#1518. God is good and gives what is good (18/5/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we begin our Stewardship series.

God is good and gives us everything that is good in our lives - this leads to praise and thankfulness. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

This week we begin our Stewardship series. Over then next five weeks, we will focus on the following themes:1. God gives us good gifts

2. Stewarding God’s gifts faithfully

3. Stewarding God’s time wisely

4. Stewarding God’s money generously

5. Living for Eternal Reward 

Stewardship is a term that refers to the idea that all things are created by God, and all of our gifts, opportunities and resources are given to us by God and are to be used for the purposes for which He gave them to us. 

It’s rather like a parent giving a child some money and asking them to go to the shops to buy some milk and, whilst you’re add it, you can also by yourself a lollypop. If the child returns having only bought sweets, they’ve not been a good steward - this childish picture can too often be the trap that we can all fall into!

Today, I just want us to see two things:

i. God is good

Our text warns us:

We can be deceived about God and his gifts. James is warning them about believing that temptations and the bad things in their lives are sent by God (See James 1:13-14). James writes to them to believe the truth that God is good; He is described as the:

When we look at the stars - the heavenly lights - we are to be reminded that God is the awesome creator and that He doesn’t change - He is good all the time!

ii. God give all that is good

Secondly, he not only wants the to know that God is an awesome and good Father, he also wants them to know that everything that is good is from Him:

No evil comes from God. No temptations come from God. Whilst, of course, these things are under His ultimate rule and sovereignty, He is not their author. 

However, everything that is good is from God! All of our gifts, opportunities and resources, and, greatest of all, our salvation, are from God.

Response

Are we being careful not to be deceived into believing that God is evil and sends what is bad?

Are we, alternatively, believing that He is a good Father, creator, Saviour and provider? 

Let’s be those who recognise and give thanks for every good gift that God gives to us. 

This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of CCP; to watch our anniversary video, please select the link below:

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we began our new series entitles: 

Stewardship - A teaching series on how we are to use the good things that God gives to us.  

‘Steward’ translates the Greek ‘oikonómos’, which means to be a manager, trustee, a holder of a commission. 

Each of us have be entrusted with gifts and opportunities - time, talents, and treasures -  that are to be used in service for God. 

During this series, we will cover some vital areas of good stewardship: Gifts, Time, Money, Eternal Reward.

Please read 1 Peter 4:10-11and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What inspired you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• How would you describe stewardship?

• What are the various things that God has given us to steward?

• What does our text teach about how we can remain faithful in our stewardship?

• What aspect of stewardship do you feel that you need to focus on? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How does stewardship make us a light for Christ? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the “people of peace” in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.