2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Job 16:1-19:29 ESV, 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 ESV, Psalm 40:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 22:1 ESV
Daily Verse: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV)
EUODOO (2137): “From a compound of 2095 and 3598; to help on the road, i.e. (pass.) succeed in reaching; fig. to succeed in business affairs. “To help on one’s way” is used in the passive voice with the meaning; “to have a prosperous journey” “to prosper” 1 Cor 16:2.”[i]
Prosperous journey
Paul instructs the Corinthians on how to give. Each week, they must set aside an amount for collection on Sundays. Incorporating giving into their lifestyle aligns their hearts with God and provides for those less fortunate.
Parting with our hard-earned money challenges the best of us. But we must remember one key point: we can’t outgive God. The giver of life provides all we need. We can’t make money if God doesn’t provide the job. God owns everything; we give back what He gave us.
In a recent message, the pastor talked about envy. Comparing what we have to others doesn’t end well. If we live our lives envying others, we can’t enjoy what we have. God never intended for us to all have the same thing.
Godly contentment.
As the pastor pointed out, in the parable of the talents, God gave each person a different amount. One guy received five talents, another two, and another one, each tasked with managing what they had (Matthew 25:14-30 ESV). Someone will always have more than you; some will have the same, and others will have less.
Becoming content in Christ means accepting what God gives you and managing it wisely. The servant with five talents managed his portion well and received more, while the servant with only one talent hid his and eventually lost it.
Become generous with what God gives you. Plan to share your blessings with others. Start by giving back to God what He already owns; give to your local church. Build a storehouse for the community that can help those less fortunate.
Rich or poor, we all will die one day. Store your treasures in heaven, knowing they don’t last on earth. You can’t outgive God, but you can have fun trying.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 106) Thomas Nelson
