Harvest The Generosity of God

Growing corn

The harvest

The history of Harvest  Harvest festivals are celebrated in many different forms and times throughout the world.  In Britain its origin goes back to pagan times.  In Britain it is normally celebrated around the end of September, the beginning of the harvest season.  In North America, Canada and the US it is often called Thanksgiving and is celebrated around October and November.

Being thankful brings satisfaction  “We tend to forget that satisfaction does not come from getting something we do not have, but rather by recognising and appreciating what we do have.”  “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. Gratitude acknowledges the generosity of God and makes provision for tomorrow.”

John 6:1-14; Mark 6:35-39  37 “You yourselves give them something to eat,” Jesus answered. They asked, “Do you want us to go and spend two hundred silver coins on bread in order to feed them?”  38 So Jesus asked them, “How much bread do you have? Go and see.” When they found out, they told him, “Five loaves and also two fish.” (Mark 6:37-38 GNT)

The Generosity of God 1. How likely is it that only one boy came with a packed lunch? 2. Could it have been possible that some of the grown men ‘hide’ their lunch as they feared it might be ‘given away’ by a rather ‘generous’ Jesus? (for me, for all) 3. Gratitude opens the door to God’s generosity.

The Generosity of God 4. This boy appreciated Jesus. 5. A lack of appreciation closes doors for many people. 6. After this Jesus walked on water (Mark 6:45-52) – “52. because they had not understood the real meaning of the feeding of the five thousand; their minds could not grasp it. GNT”

Thanks – Gratitude – more Generosity  11 Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, and they all had as much as they wanted.  12 When they were all full, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces left over; let us not waste a bit.”  13 So they gathered them all and filled twelve baskets with the pieces left over from the five barley loaves which the people had eaten. (John 6:11-13 GNT)

Dear Lord I thank you for being my ever-present Good Shepherd. I thank you for the gift of life. I thank you for the family, friends and church I am part of. I thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me. I thank you for the opportunities you have given me in life. Lord, let me forever be grateful for all you have done for me, now and forever. Thank you Lord Amen