Monday: Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 9:5-6
Today’s scripture is a study of contrasts. The church in Macedonia was undergoing hardship while the church in Corinth was prospering. Inspite of the differences Paul brags about the generosity of both churches. It’s amazing to see how a congregation’s spiritual health is mirrored by the extent to which it gives to causes outside itself. Churches that pay all their apportionments, or as much as they are able to pay, have a much greater sense of connection with the larger body of Christ. Those that give generously, especially those that give beyond what seems to be their ability, realize it’s not all about them. It’s about something bigger than we are, and the more we participate, the greater sense of satisfaction we experience in the work of the whole. FaithPoint gives a portion of our finances to the larger church for the mission and ministry of the United Methodist church as a denomination. The same is true for individuals.
Tuesday: Scripture 2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul talks about our motivations for giving. He says, in essence, that it’s gut-check time. Don’t give just because you see other people around you doing it, or because you think you’re supposed to. Tithing ten percent of your income is great, but God is much more concerned about what is in your heart. So, what’s in yours? What is God leading you to give? Sharing your finances is part of it, certainly. After all, we are the only bank account God has, and the church needs funds to do the work God has called us to do. But where is your heart in this? What stokes your passions?
Wednesday: Scripture 2 Corinthians 9:8-9, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 7:7-11
It helps us to distinguish between extravagance and abundance. Extravagance is excessive, more than what is really necessary. It’s difficult for us to justify extravagance in material possessions when we know that God has called us to share our resources and care for a hurting world. But abundance is different. The abundance described in the Gospels and the letters of Paul is not excessive or more than necessary. The abundance of God fills us at our deepest level and satisfies a hunger that no meal, no matter how extravagant, can touch. According to Paul, God grants us abundance not so we can keep what we are given, but so we will have “more than enough for every kind of good work.” Abundance equips us to participate in God’s redeeming work in the world, not simply to further the iniquity we see all around us.
Thursday: 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Psalm 139:14
What resources in your life might become seeds to grow a crop of righteousness? When you see the seeds, don’t hesitate to tend them. God is using you to plant and harvest an incredible crop.
Friday: Genesis 41:17-38, Proverbs 21:20; 27:23-27
You have to admire Joseph. He kept getting knocked down and getting right back up. He was like an ancient Rocky Balboa (from the first 2 movies not the final 3). Things happened to him that were unjust, but they were getting him ready for the GREAT life that God had in store for him. He knew what it was like to be in it for the long haul and take in the big picture. In proverbs we are reminded that no treasure lasts forever. Yet the love God has for us has eternal staying power.
How are you making plans in the good times, knowing that they will not be around forever? How are you placing your trust, hope and resources in the one thing that has eternal staying power?
Saturday: Luke 12:16-21
At the end of the day, the man would only get so much satisfaction out of eating, drinking, and taking it easy. He will get hungry again and might have a hangover from too much partying. The satisfaction he would get from sharing his bountiful harvest would last far longer than the enjoyment of a good meal and a nice bottle of wine. He might sleep more soundly, knowing he had made his neighbors’ lives easier and that God had used him to make his corner of the world a better place. He could be filled with joy, because his faith had led him to save wisely and give generously, to be “rich toward God.”
How are you being rich toward God?