My God, My Provider

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 (2 Cor. 9:6-7).

Paul challenged the Christians in Corinth and in the whole Roman province of Achaia to participate in gathering a collection among the Gentile churches he established since his meeting with James, Peter, and John in Jerusalem.  The collection was both a practical ministry to alleviate poverty and a powerful symbol of the unity of the Jewish and Gentile branches of the one faith.  Paul stressed that it was the faith that produced the gift that was important.  He offered the example of Christians in Macedonia whose generosity in the midst of poverty flowed from the fact that “they gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5).  Such love was a response to the grace of Jesus, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).  Paul urged that there must be no sense of compulsion in the gifts “for God loves a cheerful giver”.  Like every other part of Christian life, such giving serves to “glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing (2 Corinthians 9:13).

Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Luke 6:38).

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses (Proverbs 28:27).

God truly rewards those who obey His commandments.  It is almost 17 years since I retired from my job which supported me and my family for many years yet until now, without the income that I had at that time, I still enjoy God’s material blessings.  In fact, I feel that my needs and some of my desires are better  met now than when I still had a job.   Thank you Lord for your daily provision of everything that I need.  You are indeed my God, my Provider, my Protector, my ALL. Help me oh God to love you more.  BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.  BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS.  (Psalm 103:1-2)