May 5 | 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

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DAILY READING

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

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REFLECTION

Cheerful Giving

by Elaine Pierce

Did you notice that right after verse 8, in which Paul tells us that "God will make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times...you will abound in every good work," he quotes from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and his focus is on the poor:

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

So let's get this straight: we should give cheerfully (v. 7); we will have all that we need (v. 8) and "gifts to the poor" will abound. Being poor and having everything that I need don't seem to go together, do they? Mae West (and others) has been credited with saying "I've been rich and I've been poor. And believe me, rich is better." Yes, it's certainly nice to have creature comforts and to not worry about where our next meal is coming from, or where we will get money for rent, or which bill collector will call next. But I don't think that's what Paul has in mind in this passage.

In fact, he tells us in verse 11 the kind of "rich" he is talking about: "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." And he ends this chapter with these joyful words: "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (v. 15)

The key to contentment seems to lie in how we approach money and wealth: does it control us, or do we use it to further God's kingdom? We all know we can't take it with us, and yet it is so hard to live a life that truly reflects God's goodness, God's provision, and God's abundance. Let's ask him to give us hearts that are joyfully giving to others, so that we can truly thank him for his indescribable gifts.

PRAYER

Lord, help me be a cheerful giver - to give freely out of all that you have given to me. Help me rejoice when I can help others, because it's only when I serve you I am truly free. Amen.

May 4 | Philippians 4:10-13

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DAILY READING

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭13‬

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REFLECTION

What is the Secret?

by Mary Alice McGinnis

How do you feel about your financial situation right now? If you were to describe your current circumstances with one word, what would it be? Take a few minutes to really think about it.

Take a piece of paper and draw a line. On the left end of the line put a dot and labeling it “need.” On the opposite end of the line, put another dot and label it “plenty.”

Now pick a place along that line where you feel your circumstances are right now.  

What things are concerning you right now? What are your concerns about the future? As you think about your concerns, what ONE word rises to the surface?

Write that one word on the spot you picked on your line to describe your current situation.

When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was in prison. His circumstances were pointing toward “need.” He was likely lacking the basic provisions of life. When he says he knows what it is like to be in need, it is real. Earlier in his life, he had “plenty.” Prior to encountering Jesus, he had been a high ranking, wealthy man. He also knew what it was like to have plenty.

But Paul says that he learned something. This indicates that what he learned did not come naturally to him. When we are in need, don't we naturally feel anxious or fearful? This natural inclination may lead us to feel like God is against us, forsaken us, or just doesn’t care about us.

On the other side, when we have plenty, don't we naturally feel self-sufficient and tend to base our security on our "stuff"? But that self-sufficiency can lead us to grasp and hold tightly to things in order to keep our flimsy security intact. Deep down there is a nagging feeling that just around the corner, it will all crumble into a million shattered pieces.

Paul says he learned a secret. On your piece of paper, draw a semi-circle above your line starting at “need” and ending at “plenty.”  Between your line and the top of the semi-circle draw a giant heart. 

Inside your heart, write THIS one word  - CONTENT. 

Paul uses two different words for CONTENT. First, he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” This contentment is sufficiency, possessing enough, being fully satisfied - independent of external circumstances.

Then he says, “I have learned the secret of being content.” He discovered a mystery, but also one which he had become intimately acquainted.

His secret? Whatever circumstances, whether in desperate need or excess abundance,

“I can do all things though Him who gives me strength.”

Jesus said it like this,

“Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Write these two phrases below your line.

God’s all-encircling provision for us creates a reality beyond our circumstances. It is the TRUE reality of God’s full, abundant, never-ending LOVE for us. He is All Powerful, and Faithful. His strength is what defines us, not our circumstance. Remembering that we are frail, wayward, and often broken individuals also grounds us in His strength, because “apart from Him we can do nothing.”

How is God revealing this secret to you today? Where is He calling you to trust Him more? Where is He asking you to surrender control of your life and trust His all-encircling love will always be enough? Talk to Him about it now.

PRAYER

Bring your heart to God in prayer through this song today.

Jireh by Maverick City Music

"Jireh, You are enough.

I will be content in every circumstance.

Jireh, You are enough.

Forever enough,

Always enough,

More than enough!"

May 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:3-10

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DAILY READING

Ecclesiastes 9:3-10

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REFLECTION

Vertical Living vs Horizontal

by Judy Webb

The theme of these verses is enjoyment. Enjoy the things of life, for they are God-given. We have unspeakable joy because of our salvation. This joy is found everywhere: mealtimes, family gatherings, our spouse and/or friends, and our work.

God intends for believers to enjoy life. How do you enjoy life? Solomon points out that we all have one thing in common, the certainty of our death. God has approved of a merry heart. This doesn’t mean every minute of every day will be filled with joy; no, that’s not reasonable. Every day will not be as we want it to be, but it is still okay to have joy. We don’t have to be miserable to be spiritual. “Anyone who is among the living has hope.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4a)

Have a blast while you last!

I think the verses for today speak of two ways of living. The first is living horizontally. To live horizontally we are in the world; we are living only for our pleasure, amassing wealth, and keeping it to ourselves. We keep our faith in ourselves (if we have any) and we scoff at others who need our help. We live for self, relying on our riches to provide happiness.

Horizontal living is defined by having a good time. Forgot about living righteously for we are all going to die eventually.

No regrets, you can’t know when, but you can be ready!

The second is living vertically. Be prepared – not with a bulging portfolio but with a love that’s obvious to all. There are three ways to live vertically:

1.    Enjoy life – have a happy heart, integrate personal life, family life, and faith life.

2.    Take Risks – share your faith with that neighbor who doesn’t know Jesus.

3.    Seek Wisdom – Pray to the Holy Spirit every day and ask for guidance and direction.

4.    Use your riches to glorify God. Share with others, care for neighbors who need some help.

Each day is a gift, make the most of it. We have unspeakable joy because of our salvation. Live vertically and share that joy!

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, teach us to live vertically, always focused you and sharing your glory with others who need to see You. Horizontal living is selfish and self-absorbed, but vertical living see You and wants to grab hold of that life. Amen.