God's Gifts, Your Gifts...

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NASB)

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,

“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Devotional:

I find Christmas to be a wonderful time of year.  I love the decorations and all the lights.  What I love the most are all the gifts.  Yep, I love the gift giving.  OK, not for me.  Honest, no really honest I love giving Christmas gifts to everyone I can.  One of the worst Christmases I had was a year I just couldn’t give any gifts, well just a few.  (Don’t bother asking me for anything for Christmas.  As much as I enjoy giving I am not able to buy everyone everything…).  Seriously though, there is great joy in giving to others.  It truly is a blessing in and of itself. 

Today’s scripture verse tells us that those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.  If we horde what is given to us God will not give abundantly.  Think of a cup of water.  If you pour water into an empty cup eventually it will fill up.  Once full you cannot add more water to it.  Only by emptying the cup can you add more water.  The more you pass God’s blessings on the more He will bless you.  What joys are you missing out on because you are hording what God has already given to you?  We do not need to fear not having.  God promises to supply our needs and to take care of us.  So, why do we hold onto what has been given?  A Christmas Carol comes to mind when thinking about giving or hording.  Ebenezer Scrooge was a stingy person hording his wealth.  He wouldn’t even share with his one and only nephew.  He lived in a cold and dark house all alone.  He had no friends to share his life with.  I think how sad to live that way.  I think of how much he missed out on in life.  Again, what are you missing out on by not sharing God’s gifts?