GIVE AND LIVE OR REAP AND KEEP? READ ON . . .
- Key Verse
- Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Paul makes it very clear to the Corinthians that God loves generosity.
Reflections
This seems like such an easy passage to write a devotional on -- God loves a cheerful giver (verse 7). We can all get our arms around that. Well, it hasn't exactly gone as planned. I believe it's because this is an area in which I defer to the leadership of my husband (which isn't a bad thing because he has proved trustworthy). BUT, I don't naturally give with the same abandon or freedom as my husband does. I grew up saving and storing -- for things I need or want, for the future, or for an emergency. That's all about me. Where is the trust in God's promise? He is the giver of all things, He is the provider of all things. That's all about Him.
God loves a cheerful giver. Joyful willingness. I came into the world with nothing, gained everything, and take nothing with me -- nothing. The Perfect Gift was given to me, and all I have IS HIS. I have been given a clincher. Why not give? Have I squandered 2 Corinthians 9?
Giving is a right response, an act of obedience, exposure of the heart. To be honest, my heart has experienced conviction through trying to encourage you this hot July day in the field. Will I allow God to sow in my life to reap a right response of what I know is true?
The farmer, that's me. The seed, that's God's. The planting, that's my responsibility. The harvest, that's my reward. The reward, that's an opportunity to plant again. It's all very clear. Now, will I trust Him, and sow with abandon -- not with hopes of monetary return -- but because He promises that the harvest will be rich and I can keep reinvesting? One of my young future farmers said recently, "Mom, it feels so good to give." He's experiencing what it means to be a cheerful giver.
Thankfully, the Wagner Farm is part of a farming co-op. We call it community. Together, we are better farmers. I can get lazy, so I shouldn't farm alone. I'm capable of the reap and keep. My community calls me to joyful replanting.
Thank you for visiting our farm today. I pray you leave considering how you will give generously, because He did.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you read 2 Corinthians 9? What was Paul's stated motivation for our being generous and joyful in our giving?
2. When is the last time you sowed generously to advance God's work? Have you experienced "cheerful" like one of my little farmers recently did?
3. Are you part of a farming co-op that will help you sow generously? If not, email ahankins@watermark.org to join a co-op today.
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
2 Corinthians 6-10 (July 16-20)
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
• Talk about verse 6: what happens when you plant a few seeds versus planting lots of seeds?
• How does the Scripture compare this to our giving?
• What are different ways of giving? (Think broader than just money or things.)
• What do you think it means to give cheerfully?
• If you give generously and cheerfully, what will God do for you (see verse 8)?
• What does it mean to have all that you need? Is there a difference between your needs and your wants?
• If God gives you more than you need, what does He desire for you to do with the extra?
• When people see you giving generously, whom do you want them to praise?
Activity: As a family, think of different ways that you can give. Think about time, talents, and treasures. From your list, pick one way in which you can serve together . . . give generously and cheerfully.
Connie Blair
July 19, 2012 06:26 AM
Wow! Alex, well said! Beautiful and inspiring. Blessings to you! 💛😃💛
Chris Landry, fellow farmer.
July 19, 2012 06:30 AM
Well said! Thank you. ---- what a joy to hear your future farmer utter those sweet words! I love when the Supernatural supersedes the natural.
Cliff Stoops
July 19, 2012 07:05 AM
Thank you for this thoughtful installment that will serve as the perfect start to my day. Well done.
Brett
July 19, 2012 07:32 AM
Great picture you gave us. Love the story of our younger farmers getting it. Glad to be co-oppIng with you guys.
Blake H
July 19, 2012 07:50 AM
Alex, Great word this morning! Thanks for spurring me on to be a better farmer. I needed that!
Gigi Adams
July 19, 2012 08:24 AM
Well done good and faithful farmer. You spoke from your heart and pierced mine.
Todd Wagner
July 19, 2012 08:28 AM
Any farmer is only as good as his God, his wife, his seed and the field he plants in. Grateful that I have been richly blessed in every area. Praying this next year we get to sow more of our life and His possessions together than ever before. And I am praying with you that those already "farming together" spur each other on to more radical "sowing" and those who are not in a "co-op" email ahankins@watermark.org to join one today.
SCott Coy
July 19, 2012 09:10 AM
FARM ON SISTER! Excellent Alex and thanks for being part of a farming community that leads with action and words. Really, one of the best journey entries I can remember. Very proud you're my friend. SC
Sheri
July 19, 2012 09:29 AM
Great, convicting words today Alex! Glad to be farming together; God has taught me much through it ! Blessed to see how you've been faithful in the field of South Dallas and have blessed so many teachers and faculty there as well!
Kelley Maxwell
July 19, 2012 10:09 AM
Thanks for sharing your harvest of truth with us! Great analogy that pictured my role and God's role - I shouldn't try to do it all. In this season of Doug's life of work, it was so encouraging to read about a new season of work, the joy of laboring together, and the harvest that we can look forward to. Joyful farming...I am in!
David
July 19, 2012 10:18 AM
AMEN sista AMEN! Your words today, reminded me of Galatians 6:7-10! Thanking the Lord for how YOU tend to our shepherd, as he tends the flock the Lord has given to him! KEEP walking the way!
Brian Buchek
July 19, 2012 10:30 AM
So grateful for the encouragement to radical giving that God continues to put in front of me through our Body and his Word. I love the line "giving is... an exposure of the heart." How clear it is when I'm not fully trusting in the provision of my Perfect One when I'm wanting to hold on to and not release freely and continuously. My prayer today is to continue to be so overwhelmed with the supremacy of Christ that holding onto anything He's entrusted to me would just seem plain stupid.
Leonard
July 19, 2012 11:15 AM
WOW - I'm still at " I came into the world with nothing, gained everything, and take nothing with me -- nothing." Thanks Aleks for the reminder and the encouragement to the Bagdanov farm to give it away because I take nothing with me - nothing!
Lee Danis
July 19, 2012 11:16 AM
Alex, after reading this my first thought is that we need you in the pulpit once in a while (relax Todd):) You are quite a combination of beauty and wisdom. A brief comment about giving. So often it seems to me that when people are willing to let go and give generously, they grow exponentially in their spiritual life.
Charla
July 19, 2012 11:18 AM
Believe it or not, moms were discussing your devo at TCA football practice early this morning. And I was just sharing with Madeline this week about how generous and inclusive you are with people. Thanks for teaching with your words and actions.
Bobbie
July 19, 2012 01:15 PM
Thanks for this sweet picture of obedience and living for God! So glad to see what Mrs. Wagner looks like, and that she is as winsome as her husband! :-)
Ann S
July 19, 2012 09:47 PM
Alex, What a great reminder! Thanks for sharing!