Today you should read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
This passage is so interesting to read through in the season that we are currently in. We have come out of Missions Emphasis Month, and we got to witness and be part of God moving in amazing ways through the church and the willingness to give. Then we are approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas where, as the Bride of Christ we get to provide food for families in need at Thanksgiving, and gifts and things of need for families in our community for Christmas.
The joy of all of this is not found in the actions. It is found in the purpose. We do all of these things to see the Kingdom of God advanced. We are sowing with generosity knowing that God can use our money and things in a much greater way than we can. We may never see personally the fruit of our generosity, however, when we sow bountifully we also reap bountifully. (v.6)
Because of this truth we can continue giving whatever we can generously. Not because we feel pressured or we hope to gain from giving. But because we know that God will use what we give and He will produce fruit, and He will be known by others. When we keep this perspective we have a heart of joy, and even excitement to give sacrificially to the work of God.
The questions I ask myself in light of this passage are:
- Am I generous for the Kingdom?
- Is it a burden or a Joy to give?
- Do I give in hopes of seeing the Kingdom advance or because I “have to?”
I would encourage you to ask yourselves these questions today and pray for the Spirit to reveal to you the answers.
By: Dakota Gragg — Student Ministry Associate
JumpstartCPC.com 
Great word today Dakota. I love how this passage advises us to gauge the condition of our own hearts and motivations before we give. Giving out of compulsion often leads to resentment, especially as we enter into a season where we will be bombarded with requests for our time and money.
Good word today Dakota! I love what Malachi 3:10 says about giving.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
So, what is the “storehouse”? I believe it is the local church where God has called each of us to worship & serve. Imagine if every believer tithed at his or local church? We would have such an abundance of resources that we’d be able to fund numerous missions in addition to the needs of the local church. God would indeed “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there would not be room enough to store it.” Let’s test the great “I AM”.
* His or Her (missed a word)