Today’s Bible reading is 2 Corinthians chapter 8
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
The church at Corinth was blessed with many gifts and ministries, but it was still missing a very important ministry; the ministry of giving. Healthy churches are marked by the qualities prescribed in the New Testament. One of those qualities is giving. Paul mentions the healthy churches of Macedonia as an example of giving. The Macedonians faced hard times but they joyfully and generously shared from their hearts. They gave sacrificially. Not only were they an example of giving, but also they were eager to give. They gave above and beyond what was expected. Their first priority was to give themselves to the Lord. A story was told about a young boy, that when the offering plate was passed he asked the usher if he could get in it. When the usher questioned him the young boy responded, “I want to give all of myself to God.” The Macedonians had given theirselves to God. Don’t ever underestimate the impact of sacrifice. “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” The greatest Giver is God. The greatest Gift is Jesus. Generosity and sacrificial giving is at the heart of God. The more like Christ we become, the more that giving will be a priority in our lives.
Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, we give ourselves to You completely. Everything we have belongs to You. Do with us what You will. May our lives bring You great glory! In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 