Sow, Grow And Give It Away

2 Corinthians 9:5-15

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (v. 8)

Our Heavenly Father gives us what we need, though we often feel we don’t have enough.  The world feeds this notion of constantly needing more and never being content.  Today’s passage is a reminder that if we’re willing to be generous and give what we have, He’ll make sure our TRUE needs are always met.  God is our seed supplier. He gives us what we need to sow and grow abundantly.  Lives that are full of God are wealthy beyond compare.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (v. 11)

The circle of generosity is wide.  God is generous with us; therefore, we are to be generous with others, so they in turn can be generous with even more.  Others will praise God because they have witnessed an example of obedience and they will pray – each person filling the other in loving gratitude for the grace God has given.

Dear God, you bless us abundantly.  Help us see we have more than we need and that by being generous with our gifts, we will enrich the lives of others and in return, will be enriched in ways we could never imagine.  As it states in verse 15, Thanks be to God, for your indescribable gift!  Amen

Pray, GIVE, Go

Why is giving such a touchy topic? I know folks who won't go to church because every time they do they think preacher is asking for money? Is this by chance one area we aren't ready to surrender to God? Do we cling tight to our money because we don't believe God will truly take care of us?

I walked a path of financial insecurity, for three years now, and God has been refining my heart. He is addressing the trust issues with which I struggle. I say I have faith, but do I really? When the going gets real tough, do I believe God is in control; or do I only give lip service to this idea?

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I am beginning to understand and believe God will take care of me and my needs. That doesn't mean He will provide for my every whim or desire. It means He will provide for my daily bread. During this season of refining, God reveal is showing me just how much my 'wants' determine my comfort and I hate to admit, but maybe even my faith.

Faith is an area of weakness for me. Oh, to embrace the faith of Abraham or Moses, or Ruth or Mary. The next time I prepare my offering envelope I will look at the experience as an exercise in Faith and Love. I practice tithing but the area I need more practice is doing it with a full and open heart. For me that means not holding back my heart when I give, but praising God for all He has done and will do for me just because He loves.

2 Corinthians 9