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Dive into the profound meaning of John 3:16. We explore God's love, sacrifice, and the promise of everlasting life through belief. Discover hope and understanding today! #John316 #BibleVerse #EternalLife #GodsLove #Faith #Christianity #Hope #Salvation #Scripture #BibleStudy

Finding God’s Steadfastness in the Pause, Overflowing in Generosity

1,202 words, 6 minutes read time

Have you ever felt suspended in a moment, waiting for what seems like an eternity? Whether it’s for an answer to a heartfelt prayer, the healing of a loved one, or simply the unfolding of your next step, the experience of waiting can often feel challenging, even disheartening. In these in-between times, it’s easy to question God’s presence and wonder if He has forgotten us. Yet, within these very moments of pause, lies a profound opportunity to encounter the steadfast faithfulness of our Creator. And as we learn to trust Him in the quiet, a beautiful response blossoms within us: a desire to reflect His generous heart through our own giving.

Scripture:

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25, ESV)

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11, ESV)

Reflection/Teaching:

The scriptures are filled with stories of individuals and entire nations who experienced significant periods of waiting. Abraham patiently awaited the promised heir, his faith tested through decades of longing (Genesis 15-21). The people of Israel cried out for deliverance from slavery in Egypt, their cries eventually met with God’s mighty hand (Exodus). David, anointed as king, endured years of running and hiding before ascending his rightful throne (1 Samuel). Even in the New Testament, Simeon and Anna, with hearts fixed on God’s promise, waited faithfully for the arrival of the Messiah (Luke 2). These accounts remind us that waiting is not foreign to God’s plan; in fact, it often plays a crucial role in the unfolding of His purposes.

During these seasons of waiting, God is not inactive. As many insightful resources like those from Desiring God and Cru point out, these times can be profound opportunities for spiritual growth and a deepening of our reliance on Him. It is in the quiet moments that our character is refined, our understanding of God’s sovereignty expands, and our faith is tested and strengthened. We learn that His timing is not our timing, and His ways are often beyond our comprehension. Yet, His promises remain true, and His faithfulness endures through every delay.

Parallel to this experience of waiting is the transformative power of generosity. Our God is the ultimate giver, showering us with blessings beyond measure (John 3:16). As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this divine attribute in our own lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, encourages us to give not out of obligation but from a heart that is willing and cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7). This act of giving, whether it involves our finances, our time, or our talents, is not merely a transaction; it is an act of worship and an acknowledgment of God’s provision in our lives.

The beauty lies in the interconnectedness of these two themes. When we are actively trusting God in our waiting, a spirit of generosity often arises within us. Instead of being consumed by our own needs and desires, we begin to see the needs around us. Giving becomes an expression of our faith – a tangible demonstration that we trust God to provide, even as we pour out what we have to bless others. As organizations like World Vision and Compassion International highlight, our generosity has the power to meet practical needs and to be a powerful testament to God’s love in the world. By focusing outward in generosity, we can find a deeper sense of purpose and even a measure of joy amidst our own seasons of waiting.

Application:

Consider the areas in your life where you are currently in a season of waiting. Instead of allowing anxiety or doubt to take root, actively choose to anchor yourself in the promises of God. Spend time in prayer and in His Word, reminding yourself of His past faithfulness. Simultaneously, look for opportunities to extend generosity to those around you. Perhaps it’s a financial gift to a ministry you believe in, volunteering your time to a cause close to your heart, or simply offering a word of encouragement to someone in need. Let your acts of giving be a living testament to your trust in God’s provision and a reflection of His generous spirit.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness that sustains us through every season, especially in times of waiting. Forgive us for the moments when doubt creeps in and we lose sight of Your steadfast love. Strengthen our hearts to trust in Your perfect timing and grant us the courage to wait with hope and expectation. Lord, we also ask for a generous spirit, that we may freely and joyfully give as You have so abundantly given to us. Open our eyes to the needs around us and equip us to be Your hands and feet in a world that longs for Your love. May our waiting be marked by a deepening trust in You, and our lives be characterized by a generous outpouring of Your grace. Amen.

Closing Thoughts or Call to Action:

Remember, dear friend, that the pause is not a period of abandonment but an opportunity for God’s power to be revealed in your life. As you wait with expectant faith, allow the wellspring of God’s generosity to overflow through you. Embrace the joy of giving, knowing that in doing so, you are not only blessing others but also deepening your own connection with the heart of God.

