Wonderful Gift

| November 17, 2009

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7-10

Observation:

I am still walking on air after the amazing response of our church on Sunday. I will never forget the sight of hundreds of people after each service rushing the walls to sponsor a child. We posted 5-600 kids on the walls for each service, and they were all gone within minutes…and some people were disappointed that they didn’t get one! It was so inspiring! We haven’t gotten the final count, but we sponsored over 1500 kids—every one that World Vision brought was taken—and we could have sponsored many more. I was, and am, overwhelmed by our church’s generosity.

So when I read this passage today, I couldn’t help but think of us.

In Ch. 9, Paul said that he had boasted about the Corinthian church to others, “telling them…that you were ready to give; and your enthusiasm stirred most of them to action.” I hope that God will use what we’ve done not only to transform the lives of hundreds of children and their families in Swaziland and beyond; I hope that God will use it to stir other churches to action!

I believe the final verses of chapter 9 apply to us:

2 Corinthians 9:11-15

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in (Swaziland and beyond) will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

Application:

Thank you Life Center!

Prayer:

Lord, I am so grateful for our amazing church, and their stunning generosity. Bless each one who gave and will give—enrich them in every way so they can always be generous. And use what we’ve given to meet the needs of the poor and bring thanks and glory to God.