Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 9, 2023: SOAP #4875: 1Samuel 6-7; Psalm 72; 2Corinthians 9

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

OBSERVATION:  In reading through this chapter in which Paul is encouraging the people of Corinth to give my thoughts turned to the First Giver.  Where did these principles of giving originate?  Who first taught about giving? 

Since God created this world and man, He is the one who set the principles of sowing and reaping.  In many ways He sowed into the man He had created.  This past week we celebrated the greatest gift ever given…the life of God’s Son given in death as payment for our sins!   He gave willingly and at great personal cost. 

Each day God reaps the harvest of that Gift sowed into the world.  The Bible tells us that there is great rejoicing in heaven whenever one sinner repents and makes Jesus the Lord of his life! (Luke 15:7) And what a great celebration there will be in heaven when all those redeemed by the blood of Jesus are gathered around the Throne!   God will reap a GREAT harvest!!!

APPLICATION: Giving is the nature of God.  He rejoices when it is developed in my nature.  God wants me not to be just a person who gives when someone touches my emotions or when I have extra money…NO, God wants me to be a giver.  He wants me to give more than what He has placed in my pocket, but what He has placed in my heart! 

PRAYER:   Lord, you have filled my heart with your word. Help me to give it joyfully, generously, and clearly.  May my life be a worthy vessel for such valuable contents.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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