October 31, 2022 -- II Corinthians 9:6-7 -- Generous for Jesus
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.
II Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV
One great privilege I have is going into correctional facilities and leading several Christian 12-step groups. Each participant in the group is encouraged to do a daily character inspection chart. There are 24 positive character qualities on the left side of the page and on the right side the corresponding 24 negative character qualities are listed. Each day a man is to examine himself and see how he is doing in each of these 24 areas. As the days progress, it helps you chart how you are doing in many different areas of your life.
As I complete this chart myself, I also focus on reading the accompanying explanation of these traits. Usually, I read one positive character quality and also consider its corresponding negative character quality. Today the focus is on “being a giver”. Notice today’s Scripture. The farmer sows generously. He scatters seed far and wide. He has no idea what will germinate and bring fruitfulness, but he casts these seeds everywhere.
Christians are to give of their time, their talents, and their treasures, offering these to the Lord as they help others. All that we have in this life is on loan to us from God—He is the Owner of it all and we are His stewards, His caretakers. So, be generous with what you have. Knowing that as you bless others with the gifts God has given you, there are many who will take advantage, many who will sneer, many who will betray you—but that is not the end of the story. God will bring fruitfulness. There will be those who receive your gifts and turn around and bless the LORD our God. When you bring in your offerings and gifts to the house of God, missionaries are funded to go, the church can remain open and pay her pastor and so on. What a joy it is to give in the wonderful Name of Jesus!
Are you being stingy with your time? Or your money? Or your treasures? Or your family? Trust God enough to test Him in this. Give and as you do so keep an attitude of joy. Trust that you cannot outgive God Your Father. His rich blessings flow down on you in Jesus Christ. His Spirit will guard you and keep you until the day of Jesus’ return when you will finally, fully realize how various little seeds of kindness you planted in Jesus’ Name blossomed for Jesus’ glory unto the praise and honour of the Father.
Our Father in heaven, thank You for all that You have given!
New life in Jesus Christ!
A firm and sure hope knowing that all Your promises are "yes" and "Amen" in His blessed Name.
The Spirit Who guards believers in the way everlasting.
Fellow Christians with whom to share times of joy and who help in times of sorrow.
There are blessings and gifts beyond count.
Forgive Your children for the times we hoard Your blessings and zealously guard treasures which belong to You, but we treat as our own private possession. Remind us of Your great generosity and abundant blessings and in view of all Your love and kindness, renew in us a holy zeal to offer all our life and time and treasures and belongings in holy service to Your great Name. Amen.
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