~ The Privilege of Giving ~

[Lani]

2 Corinthians 9:6-13
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;


God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NRSV)


Once a week, I volunteer to drive adults who have medical appointments but do not have transportation Usually this is a pleasant and rewarding job, giving me the opportunity to meet and converse with people from many walks of life. However, occasionally the task can be quite demanding. One man is in a wheelchair. I drive him to the hospital, wheel him along a 200-yard corridor, take him up six floors in an elevator, and deliver him to the dialysis unit where he receives treatment. Four hours late, I return and reverse the process to take him home.

Strange as it may seem, I relish the assignment. One reason is that 10 years ago when my kidneys failed, I was saved from a similar plight. I was spared the burden of having to undergo dialysis three or four times a week because my wonderful daughter insisted on donating one of her kidneys to me.

I live now in certain awareness of what Jesus said was expected of those who receive great blessings. I have freedom, good health, a loving family, food and shelter. In gratitude, I take advantage of the chance to help others.

Prayer: Gracious God, may we ever be conscious of the blessings you have given and willingly share them with others. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: For More Organ Donors

Thought for the Day: We give to others because God has given to us

Story shared by: C Levy (Canada)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 7/20/11