Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 9, 2024
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. 7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. 8 God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. 9 As it is written, He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever. 10 The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 Your ministry of this service to God’s people isn’t only fully meeting their needs, but it is also multiplying in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. 13 They will give honor to God for your obedience to your confession of Christ’s gospel. They will do this because this service provides evidence of your obedience and because of your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. 14 They will also pray for you, and they will care deeply for you because of the outstanding grace that God has given to you. 15 Thank God for his gift that words can’t describe!
Good Morning! Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow.
God loves a cheerful giver. When I was a teenager, I was blessed to see and learn about cheerful giving from my grandmother, Granny. Granny was not one to show outward affection. She and Granddaddy lived modestly and an outsider might wonder how they could afford to pay their bills. I don’t remember hearing her say, “I love you,” but I do remember the love that was evidenced by the shopping trips and meals at restaurants where she would give generously so that others could enjoy.
She had a daily routine of walking downtown and socializing with anyone she met on her journey. All trips began with a trip to the Fountain Corner for a Co-cola. She would then continue her trek as she popped in and visited with the different shopkeepers and shoppers.
Granny's generosity was not limited to these occasional treats. She provided for all of my 'special' dresses, from velvet Christmas dresses when I was younger to prom and concert attire as a teenager and even my wedding dress. Her giving was not out of obligation, but out of love for others. Her actions taught me the profound impact of giving.
As I consider my memories this morning, I realize that these daily walks were her ministry. She gave cheerfully to others and listened to their stories. Her generosity taught me to find ways to give to others.
God of Compassion, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We do many things out of obligation. Help us to open our hearts and share generously the blessings that we have received from You. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Because of God’s care for us, we can take care of others.
Give from your heart! Pastor Liz
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