Friday Devo
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Commentary:
8:2–5 God’s grace was manifested in that the Macedonians gave even though they were poor. not as we expected. What surprised Paul was that the Macedonians also gave themselves first to the Lord (a recommitment of their lives) and then … to us; they offered not only money but also any other personal help they could give to Paul.
Questions:
- The Macedonians responded to the need before them with extreme generosity! Reflect on this quote from William Barclay: "Need awakens a desire that cannot be stilled." How might this apply to your finances? Has a desire in you been awakened to answer the call? If not, what is missing?
- The Big Idea from Sunday was, "I'm READY to give GENEROUSLY to the EMERGENCY!" When you are moved by the urgency of the gospel getting to a dying world, you can't help but to give. Reread this quote from Francis Chan..."We have become dangerously comfortable—believers ooze with wealth and let their addictions to comfort and security numb the radical urgency of the gospel." Generosity to the emergency is the primary way we drive a stake in the heart of the idolatry of our own comfort and security. What would it look like in YOUR life to drive a stake in the heart of your own comfort? What might it look like to give generously to the emergency? What is holding you back?
Pray:
- That the need in front of you would awaken a desire within you.
- That you would become eager to give to the emergency.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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