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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“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.”
Be extravagant like your Father.
It’s a ‘Ring of Truth’! (See also Malachi 3:6-12.)
While the world shouts, “Economise! Economise! And make sure you are provided for, both now and in the future”, God, Jesus and His Word say, “Jehovah Jireh is Your Provider” and “be extravagant like your Heavenly Father.”
Economy brings with it reduced joy, reduced faith and a false sense of security. Exhilaration and faith are spelt R.I.S.K. Only when we are totally abandoned to God do we find true ‘life’. Life on the edge. Life at the edge of the most glorious experience. You cannot enjoy the life of faith being ‘totally dependent’ upon God while you still rely on the resources you have in the bank. (See also Matthew 16:24-26.)
The trouble with most of us today is that our provision comes from two sources: our employment or state benefits.
Taking risks for God is not the same as living a reckless life, and yet it seems to me that most would rather go for the reckless than the risk.
Recklessness flows from a carnal mind, full of worldly values – the desire for more and more ‘things’, to try and match what everyone else has – which then becomes the ‘norm’ and I feel left out without them. My total significance becomes wrapped up in money and materialism. When I feel down, I impulse buy to try and feel better. The trouble is that it is usually with non-existent ‘plastic’ money (or other ‘credit/loans’).
That isn’t what God advocates. But the trouble is that the opposite is seen as stinginess. We must always have ‘a good deal’ which usually means we pay as little as possible, whether or not it represents the true value. This flows on into Church and missions and Christians can be the stingiest of them all.
Churches often find it easier to raise money for buildings and things than for missions and ministry. Why is that? Because we want to see something for what we have given. What we need to do is to develop spiritual eyes so that we begin to see the value in a changed life.
Listen, we will never ever out-give God; physically, financially or through our lives. God gave everything in Christ Jesus. We are encouraged to give our all for others and His Kingdom.
Whatever we sow, we will reap – it is a divine law. (See also Galatians 6:7.) You will never reap generously unless you sow generously – sorry, but that is how it works. If you want to reap generously, then you have to sow generously.
Please also notice that it is to be done cheerfully. Why? Because it is our heart’s response that is so important. God doesn’t want us to be generous ‘out of duty’, grudgingly – or for what we can get or expect out of it. It is to be done hilariously – with great joy. It stems from a grateful heart, which God can use for His Glory.
Stop before you give next time and make sure your attitude is right and that you have given a generous gift.
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