October 2021
Nougat 2
Have you ever been guilty of carrying on a conversation with someone, and they can’t follow because you’d had part of the conversation in your head? That’s what can occur when we try to unpack one verse by itself without context. Like today’s Holy Nougat
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
Siblings, the use of the word ‘AND’ is often a good hint that something preceded the current text. And that that something qualifies or is qualified by the words that follow the ‘AND’. In this case, the preceding verse sets the context for what God does.
Very important information!!!
And that verse is an encouragement for generosity in our giving; not only in amount but also with regard to our attitude and motive. Now that we are almost fully on the same page, let’s re-examine our text.
The Promise therefore of abound-ance (ie th fact of God’s overflow) even at work (as per yesterday’s version of today’s Holy Nougat) is a consequence OF our generosity. We are assured, like the widow with the last meal, that when we give as unto God; God responds. [We might now be trying to determine whether we gave willingly and cheerfully to others. Great! If no, begin now].
This response-ive abundance from God comes in the form of our needs being met AND the ongoing capacity to continue to share with others. Now isn’t that awesome. Perhaps awe-full, as it brings us to a place of being in awe of God’s generosity. Just think … if God blesses us, God’s already hoping that we WILL bless others. And (there’s that AND again) more critically; what God has given us IS enough to share with others!
Awe-Full indeed. As children we often coined our own words; and we used ‘squinch’, ‘tinch’ and even ‘squint’ to describe quantities Less than a ‘pinch’ (of salt). We have the assurance that even if the “all we need” looks like a teeny tiny squinch, there’s actually enough in what we have to share with others.
Now that’s not only awesomeness; it probably requires a new mindset!
For even if – when we down to the handful of grain and the drainings of oil; God’s saying we have enough to give! Is it then that we need to stop seeing in pinches, tinches and squints and see abound-ance (God’s Overflow)? Not just from the work of our hands; but also in ALL God has gifted us? Enough to share and to be replenished?!
Ahh
WOW!!!
That reminds me of what I thought was a silly song in my Jibbidy Ef (G-B-D-F) music book. It said
I’ve got sixpence to spend;
I’ve got sixpence to lend and
sixpence to send home to my wife.”
Perhaps generosity in our current situation makes as much sense as the silly song; but if God is our Provider; there’s more to be had.
Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