Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 16; 2 Corinthians 9; Ezekiel 23; Psalms 70–71
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Cor. 9:6
Great point, so why is it so hard some days to remember this point written by Paul? Why do I hesitate when it comes to my time, finances, love, listening, or wisdom? I want to piggy back of the authentic heartfelt words from Jillian yesterday called By His Poverty. This too is something that challenges me and my family. My best answer is to look to His word. God’s word continues with:
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you my abound in every good work.
When my heart is truly committed that is when the cheerful giver emerges in my words, actions, and time. I would say much of my past life and still selfish current moments can leave me thinking that I can’t commit fully to something. My only answer is lack of faith, full of fear, and believing I won’t have enough left for myself. The truth is, God will provide all we need at all times. Amen. This faith and confidence changes your outlook of life. When I have this mindset my heart has decided to trust with all I have in God. I pray you walk into this day, week, and life with a heart focused on cheerful giving.
For myself there are many factors that can help me make excuses as to why I’m not a cheerful giver at all times. But I know these are excuses and that the Lord knows us, and he knows our hearts. Psalm 139:1 So, no matter your story beginnings, obstacles, hope, and future God is with you, he goes before you, and will provide anything that we need according to His will! The part where I have struggled is when I’m doing things for My will. I can often struggle with the idea of Needs vs. Wants and whether they are His or Mine.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24
Having a strong faith of God’s plan for my life needs to include my finances, time, words, wisdom, and actions. As I write this you should be encouraged to know the opportunities you will have today to give cheerfully whether that be financially or a listening ear or just love on someone. In any scenario God will know your heart. That the giving concept not only looks at our financial giving but our time. In the time we give to people we give love, we listen, we can give empathy, we can encourage.
Dear Lord, Continue to build a faith in us that portrays our faith completely in you. That in our sharing we do it with a love that exemplifies Jesus.Teach me that all we have to offer all day long is done for others because that is what you ask us. Help us not grow weary in doing good.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
