This week as we return for part two of Paul’s attempt to stir up a spiritual disposition of joyful generosity among the Corithians, he shifts his focus from God’s past grace poured out through the first coming of Jesus to his future grace. Living by faith in his future grace, when it comes to giving, means trusting that his storehouses of grace know no limits and he loves to throw open their doors to enrich our capacity to give.

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (9:8).”

That’s a lot of superlatives. Or this…

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God (9:11).”

These promises are held out like a challenge from God to test him by faith in his future grace. It’s reminiscent of God’s challenge to his people in Malachi 3:10 when their joyful generosity was drying up into a drought.

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need (Malachi 3:10).”

This Sunday Scott Rosenkranz will be preaching 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:15 and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? And as we pray for our church family, let’s ask God to help us “ponder anew, what the Almighty can do if with His love He befriend Thee.” It’s a win-win. We will be enriched for joyful generosity and God will receive more thanksgiving.

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

Song Link of the Week
King of Love (Psalm 23) by I Am They

The King of love, my Shepherd is
Whose goodness faileth never
I nothing lack if I am his
And He is mine forever