2 Corinthians 9
Grace is an unlimited, unrestrained supply flowing from a heart that is open and free. An open heart liberally supplies the good it has to offer –love, power, favor, and even finances. Grace is generous, overflowing, spontaneous, without holding back. Grace isn’t a light rain; it’s a downpour! Paul encourages the church to give with grace, not sparingly, grudgingly, reluctantly, or under compulsion. Verse 9:7 reads in the Amplified, “God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or do without) a cheerful (joyous, prompt to do it) giver [whose heart is in his giving].” God promises to multiply our resources for giving back to us and to increase us in our acts of kindness. God takes notice of our giving and our grace!
Ecclesiastes 1-3
The world doesn’t satisfy, but God does. Let’s begin Ecclesiastes by reading a verse from the end of the book. Ecclesiastes 12:13 “All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of His creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.” King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes, a poetry book, where he writes about trying everything the world has to offer and not being satisfied, but ending with this verse – writing about the fulfillment found in God.
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