April 9, 2012 (1 Samuel 6-7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “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.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT
Observation: Paul is encouraging the believers to give generously with a cheerful heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, because God loves a cheerful giver. He provides the seed for the sower to plant and He provides the harvest that comes forth. He provides all that we need for ourselves and enough so that we may have to cheerfully give to others. As a result of our giving to others, glory should be given to God.
Application: Prosperity effects people in many ways. Sometimes the effects are good, other times not so good. For some people they just can’t save enough, a million dollar retirement just seems like too little to live on. For others they just can’t spend enough, credit cards are at the maximum limit and they are applying for more! Yet a godly person remembers that it all belongs to God, not just 10% but the whole 100% is His. We are called to be faithful stewards of what God has placed in our control. A faithful steward is a cheerful giver. A faithful steward gives God the glory and praise for the priviliage of giving. A faithful steward will invest worldly goods into the eternal works of God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for all that You have placed within my stewardship, help me be faithful and pleasing to You. Make my heart glad by providing a gift for me to give to others. Increase my resources and cause the seeds planted to produce a bountiful harvest. I praise You Lord and give all the glory to You for all that You have done and will do. You are the awesome God of the universe and above You there is no other. O how faithful You are to honor Your word, in Jesus name, Amen!