Prov 11:25 NIV) A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
In this verse Solomon continues to teach about giving. It is unfortunate, but many believers don't want to discuss biblical finances or biblical giving at all. Those that ignore what the Bible has to say about money are missing out a great portion of scripture. Just like the Bible teaches about love, peace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and etc., the Bible has a great deal to say about the way believers should handle their finances. Giving is a big part of it. Solomon does not mince any words here.
He plainly tells us that a generous man will prosper. Heart felt and Spirit-led giving releases the Blessing to flow freely in your life. To illustrate the awesomeness of what happens when you allow God to use to give, let's take a look at something that Paul wrote in his second letter to the church in Corinth.
In this verse Solomon continues to teach about giving. It is unfortunate, but many believers don't want to discuss biblical finances or biblical giving at all. Those that ignore what the Bible has to say about money are missing out a great portion of scripture. Just like the Bible teaches about love, peace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and etc., the Bible has a great deal to say about the way believers should handle their finances. Giving is a big part of it. Solomon does not mince any words here.
He plainly tells us that a generous man will prosper. Heart felt and Spirit-led giving releases the Blessing to flow freely in your life. To illustrate the awesomeness of what happens when you allow God to use to give, let's take a look at something that Paul wrote in his second letter to the church in Corinth.
Remember, Paul was a traveling preacher and his primary support came from donations. Paul was ministering in Jerusalem and the believers in Corinth had promised to support the work that he was doing. Let's take a look at what he told them about their impending gift:"I really don't need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you... So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." For God is the One who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 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. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving-the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God... they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" (2nd Corinthians chapter 9).So what does this mean to you ? It means that when you allow God to use to give - from what He has already given you - then you open up the door to the Blessing for the giver and the receiver. The Gospel of the Kingdom must be preached to every nation and it requires financial support. When you allow God to use you to be a tool through which He can finance His Kingdom, He will bless you beyond measure.
Why? Because you are willing to be the channel through which He blesses others! Blessed TO BE a blessing - that was the Promise to Abraham!
Father, I acknowledge that fact that everything I have came from You. You provide seed for sowing and bread for eating. You not only allow me to have enough for me and my family (that's eating), but enough to sow into the lives of others and to support Your Kingdom. Thank You Father for increasing my resources and then producing a harvest on every seed sown. Others will glorify You because of the seed You enable and allow me to sow! I don't give grudgingly or in response to pressure. I am a prompt, obedient, willing and cheerful giver! In Jesus' name. Amen!
Why? Because you are willing to be the channel through which He blesses others! Blessed TO BE a blessing - that was the Promise to Abraham!
Father, I acknowledge that fact that everything I have came from You. You provide seed for sowing and bread for eating. You not only allow me to have enough for me and my family (that's eating), but enough to sow into the lives of others and to support Your Kingdom. Thank You Father for increasing my resources and then producing a harvest on every seed sown. Others will glorify You because of the seed You enable and allow me to sow! I don't give grudgingly or in response to pressure. I am a prompt, obedient, willing and cheerful giver! In Jesus' name. Amen!
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