Today's Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:5

Sunday, August 5, 2012

And [the young Macedonian believers] did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul's encouraging the Corinthian brothers and sisters to support other believers in need in Jerusalem. Paul nudges the Corinthians and says he was surprised at the Macedonians' generosity to the Lord's work for two reasons:
  1. They were impoverished and had little to share.
  2. Rather than viewing what they had as their own, they gave themselves to God and then to his servants who were asking for help to minister to others.
These enthusiastic new believers in Macedonia - Thessalonica and Philippi - were great examples to other believers. Their generosity reminds us of how we should approach our giving to help others in need: give ourselves first to God and then generously share what we have with others!

My Prayer...

O righteous Father and generous God, forgive me for being selfish with the blessings you have so richly entrusted with me. I give my heart, worldly goods, and life to you fully, not holding back anything from your will. I ask that you help me know how to use these blessings best and share them generously with those you want to bless through me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of 2 Corinthians 8:5 — And [the young Macedonian believers] did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 5, 2012

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Have you ever really weighed and considered how great the sin of God's people is? Think how heinous is your own transgression, and you will find that...."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Concerning his explanations of the parables about the Kingdom, Jesus asked his disciples:] "Do you understand all these things?" "Yes," they..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Faithful Follower, One of the marks of Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — people has been their acceptance of "moving out," that is,...."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.