Grace of God - Joyfully Giving
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9
-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT-
Joy in Giving
One of the many blessings I have as a pastor is to spend much time reading, studying, and pondering the Word of God. While reading, there are a few phrases that really grab my attention – Truly, truly, I say to you… and God loves… In our Joy Everlasting Series, as we look at Joy in Giving, we come across a very familiar verse – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. It reads, The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God LOVES a cheerful giver.
-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-
In preparation for this Sunday, I want to encourage you in two things:
- Read 2 Corinthians 8-9 (2 chapters). Please read these 2 chapters three to four times this week. There are many things to acknowledge throughout the reading, but take note of the following phrases – grace of God, act of Grace, grace of our Lord.
- Pray and ask God to guide your heart regarding what you have read.
What does the Bible say… All of us tend to have our own opinions and resolves; we have our hills on which we would die. But let’s remember what we are told in the Scriptures (Proverbs 14:12) – There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Do we want to know the truth? Do we care to know God and His ways or are we content with our own understanding? Proverbs 3:5-7 says – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
This Fall, we are creating space for us to acknowledge God and seek His ways through focusing on What does the Bible say… For the remainder of the Summer, we will be collecting your questions on What does the Bible say… Fill out the form in the sanctuary and let’s pursue God together on those things that we desire to know and grow in.