blessed to be a blessing

Reading in 2 Corinthians 9 this morning, where Paul strongly encourages the Corinthian believers to give generously (and cheerfully!) to the Macedonians who are in need.  Verse 11 from the message:

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you.  He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

Throughout the bible we see that God's people are blessed by God so that they could in turn be a blessing to others.  As we live that out, we experience the crazy paradox that in giving to others we receive even more.  I agree with Paul that God has been "more than extravagant" with me!  I pray that I will be a grateful and generous person, producing great praise of God.

So my prayer this morning is Lord, how have You blessed me so that I would bless others?  Am I giving generously out of the abundance You have given me?  If not, show me where I need to change.

• We in America are blessed with financial abundance unlike any other country or culture in the history of the world.  How much does God want me to give away?
  

• I was so blessed early on in my walk with Jesus to have someone invest in me as a mentor and friend.  Am I investing in others that way?
  

• God faithfully speaks to me and leads me each day.  As I learn from God, am I obeying Him and then teaching others what He has taught me?
  

• Am I modeling generosity and thankfulness to my children?