessing unto others as others bless you.

Guard Your Trust in Jesus Christ

Paul takes us to false teachings that, there is no resurrection. The common saying today is, 'If you die, you are dead and that ends it all.' There is no resurrection and judgement. Listen to this, "Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? ... But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." 1 Corinthians 15:12, 20 (HCSB) There are people who would want to divert your trust to attract God's curse. Be focused and vigilant always.

The Wiseman counsels, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7 (HCSB)

Conclusion

Many people and deities/gods may want to present ways to the fulfilment of life. God may deem to be delayed for your like. Know that they can show some light to your path but the end will be a disaster for you. Always remember, Christ's light never goes down. Trust not in temporal happiness in your life, for joy comes from the Lord, in Him we trust.

The Beatitudes... (Luke 6:20-26)

Shalom aleichem...