THE BIG PICTURE
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6, ESV
Theme: Generosity, whether with our time, talent, or treasure, is not wasted.
POINTS AND PROMISES
In the Scripture above, we see two points and two promises; one feels welcoming, and another challenges us. Yet both are true, and we don't have to question or doubt God’s Word. Being faithful to set aside ten percent of our income is a tangible way to walk in obedience. When we give, something changes inside us, and we find ourselves getting excited for payday, not because of what we’ll receive, but because we get to give.
We begin to look forward to watching what God does with our tithes. What we give takes wings and furthers the reach of the church, feeding the hungry, putting Bibles in the hands of new believers, and meeting needs we may never see. In the end, we discover that the giver is far more blessed than the receiver.
AVAILABLE LIKE JESUS
Though Jesus had all the power of God, He chose humility, He was approachable, compassionate, and always willing to heal, teach, and serve. In other words, He made Himself available. And that’s how we can follow His example, by using whatever resources, gifts, talents, and time we have to serve others.
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
I’ll admit, this part was hard for me. I was comfortable with tithing, but giving my time and stepping out was another story. When I first came to The Cove, I was a new believer, shy, introverted, and terrified of crowds. Yet God led me there anyway. The church felt so big, and the people seemed so confident.
I used to come early and sit in my car, praying for the courage to open the door. And every time, He gave it to me. Slowly, He nudged me into serving, and when I finally I started serving at the Next Steps area, a whole new world of connection and confidence in Him opened up. I was no longer afraid to walk in the door as I had been before. I thank Him every day for that.
So, step out of your comfort zone. Trust Him to take care of your needs, He loves it when you do. Become a giver and a doer. You’ll never regret it, and you’ll be blessed more than you can imagine.
JESUS AT THE CAR WASH
Recently, my bank account took a few unexpected hits. I had four big expenses. Two were planned, but the two were not. It shook me, but I wasn’t devastated. Jesus gave me a new heart, a reason to live, and a peace I never had before. I have learned to trust the One who’s always been faithful.
One of those expenses was a trip to the vet for my German “Shedder” Shepherd, and another was a badly needed car wash. As I drove to the car wash, I was having a deep conversation with Jesus. I kept repeating, “Everything’s going to be okay, Lord. I trust You.” When I arrived, I started to feel a little guilty, thinking I could have washed it myself and saved money. But I was already there, so I pulled up and told the attendant what wash I wanted. He tapped the screen, and before I could pay, the gate opened and the voice said, “Please drive through.” I must have looked confused because he smiled and said, “You must be a member.” I told him, “No, I’m not.” He said, “Well, you are today.” As I pulled into the tunnel, I burst out laughing. I knew right then, it was Jesus giving me a little nudge, whispering, “You just said you trust Me. I heard you.”
God tells us to trust Him with our needs and to give out of that trust. And when we do, He always finds a way to remind us that He’s got us covered.
Make It Personal: When we trust God with our resources, we open the door for Him to show His faithfulness in the most personal ways. For you, is it taking that next step to serve, even when it feels uncomfortable? Or maybe it’s holding firm in your giving when things feel tight, choosing to believe that He sees and cares? Every time you give, serve, or step out in faith, you’re saying, "Lord, I trust You.” That’s the kind of obedience that builds joy, courage, and deep peace.
Pray: Lord, my prayer is that Your Holy Spirit sweeps through this church, kindling a fire in every heart. Open our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Give us a thirst for Your Word, fill us with courage, trust, and love, and give us a boldness to serve. Use us, Lord, so that we can glorify You, and one day hear, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
Read: Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 22:9
Weekly Memory Verse: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6, ESV