SCRIPTURE:
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
OBSERVATION:
I’ve read this scripture many times before about how we will reap what we sow in giving including how we should give according to our heart and with joy. Furthermore, that He will supply all of our needs allowing us to realize our goals and objectives. I’ve usually interpreted these scriptures to speak to me about my personal needs and finances, but verse 8 stands out this time in how in our works, God will supply all of our needs allowing us to abound with success if we give from a heart of advancing His kingdom and meeting the needs of others. That the arrows would be pointed out rather then pointed in, and that the sponge of resources would be wrung out to give life and support to other’s needs and visions.
APPLICATION:
In these challenging economic times nation wide, a corporate or financial approach would be to hold on to financial resources, take care of internal needs first and foremost, and make cuts. However, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in provision and even abundance for our church in the past, and I am encouraged that He will do so again. As I surrendered our church finances to the Lord in the past and His faithfulness in provision has abounded, so to I am encouraged to continued sowing discerningly through the Holy Spirit. It is apparent that we must continue giving according to God’s will and leading, and “wring our sponges” according to His promises to provide.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for showing us how to give from a point of what we can do for the Kingdom with vision and heart, and seeing what you can do with your resources to meet all of our needs, and still have abundance. May we continue to follow your principles of giving to see you do more in our ministries and in my family.
