Verse of the Day 11/5
2 Corinthians 9:8 New International Version
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Yesterday from 2 Timothy 1 we considered how we can be "convinced, sure and persuaded" about reality of our faith. It is strong and secure and holds like an anchor (Hebrews 6:19). Today's verse from 2 Corinthians comes from a passage that deals with giving. It encourages us and challenges us to give of ourselves because we have been given so much.
What drew my attention in reading this verse today was the "all things" statements. Anytime I read "all things", I'm taken back to that passage in Romans 8 where "all things" is mentioned several times, beginning with verse 28 "all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Giving is part of that purpose and He gives us "all things including, "the grace not only to give financially but to abound, to overflow in grace in other areas of our lives.
John MacDuf writes, "My soul, do you not love to dwell on that all-abounding grace! Your own insufficiency in everything, met with a divine "all-sufficiency in all things!"
Grace in all circumstances and situations.
Grace in all vicissitudes and changes.
Grace in all the varied phases of the Christian's being.
Grace in sunshine--and in storm.
Grace in health--and in sickness.
Grace in life--and in death.
Grace for the old believer--and the young believer.
Grace for the tried believer, and the weak believer, and the tempted believer.
Grace for duty--and grace in duty.
Grace to carry the joyous cup with a steady hand--and grace to drink the bitter cup with an unmurmuring spirit!
Grace to have prosperity sanctified--and grace to say through tears, "May Your will be done!"
It just makes my heart want to sing:
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me,
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise his name!
Blessings,
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
New International Version
Generosity Encouraged
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
"They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever."
| | 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NIV - - Bible Gateway |
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10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
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