2 Corinthians 9:6-15
We are currently exploring a number of “practices” that give shape to what it means to be in right relationship with God, with one another and with our neighbour. Today we will look at the practice of “Kingdom Participation” with a focus on how we are called to give of our material resources to support God’s mission, both locally and beyond. It is so easy to view giving as simply a means to meet the budget of a church or ministry and miss the deeper implications of God’s deepening work in our lives as we bring our material possessions under His Lordship. Our passage today talks about God’s desire to grow hearts of joyful, grateful and trusting generosity within His people. While a life that views money and possessions through a self-centred and self-protective lens often turns inward and gets stuck in anxiety around not having enough, God envisions a much more appealing life of freedom with hands open outward in sharing and upward in trust of God’s provision.
Apply
- How have you experienced the joy and growth that comes from generosity?
- In what ways do you struggle to be generous?
- How do Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9 challenge you? Encourage you?
- Ask God to work in your heart and in the hearts of all who will be attending our services on-line or in person today.
Pray
- Pray that those who are new to the church will be welcomed and find meaningful relationships.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Jerilyn Bayer
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry Associate, Annette Faszer, and for the Children’s Ministry Assistants: Abigail, Amelia, Blythe, Clarissa, Domina, Jenna, Sarah, and Sunita.