"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - Day 261 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ecclesiastes 1-3 2 Cor. 9)
CHEERFUL LIVING
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV)
Paul is giving us a partial description of cheerful Christian living. We who have been given everything by means of the death and resurrection of Christ, now get to respond in cheerful thanksgiving. He who gave us His best, now expects us to return our best to Him, and to do it joyfully. And what is it that He expects us to give? The best of our time, talent (abilities), treasure and testimony.
Lord of Glory, You have bought us
With Your life-blood as the price,
Never grudging for the lost ones
That tremendous sacrifice;
And with that have freely given
Blessings countless as the sand
To th' unthankful and the evil
With Your own unsparing hand.
Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to give You
Gladly, freely, of Your own.
With the sunshine of Your goodness
Melt our thankless hearts of stone
Till our cold and selfish natures,
Warmed by You, at length believe
That more happy and more blessed
'Tis to give than to receive.
(Lutheran Service Book #851 stanzas 1&2)
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for giving Your best to me. Please help me to thankfully give my best back, and to do it cheerfully. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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