April 09, 2019: SOAP #3414:  1Samuel 6-7; Psalm 72; 2Corinthians 9

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 9:2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

Observation:   What a blessing to see a spirit of generosity sweep across a congregation.  Someone moved by the Holy Spirit steps up to give to a need that has been presented.  Something in their giving stirs the spirit in another brother or sister to give.  Maybe it was the sacrifice of the first giver.  Maybe it was something the Holy Spirit led them to say, but generosity is ignited in a second giver.  And then a third moves to give.  Some realize that God has provided an abundance for them, so they joyfully give.  Others make a joyful sacrifice, counting it a blessing to be a part of meeting the need.  They give, knowing that God will uniquely provide when their need arises.

Application:    How special to be a part of Spirit-anointed generosity!   What rejoicing to know that God used me!   The body met the need as each member gave as the Spirit led them to give.

And how special the testimonies that come out of such giving.  There are the testimonies of those whose need was met.  AND there are the testimonies of those who gave!  God replenished their finances; God provided a special supply; God arranged for a bill to be satisfied.  There are fresh testimonies that go on for months and months!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you are the greatest Giver of all!  You desire your children to be givers too!  I am acting like you when I give.  Giving brings joy to my heart.  May my giving bring joy to your heart also.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!