Tuesday, October 8, 2013

In God We Trust

 



2 Corinthians 9:6-11

New International Version (NIV)

Generosity Encouraged

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 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. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”[a]
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 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.
 

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
- Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
 
The world economy is unstable. Too many of the world’s people are in great need. But how can I be expected to help with so much uncertainty about the future? My family might have needs of our own; we don’t know what’s ahead. Fear-filled words fly at me from every direction. They nearly drown the one voice that speaks something radically different: Do not fear.

As I listen to those words coming from the voice of God, I turn up the volume by opening my Bible. The words of scripture tell us we should not be hardhearted or tightfisted with the poor
(Deut. 15:7); the one who gives to the poor will lack nothing

(Prov. 28:27); and Jesus says that as we give, it will be given back, overflowing

(Luke 6:38). 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”


In 1 Kings, Elijah asks a widow for a bit of bread. She has only a handful of flour and a little oil, but she gives it to the prophet. From then until Elijah leaves, her jars of oil and flour never run out. Whom will I believe? Instead of the TV or newspaper, I choose to believe God who tells me I need not fear. I will give because I believe in God’s promises.

Thought for the Day

God’s truth will drown out the sound of fear.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we want to be generous in giving even if things around us seem uncertain. Help us believe your voice of truth and not be afraid. Amen.
 
Prayer focus For a generous heart to those in need!
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