We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Nate Hemphill.
Bible Reading:
“10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?“Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
“15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.”
1 Corinthians 9:10-15
Word:
You’ve probably noticed in recent months, and seen reported on the news how supply chain issues are wreaking havoc on the world economy and sending prices through the roof. Everything seems to have become more scarce and expensive from eggs and milk, to cars and air travel. It’s only natural during times like these for responsible consumers to scale back and conserve. Cutting back on non-essential things is much easier to do than vital needs and services. These decisions require us to prioritize what is truly essential and what is not.
As believers and followers of Christ our mindset in times of scarcity should be different from the world around us. I love how the Apostle Paul writes about his thoughts in both good and bad times, “I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).” Paul is essentially saying that his trust for supply is in God – period.
With this stewardship outlook on what we’ve been blessed with, our priority must remain steadfast in supporting the ministry of the Gospel. We must continue supporting our churches and ministries with tithes and offerings, as well as commitments of prayer and service. In doing so, the Kingdom of Heaven will continue to grow and thrive as we mirror Christ’s heart for the world. Not only are we trusting God to supply our own needs, but that he’ll continue to multiply a spirit of generosity inside of us to serve as a witness for the Kingdom.
Prayer:
Skillwork:
How have your finances been impacted in the past year? Take a few minutes to ponder how God has sustained you through times of scarcity. Now shift your focus to praise as you consider how you can make even better use of your blessings to sew back into the Kingdom.
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