Verse of the Day 9/17
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Today's verse comes from 2 Corinthians 9 which is today's New Testament passage in the read through the Bible plan and speaks of God's great grace.
I don't think that any of us would want to be thought of as "stingy" by others, whether family, friends or strangers. We'd rather be looked on as being big hearted, generous and kind. Reading from The Message below reminds us that the God we serve is not a stingy God, a miser, being very stingy or thrifty in handing out grace that will be used for His glory. No! He makes grace abound (other translations) and overflow like a fountain or a spring. Like a spring, it doesn't run dry. He keeps giving day after day.
These thoughts brought me back to John chapter one which I have been studying in preparation for an upcoming Bible study. Once again, take a look at this passage from The Message:
John 1:16-18The Message (MSG) We all live off his generous bounty,
gift after gift after gift.
We got the basics from Moses,
and then this exuberant giving and receiving,
This endless knowing and understanding—
all this came through Jesus, the Messiah.
Based on the gifts that we have received, gift after gift, may we use those gifts of God's grace to excel in the opportunities that He has for us today to give and serve others.
2 Corinthians 9:7-11The Message (MSG)
6-7 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.
8-11 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment