Abundance. We are packing and preparing for our trip to Guatemala, and we have been blessed with an abundance of items to load into our luggage. Eyeglasses, toothpaste, toothbrushes, children's books, shoes, puppets, wrapping paper, Avon supplies, and much, much more. It is overwhelming. At some point we'll need to squeeze our clothing in, but I am loathe to leave anything behind.
I need to trust that God will send us with what we need. I searched for Abundance in the Bible, and this passage seems quite appropriate to share:
2 Corinthians 9:8-15
The Message (MSG)
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they'll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!
May we trust God to "pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that [we are] ready for anything and everything" and may we give "abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God!"
Maurya..you really have us started off on a good note. I guess my word for today is "Anticipation" I really looking forward to geeting to know everybody and seeing what great things God will do to us and through us. So far I know you have a wonderfully compassionate and generous heart. I look forward to learning more.
ReplyDeleteBetty
Thanks Maurya for your thoughts on abundance. Jesus said He came that they (we) might have life and have it abundantly. (Jn 10:10)
ReplyDeletePaul speaks of the secret of contentment in Philippians 4:12-13. I suspect that the Mayan people we meet will teach us a thing or two about abundant life and contentment in what you have and do not have.
Scott