[Daily Devotion] September 22nd 2016

[Daily Devotion] September 22nd 2016

Seeds Of The Gospel – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,

“He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

What does the Passage say?

V. 6-9 As we ‘remain in Christ’ we are to bear fruit. Remember that our fruit is a result of our joy. The more we received, the more we can share. That is the reason why we are called to give cheerfully, through joy. When we give, with joy, we can see how God is using us to provide and attend to the need of people who cry out. 

V. 10- 15 In continuation, as we ‘remain in Christ,’ we have to remember that Christ supplies. The joy of giving is not for us to feel good, but rather experience the joy of being included in God’s mission. Extravagant giver (of time, service, and resource), experience how God provided and God works in their service. The joy of being included in God’s mission is the reason for our Thanksgiving, and the reason to continue to live in obedience. 

 

What does the Passage say to me/us?

Yesterday, my son needed me to help his homework. He was to interview our family members to find ‘what brings happiness in our live.’ My answer to him was, ‘Loving God and Loving others, as we follow God’s purpose in our lives.’ He responded by saying, “I knew you would say that, but not everyone in my class believes in God.’ Then I said, ‘Jin, even though they might not agree with me, but that is the truth.’ I don’t think I help him do his homework properly. 

God called us to become a blessing to the world. God blesses us so that we can become a blessing to everyone. Our joy comes only through us remaining in him and being used for God’s ministry. God supplies and blesses God’s people, who commit their lives to live in obedience. 

So many times we fear what will happen when I live that way. The fear hinders us from following our Lord. What if the fear is what the world give us because the world doesn’t want that to happen? And what if that is the reason why we are not able to follow our Lord with joy? 

Therefore we need help that comes from God, which helps us to become courageous. Lord give us the courage, which comes from you, to follow you and experience pure joy. 

 

Prayer

Lord, we know we are called to live a life to offer ourselves to the world like you did. But so often, we see how it is scary to live like that. Like you struggled in the garden, we struggle too. However, we ask for your courage, as we obediently follow your will. Help us to see a glimpse of your victory today, so we can become a blessing the ones we meet today.  In Christ name, AMEN

Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.