Reflections

 

"I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) 

25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 

Heavenly Father, help me to ponder these passages of Scripture with a sincere and humble heart willing to share Your generosity with others.

King David an example -

1 Chronicles 29:5-9 (NLT) 

5 ...... Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the LORD today?” 6 Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly. 9 The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD, and King David was filled with joy. 

1 Chronicles 29:10-14 (NLT) 

10 Then David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly: “O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 13 “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! 

1 Chronicles 29:16-17 (NLT) 

16 “O LORD our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! 17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 

O heavenly Father, you are the Source of my life, the Sovereign of my Soul and the Supply of all I need. Your Word reminds me: "19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NLT) 

Father, the Apostle Paul encourages me in giving: "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.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 

12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!  2 Corinthians 9:7-15 (NLT) 

Father I pray, that you will help me to share in the joy, generosity, and grace of giving, for your honor and glory and to help others in their needs. In the name of Jesus our generous Lord and Savior. Amen.