Reading
SAA Notes
Generosity is an attribute that we gradually lose, as we possess more of this world’s goods. The Macedonian churches will always be a challenge to us of rich generosity in a time of most severe trial, extreme poverty, but overflowing joy. Joy is the key to generosity!
SJA Notes
* Dear God Above, thank You for this day, and for Your word to us today – Please teach us, open our hearts, that we might listen and obey.
“… But they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
There is good order here, and a good encouragement and exhortation to us.
We need to get the order right!
First to the Lord. Then to good works.
Our works do not (and should not) define us.
It is the Lord that matters, as Paul has pointed to again and again these two letters to the Corinthian church (and to us) – He is the center, the foundation, the pivot and crux.
When we give ourselves to the Lord, He will direct our hearts toward the good works that He has prepared for us beforehand.
This is a good and wonderful thing!
* Dear Lord God,
Please help us to remember the order – That You are first.
Please help us to put You first in our lives; in how we think, speak and act.
Please make us more like Jesus today and each day.
Amen.