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D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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#2Corinthians97 #activeWaiting #BibleStudy #biblicalGiving #biblicalPrinciplesOfGenerosity #blessingsOfGenerosity #blessingsOfGivingBack #characterDevelopment #cheerfulGiver #ChristianDevotional #ChristianInspiration #ChristianLiving #dailyDevotion #dailyEncouragement #examplesOfWaitingInTheBible #expressingFaith #faithAndGenerosity #faithInWaiting #faithJourney #faithfulGod #findingPurposeInWaiting #findingStrengthInWaiting #generosityAsWorship #generosityInFaith #generousLiving #giveCheerfully #givingAndReceiving #GodSFaithfulness #GodSPromises #GodSProvision #GodSUnwaveringLove #hopeInWaiting #impactOfGiving #John316 #joyOfGiving #Lamentations325 #learningToWait #livingGenerously #Malachi310 #meetingNeeds #offerings #overcomingDoubt #patienceInWaiting #Psalm2714 #sacrificialGiving #seasonsOfWaiting #spiritualDependence #spiritualDisciplines #SpiritualGrowth #supportingMinistry #theHeartOfGenerosity #thePowerOfGiving #tithing #trustAndObey #trustInGod #TrustingGodSTiming #trustingInHisPlan #waitingOnGod #waitingWithHope

Norman Macleod, Church of Scotland moderator, considers Cain’s “Am I my brother’s keeper?” from Genesis 4:9. God united us together so that none can live for self alone. Indifference to another’s suffering will return to punish ourselves.

Scrooge, OTOH, says, “I wish to be left alone.” Is this the modern anthem?

How can you consider yourself your brother’s keeper?

#christian #john316 #apostolic #bereformed #solagratia

NORMAN MACLEOD (1812-1872) "UNION OF MAN WITH MAN" ... by that supreme will we are so united to one another, that no man can live for himself or die for himself alone; that we are our brother's keeper, and he ours; that we cannot be indifferent to his social well-being without suffering in our own; that our selfishness, which would injure him, must return in some form to punish ourselves..."

#john316

#John316 is the sixteenth #verse in the third chapter of the #GospelOfJohn, one of the four gospels in the #NewTestament. It is one of the most popular verses from the #Bible and is a summary of one of #Christianitys central doctrines—the relationship between the #FatherGod and the #SonOfGodJesus. Particularly famous among #evangelical #Protestants, the verse has been frequently referenced by the Christian media and figures. In the #KingJamesVersion, it reads:

John Truair, a Congregationalist minister working with the American Seamen's Friend Society, laments plight of sailors. They can lose a year’s wages upon in hours of shore leave, from prostitutes and swindlers.

Is he merely saying we need harsher sermons on money management directed at sailors, or, must sometimes ministry involve admonishing the (external) abusers of your flock?

How can you help maritime workers today?

#christian #feedthepeople #freethechildren #john316 #doforothers

"As soon as they enter into harbour, they are paid their wages and left as a prey to the most abandoned villains, prostitutes and publicans, who, in a few days, sometimes in a few hours, rob them of their hard-earned wages, of a voyage of one or two years. [from a letter]"

About to start watching #TheChosen S2E1
(Watched S1E8 last night)

The past two episodes (S1E7-8) and the next two (S2E1-2) are my favorite of the entire series, so far.

The John 3:16 scenes (S1E7 "Inivtations") and the John 4:5-30 scenes (S1E8 "I am He") are some of the very best and most beautiful of the entire series. I could just about live in those two episodes.

I will admit that S3E8 is super special to me, too.

#John316 #NowWatching

Memorable #Quotes:

[Rain falling, Thunder]

Mother Mary: I cannot hear it without thinking of you two.

John: I can't believe how much He put up with.
Others... they will not even remember the sound of His voice.
They'll just be words.

Mother Mary: He said they weren't just words, remember?
"Heaven and earth will pass away--"

TOGETHER: "But my words will never pass away."

Mother Mary: they're eternal.

[Thunder]

----

Jesus:
...because we know that God pursues the sick more than the healthy.
Think of it this way...
are there any sheep herders in the crowd?

Shepherd:
I am.

Jesus: Ah, welcome!
We are honored you are here.
I have a very warm place in my heart for shepherds.
Who is tending your flock now?

Shepherd: My brother. We're taking turns.

Jesus: How many sheep?

Shepherd One hundred, Teacher.

- Say one of them goes astray, what would you do?

- I'd go look for it, of course.

- Of course. But what about the other 99?

Shepherd: I'd have to leave them behind, I can't lose the one sheep.

- Hmm... and if you find it?

- I'd lay it over my shoulders and bring it home.
And would probably do a little dance!

[Laughter]

- And what would you say to your friends who are worried for you?

- "Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep!"

Jesus: Do you see what he just said there?
He rejoices more for one sheep, than over the 99 who never went astray.
So, it is not the will of my Father that one of these should perish.
In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance.

----

[Chedva clears throat]

Chevda: When I was a little girl, my father told me the Messiah would bring an end to pain and suffering.
If You are who people are saying You are, when will You do that?

Jesus: I'm here to preach the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven...
a Kingdom that is not of this world,
a Kingdom that is coming soon, where, yes,
sorrow and sighing will flee away.

I make a way for people to access that Kingdom.

But, in this world,
bones will still break,
hearts will still break,

but in the end,
the light
will overcome darkness.

----

Melech: Why me?
Why did You come all the way out here?
Isn't everyone in town falling at Your feet?

Jesus: The shepherd leaves the 99 on the mountain to search for the one that went astray.

