II Corinthians 8:1 – 9:15

April 10, 2013

II Corinthians 8:2 - "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." Give. Give. Give. Then give some more. First—give your self to God. Then—give yourself to others.

Giving brings: 1) joy; 2) an increased ability to give in accordance to that which has already been given; 3) an increased thankfulness to God; and 4) God is given more honor and glory. ~ From Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV

We have witnessed this first hand. Giving (when I talk about giving I am not talking about just giving money, I'm also referring to the giving of one's self, time, effort, etc.) has always been part of our lives. When we were faced with the most severe trial of our lives, my very first thought was to give—I have to go and do something for someone else. I went to the nursing home even though I felt awful and looked terrible. God has richly blessed our lives, the lives of others, and HE has received honor and glory all because of one simple step of obedience—Go... and give. When I think about these last six plus years, I realize we have given more (during our most severe trial) then we have probably given in all the other years combined. We didn't have extra time, but the more we gave the more God helped us accomplish. Amazing how that works. You don't figure out ahead of time how you can make everything work. You just go—give—and God works out the details.

"Remember this: The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest. Each one should give as you decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad (reluctant) when you give and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily. And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything—enough to give to every good work." II Corinthians 9:6–8

"God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and bread for food. He will give you all the seed you need and make it grow so there will be a great harvest from your goodness... This service you do not only helps the needs of God's people, it also brings many more thanks to God. It is proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ—the gospel you say you believe—and because you freely share with them and with all others... thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words." II Corinthians 9:10–15

Thanks be to God. The more we give the more HE gives. His faithfulness continues forever. Blessed be the name of the Lord.


Next Entry: II Corinthians 10:1 –11:15