Devotionals for May 16, 2024
Theology Thursday today at 12pm. Come join us!
READ
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NLT
1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 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.
1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 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.
REFLECT
Yesterday, we thanked God for his provision in our prayer. Today we reflect on how believers in the earlier church in Macedonia felt privileged to be able to share with other believers. Because of Jesus, has your trust in where your provision comes from changed? Because of Jesus, has your desire for the satisfaction that comes through things changed? Because of Jesus, has your desire for the status that comes with things changed?
APPLY
Q: Are you full of abundant joy? Are you overflowing with rich generosity?
Q: Do you remember to praise and thank God for his blessings? Do you share those blessings?
Q: How can you bless someone with your generosity? What is one tangible action you can take today that will bring a blessing to someone?
Q: Do you remember to praise and thank God for his blessings? Do you share those blessings?
Q: How can you bless someone with your generosity? What is one tangible action you can take today that will bring a blessing to someone?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord Jesus, I am not worthy of the forgiveness You give to me. There are times that I am blind to the anger in my heart. Open my eyes so that I may unburden my heart from that anger. Soften my heart so that I may treat those who have wronged me with compassion. I humbly ask that you guide me with your counsel. Show me the way to forgive others as You have shown forgiveness to me.
Lord Jesus, I am not worthy of the forgiveness You give to me. There are times that I am blind to the anger in my heart. Open my eyes so that I may unburden my heart from that anger. Soften my heart so that I may treat those who have wronged me with compassion. I humbly ask that you guide me with your counsel. Show me the way to forgive others as You have shown forgiveness to me.