Melech: What do you want?

Jesus Believe My words.
Return to synagogue.
Search Torah.

- I never learned to read.

Jesus Then listen to the Word read aloud, and let it affect your heart.
See what happens.

- And then what?

Jesus Tell others.

Melech: You know the crime I committed... in cold blood.
You'd help someone like me?

Simon: He would.

----

Not a quote, but about 48 minutes into the episode, there's a scene where the disciples are arguing about planning their next moves, and John gets up in frustration and puts up his notebooks and materials. The sound of him closing up various books and the incidental music that begins just at that point meshes so perfectly together that you would have thought that they told the actor to hit a certain BPM of closing books and whatnot so that the sound effects would sound like they were intended to be the percussion to the music. It's just a really perfect moment that you wouldn't notice unless you have crazy #ADHD and/or have watched the episode 5+ times. 😆

It sounds a little like this:

[Argumentative dialogue]
[Initial strums of music]
[John slams book closed]
[pause]
[John throws book onto ground]
[pause]
[John grabs his stuff with a thud and leaves]
[Music continues with the same beat]

#NowWatching #TheChosen S1E7 - "Invitations"

This is one of my absolute favorites. I absolutely love what the show has done with #Nicodeums' story arc, and their treatment of John 3:16 is the best I've ever seen -- for the ending if nothing else!

I'm on my sixth watch-through of seasons 1-3 (and it will eventually by my second viewing of Season 4).

#Jesus #John316

Memorable Quotes: (SO MANY memorable quotes in this episode!!)

Matthew: When you realize that nobody else in the world cares what happens to you, you think only about yourself.
Gaius: For a fool, your brain has taken you far.

----

Thaddeus: Rabbi?
Jesus: Yes, Thad?
Thaddeus: I should prepare firewood for how many days?
Jesus: Uh, five, I think.
John: (Looks confused) - I thought you said that we wouldn't be here very long."
Jesus: Leaving some for the next weary traveler. Hospitality isn't only for people who own homes, John.

----

Simon: I just don't want our burdens to become His, okay. I don't want to be the one to distract Him.
Eden: He's made up His mind about you. He's not going to kick you out of the group.

----

Nicodemus: What have You come here to show us?
Jesus: A kingdom.
Nicodemus: That is what our rulers are worried about.
Jesus: No, not that kind.
Nicodemus: Then, what?
Jesus: A sort of kingdom that a person cannot see unless he is born again.
Nicodemus: Born... again?
Jesus: Yes.

----

Nicodemus:

I told my wife and my students...
she was beyond human aid.
Only God could have healed her.
And then I saw her... healed.
And here You are... the Healer.

I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING!!!! 😭😭😭

----

Nicodemus: Is the kingdom of God really coming?
Jesus: What does your heart tell you?

----

Jesus: Matthew.
Jesus: Matthew, son of Alphaeus.
Matthew: Yes?
Jesus: Follow Me.

...

Gaius: Where do you think you're going?
Matthew: Gaius, let me go.
Gaius: Have you lost your mind?
Gaius: You have money.
Gaius: Quintus protects you.
Gaius: No Jew lives as good as you.
Gaius: You're gonna throw it all away?
...
Matthew: Yes.

...

Simon: I don't get it.
Jesus: You didn't get it when I chose you, either.
Simon: But this is different. I'm not a tax collector.
Jesus: Get used to different.

...

Matthew: Where are we going?
Jesus: A dinner party.
Matthew: I'm not welcome at dinner parties.
Jesus: Well, that's not going to be a problem tonight.
Jesus: You're the host.

Devotional Thoughts and Prayers for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 10, 2024
"Is It Possible To Start Over?"
https://youtu.be/lNGfEU_rWq8
#Jesus #Gospel #GoodNews #Lent #Nicodemus #John316 #sermon

This powerful verse reminds us of the incredible depth of God's love for us. The sacrifice of Jesus reflects His boundless love, offering us the chance to find eternal life through faith. Let's take a moment to reflect on this profound message and the gift of salvation that comes with believing. May we always treasure the love and grace that surrounds us. 🙏❤️ #John316 #GodsLove #EternalLife #FaithInHim"

https://spiritualscrolls.com/2023/08/25/for-god-so-loved-john-316/

Das wünsche ich Dir:
"... Allein, weil's so ist...": Gott liebt Dich mehr als Du es Dir jemals vorstellen könntest! - behaupte ich
"...Allein, weil es sein kann...": Allein, weil es sein kann, das ich richtig liege, solltest Du die Chance nutzen!

https://fawj316.blogspot.com/2023/06/grund-genug.html

#grundgenug #faith #worship #john316

What's a good hashtag for #john316 ... #forGod or #ForGodSoLoved or #ForGodSoLovedTheWorld 🤔 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

3:17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A1-17&version=NIV

I was going to summarize John 3:1-17 as "Jesus meets with #nicodemus to quote #John316 to him" but that would be a bit #recursive ... #inception