Paul is gathering an offering to help believers in Jerusalem who are going through an extremely tough economic situation.
People in the various churches throughout Asia and Greece have responded generously to Paul’s appeal. He specifically mentions the Christians in Macedonia for having been unbelievably generous in giving toward this effort.
Now as he continues his appeal in the province of Achaia with the Corinthian congregation, he begins by helping them recall the generosity of God. Everything we have ultimately comes from him. So, when we give, we are ultimately giving back to God only what he has first given to us.
Paul calls on the Corinthians to put their faith in God’s generosity. We can be confident, he writes, that just as God has taken care of us in the past, so also in the future he will meet every need.
In fact, far beyond that, he will bless us abundantly.
In turn, we will be able to bless others abundantly. Through the good that we will be able to do in his power, with his resources, because of his love — we can change lives.
That’s what Paul wanted the Corinthians to know too. Their generosity and goodness — inspired by God’s generosity and goodness — would make a huge impact on the lives of those suffering in Jerusalem.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV).
Lord, thank you for your generosity. You have generously met all my needs. Despite my often weak faith, I know I can be abundantly confident you will continue to meet all my needs. Give me the love for others that you have first had for me. Help me to be generous toward others who need my support, and to bless my neighbors who need my help.
Our Bible reading for Monday, September 7, is Isaiah 14:1 – 16:14, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, and Psalm 106:1-15.
Header image based on "abundance" by Luke, CC By-SA 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Monday, September 7, is Isaiah 14:1 – 16:14, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, and Psalm 106:1-15.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV
Heavenly Father, you are generous and give far more than I deserve. Lord thank you for the blessings that come directly from your hands, that come directly from your love. Lord my family gives back to you with a cheerful heart. Please help us to find many ways to honor you with out time, talents, and treasures. Lord I ask that be with the members of your church here in Laveen. I ask that you find many cheerful givers to help build your church. Lord one of our members has gone above and beyond to help the ministries of Crosswalk. Thank you for them and they’re generosity.
~Paul Montenieri
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