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Topic: RE: Life Plan Devotion #141 [Grace abounds]
amen to that,, in this time of econamiacal troubles we seem to forget that . i know for myself that i do need to give more and that the Lord will always supply by needs. thanks for reminded us of that . God bless
Topic: Life Plan Devotion #141 [Grace abounds]
Hi, Everyone.
I just want to tell you that I love you guys. :) Please pray for those having surgery today.
Life Plan Devotion #141 [Grace abounds]
II Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (NASB).
We have been looking at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We have learned that our harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. We have learned that giving is truly a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
Verse 8 of II Corinthians chapter 9 begins a section in which God, through Paul, shows us who benefits from giving. First of all, the giver benefits. When you give, God responds!
"God is able to make all grace abound to you" (v. 8a). Rejoice that "God is able"! The Greek word for "able" is dunatŏs (doo-nat-os’), which means "powerful or capable." What is God capable of doing (at least in this one context)? "God is able to make all grace abound to you."
The Greek word for "grace" is charis (khar'-ece), which means "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life:--benefit, favour, gift." The Greek word for "abound" is
pĕrissĕuō (per-is-syoo’-o), which means "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; to cause to superabound or excel:--make, have, be more, enough and to spare."
If you are a giver, you will benefit by God's divine favor on your life. It's not that you "earn" that by giving, but it is how God responds. All the favor, benefits, and gifts of God are available to the giver. Even though we give, it's all still unmerited favor.
While God blesses us in many ways, physically and spiritually, it is clear (by the context) that God blesses givers in a material way. God gives, so we can give more. We are blessed to be a blessing.
II Corinthians 8:2-5 [NIRV]
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us."
What this has to do with weight loss: I don't know about you, but when I'm in a trial, especially a weight-loss journey trial, I become very introspective and can isolate myself. It's as if I think that if I focus on the trial or problem, I'll be able to climb my way out or come up with the answer. That seldom works. If I focus on others, however, looking for ways I can bless someone else, even when I think I have very little to give, I am able to experience relief in my trial. If you are smack dab in the middle of a trial, look to God and then look for ways to bless others. God will honor that, and He will bless and help you.
Confession:
I am a giver. I am blessed to be a blessing.
Blessings,
Mary
I just want to tell you that I love you guys. :) Please pray for those having surgery today.
Life Plan Devotion #141 [Grace abounds]
II Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (NASB).
We have been looking at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We have learned that our harvest is in proportion to the amount of seed we sow. We have learned that giving is truly a "matter of the heart," and must be done thoughtfully, prayerfully, and decisively.
Verse 8 of II Corinthians chapter 9 begins a section in which God, through Paul, shows us who benefits from giving. First of all, the giver benefits. When you give, God responds!
"God is able to make all grace abound to you" (v. 8a). Rejoice that "God is able"! The Greek word for "able" is dunatŏs (doo-nat-os’), which means "powerful or capable." What is God capable of doing (at least in this one context)? "God is able to make all grace abound to you."
The Greek word for "grace" is charis (khar'-ece), which means "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life:--benefit, favour, gift." The Greek word for "abound" is
pĕrissĕuō (per-is-syoo’-o), which means "to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; to cause to superabound or excel:--make, have, be more, enough and to spare."
If you are a giver, you will benefit by God's divine favor on your life. It's not that you "earn" that by giving, but it is how God responds. All the favor, benefits, and gifts of God are available to the giver. Even though we give, it's all still unmerited favor.
While God blesses us in many ways, physically and spiritually, it is clear (by the context) that God blesses givers in a material way. God gives, so we can give more. We are blessed to be a blessing.
II Corinthians 8:2-5 [NIRV]
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us."
What this has to do with weight loss: I don't know about you, but when I'm in a trial, especially a weight-loss journey trial, I become very introspective and can isolate myself. It's as if I think that if I focus on the trial or problem, I'll be able to climb my way out or come up with the answer. That seldom works. If I focus on others, however, looking for ways I can bless someone else, even when I think I have very little to give, I am able to experience relief in my trial. If you are smack dab in the middle of a trial, look to God and then look for ways to bless others. God will honor that, and He will bless and help you.
Confession:
I am a giver. I am blessed to be a blessing.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Topic: RE: prayer
thanks to all who are praying for my son and i so far i have not heard anything from my land lords just trusting the LOrd for all things. i have another one my son is going for an MRI on fri. 2 years ago he had brain surgery, he has a chaira malformation of the brain. praise God he is doing great in fact he is a senior this year, was at football practice and after ward got some funny feelings in his neck, took him to the dr. and they are pretty sure it is not the chairs.... but my son had decided not to play foot ball so the coaches have made him a manger for the team...
thank you again
thank you again
Topic: RE: Tuesday Coffee Talk
Alicia, I have called every Surgeon that I know of in Alabama. They have stopped taking Medicaid because it doesn't pay anything on the surgery. They said it is like the Patient getting a free surgery. I'm sorry. I tried. I love you and I am praying.
For every Goliath, there is a Stone! His name is Jesus!"
Topic: RE: Requesting prayers for my daughter's cancer surgery
Kathy!
(Pre-op: 5'2", 292/277/148-Highest/at WLS/Current)
Let God's presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom
to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
All of you are so great - I so appreciate all your powerful and fervent prayers. I will leave work an hour early this afternoon, so that I can fly out. Thanks again, so much. I believe God is working! I love you all.
