Giving Comes From What God Has Given to Us - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10

We can give to others because God has already given to us.  For the Christian, giving is simply sharing with others what God has given to us.  God does not expect us to give what we don't have!  God does want us to live in such a way that we can always have something to give others around us.  We know this because verse 8 states God wants us to have "everything we need" and He wants us to "excel in every good work" that is, to use all our God-given resources, including money, to help accomplish God's kingdom purposes in the lives of others!  Paul goes on to say that God will "provide and multiply" the resources of the Corinthians so they could accomplish all God desired for them.  The good news for us today is, GOD NEVER CHANGES!  It is still His desire to accomplish these things in the world today through His children.

Don't view your paycheck just as wages from your employer.  See it as a gift from God!  Good stewardship mandates that you pay your bills from these wages, but also to set some aside for the future as well as to have some to give to the poor and needy among us. (verse 9)  When many Christians work together to give from what God has given them, it strongly resembles a concept called 'UNITY' and God blesses unity!  That is a big part of seeing God accomplish great things through local churches.  Maybe you've heard about the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention?  Do some research and see for yourself what God has done when Christians give from what God has given to them!

• What is a practical way to show your family the truth that all we have comes from God?
• How have you given to God's kingdom?
• If you haven't given, how can you start giving to His kingdom?

That's all for now, but check back soon for more REDD-INK!