25 Oct November 22nd Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

ALL THAT YOU NEED

2 Corinthians 9:8  ^“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

“All that you need. . .”  For the next few minutes meditate with me on these four words from today’s devotional thought.  “All that you need. . .”

Did you know there are two definitions for the word “want?”  The first is having a want is to want that for which you wish or desire.  If you make lists, what would go on this list?  Take a few minutes to create it.

The second definition of the word want is “a lack of something.”  In this case it means the exact opposite of the first meaning.  The first list might be and usually is quite long, that is what you do not have but desire to have.  The second is simply what you do not have.  Usually, this second meaning is the absence of something that is essential or important to your life.

Today’s devotional verse says that God abundantly provides you with what you need, not what you want (first meaning.)  Think of all the essentials and critical things that God provides you on a daily basis without you even asking such as food, water, air, shelter, clothing, money, friends, His Son Jesus, etc.  The Psalmist says, “He opens His hands and satisfies your desires. . .” (Psalm 145:16)

The list of your needs is quite long.  God knows it quite well.  The Bible says, “He cares for you. . .” (1 Peter 5:7)  In fact, Peter’s complete verse here says, “Cast all of your cares (wants) upon Him (because) He cares for you.”

The Psalmist writes, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked . . .” (Psalm 37:7,16)  St. Paul reminds you as you review your want list, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”  (1 Timothy 6:6-10)  Jesus urges you to “seek first His kingdom and righteousness”  Jesus then follows these words with this promise, “and all these things (and all the rest) will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, guide me through the temptation of wants to want only that which is for my eternal good.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, And His righteousness.

And all these things shall be added unto you! Allelu, alleluia!

Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find,

Knock and the door shall be opened unto you, Allelu, alleluia!

Man does not live by bread alone, But by ev’ry word

That proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, Allelu, alleluia!

(LSB 712)