Kathy!(Pre-op: 5'2", 292/277/148-Highest/at WLS/Current)
Let God's presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom
to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Topic: RE: Requesting prayers for my daughter's cancer surgery
I agree with you according to Amos 3:3 "...can two walk together except they be in agreement?"
I pray
that your daughter is made whole in Jesus Name.
I pray
that your daughter is made whole in Jesus Name. Topic: RE: Tuesday Coffee Talk
Good morning you wonderful REAL Sister of mine! No luck yet on the search. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A DR. THAT TAKES MEDICAID, PLEASE LET US KNOW. Alicia's Dr. is quitting her practice.
I love ya Alicia. Tell Momma I love her too. Enjoy those Fruity Pebbles. I'm enjoying my coffee. LOL
I love ya Alicia. Tell Momma I love her too. Enjoy those Fruity Pebbles. I'm enjoying my coffee. LOL
For every Goliath, there is a Stone! His name is Jesus!"
Topic: RE: Tuesday Coffee Talk
Good morning to you, too. I hope you already know how much I love you, but just in case I haven't told you lately, Randall you mean so much to our whole family. I know that we have all taken the other for granted, but when it mattered the most we have always been there to lift each other up. Thanks for being the world's best brother!!!!! Oh yeah, I am eating Fruity Peebles and enjoying the SILENCE!!!!!! Any luck on the doctor search?
Topic: Life Plan Devotion #140 [Guidelines for Giving, 3 of 3]
Hi, Everyone.
Today, we wrap up the 3 guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. I pray this verse and these 3 devotions have blessed you.
Please remember to pray for each other, especially for those who have just had surgery, are having surgery today, and those who are having surgery soon.
Life Plan Devotion #140 [Guidelines for Giving, 3 of 3]
II Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV).
We have looked at two of the three guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. We have learned that 1) the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it, and that 2) godly giving takes resolve.
Today, let's look at the third guideline for giving, 3) give cheerfully and privately, without desiring to be thanked or "showcased." II Corinthians 9:7 says that "God loves a cheerful giver." What does that mean?
Think about a time when you cheerfully gave a gift to someone. Were you happy to give it? Absolutely. Were you prompt in giving it? Certainly. Did you choose the gift carefully, thoughtfully considering the person to whom the gift would be given? Yes. Did you give, expecting nothing in return? Hopefully so.
Yes, God loves a "cheerful giver." The Greek word for "cheerful" is hilarŏs (hil-ar-os), and it means "merry, prompt or willing." It's where we get the word hilarious. A cheerful giver is happy to give, delights in giving. The Amplified Version says "a cheerful (joyous, 'prompt to do it') giver [whose heart is in his giving]." A cheerful giver can't help but give!
Matthew 10:8
"...Freely you have received, freely give."
What this has to do with weight loss: When I think of my own personal weight-loss journey, I feel so blessed. I have "received" much. I've received encouragement from others, advice, information, prayers, even had monetary and other needs met by my church family, friends, relatives, and even strangers. I have received freely and, I hope, gratefully and gracefully. Now, whenever, wherever, however I can, I try to give back. How about you? How can you encourage someone on their weight-loss journey today? Never think that what you have to give is too small or unimportant. If you have freely received, I encourage you to "freely give."
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, decisively, and joyfully.
Blessings,
Mary
Today, we wrap up the 3 guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. I pray this verse and these 3 devotions have blessed you.
Please remember to pray for each other, especially for those who have just had surgery, are having surgery today, and those who are having surgery soon.
Life Plan Devotion #140 [Guidelines for Giving, 3 of 3]
II Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV).
We have looked at two of the three guidelines for giving, as outlined in II Corinthians 9:7. We have learned that 1) the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it, and that 2) godly giving takes resolve.
Today, let's look at the third guideline for giving, 3) give cheerfully and privately, without desiring to be thanked or "showcased." II Corinthians 9:7 says that "God loves a cheerful giver." What does that mean?
Think about a time when you cheerfully gave a gift to someone. Were you happy to give it? Absolutely. Were you prompt in giving it? Certainly. Did you choose the gift carefully, thoughtfully considering the person to whom the gift would be given? Yes. Did you give, expecting nothing in return? Hopefully so.
Yes, God loves a "cheerful giver." The Greek word for "cheerful" is hilarŏs (hil-ar-os), and it means "merry, prompt or willing." It's where we get the word hilarious. A cheerful giver is happy to give, delights in giving. The Amplified Version says "a cheerful (joyous, 'prompt to do it') giver [whose heart is in his giving]." A cheerful giver can't help but give!
Matthew 10:8
"...Freely you have received, freely give."
What this has to do with weight loss: When I think of my own personal weight-loss journey, I feel so blessed. I have "received" much. I've received encouragement from others, advice, information, prayers, even had monetary and other needs met by my church family, friends, relatives, and even strangers. I have received freely and, I hope, gratefully and gracefully. Now, whenever, wherever, however I can, I try to give back. How about you? How can you encourage someone on their weight-loss journey today? Never think that what you have to give is too small or unimportant. If you have freely received, I encourage you to "freely give."
Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, decisively, and joyfully.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Topic: RE: Requesting prayers for my daughter's cancer surgery
Praying for your daughter, for you and for healing/speedy recovery! GOD BLESS!!
For every Goliath, there is a Stone! His name is Jesus!"
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