You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
Thanksgiving to God
Andrea Lynn Beck’s bestselling and award-winning picture books Goodnight, Canada and Good Morning, Canada have struck a chord with Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Her 2017 book, Thank You, Canada continues to celebrate our country’s myriad strengths. Joyful, detailed spreads bring out the varied flavours of Canada, in its culture, people, nature and contributions to the world. On each page, rhyming text and fun-filled art joyfully capture the many reasons to say: “Thank you, Canada. You make us proud.”
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There is a false theology in Christian circles that teaches God wants you to be rich in material things. The prosperity Gospel is so enticing to people – who doesn’t want to have full bank accounts and the ability to buy all the toys the world offers? The problem is that the Bible never makes these promises. It does promise that we can be rich in the things of God’s Kingdom – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When it does speak about financial prosperity, it always does so with a caveat. We see this in 2 Corinthians 9:11: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” If the Lord has blessed you financially, He has done so for one reason – so you can be generous in supporting the work of the Lord around the world. The result is thanksgiving to God. In my role at Bible League Canada, I have experienced that thanksgiving – from the people around the world who have met Jesus through the generosity of our supporters. Be generous with all that God has provided.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley