WATCHWORD:
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. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3
Meditation:
Practice, Practice, Practice
I occasionally get devotionals from Allen Jackson Ministries, and the one I received recently came at a time when I was working on a meditation on the subject of Giving. Jackson deals with an aspect of our generosity, or lack thereof, that, I believe, we all experience, if we were honest. We weigh our giving against an imaginary sense of our security, as if we are the source of that security. How wrong we are. So, this is Pastor Allen’s take on this sensitive point, referencing 2 Corinthians:
“Paul is writing to the Corinthian believers about the Macedonian believers. He says that even though the Macedonians are experiencing financial challenges, their abundant joy is manifesting itself in rich generosity toward others. This doesn’t make financial sense, does it? Our first instinct is to take care of “me and mine,” and then think about being generous. Paul goes on to say in v. 5 that this unusual selflessness is because they had first given themselves to the Lord. Do we “give ourselves” first to our own comforts and conveniences? Or do we first give ourselves to the Lord—our time, attention, and our resources? Character is not shaped by what we know or even what we say, but by what we practice. I urge you to cultivate the practices that will strengthen godly character in your life. Don’t wait for tomorrow; cultivate and practice them now.” Practice, practice, practice! Amen.
Consider Doing This:
Keep in mind that generosity is a decision. Create a list of practices that will help you shape and strengthen your godly character, and add notes regarding an implementation plan for each discipline.
Called to Serve:
Friday, June 10, 9 a.m. — Stan will be speaking in Timbercrest Chapel on the subject of the Holy Spirit. Masks are required in Timbercrest.
Sunday, June 12, 9:30 a.m. — Stan will be providing the message at Zion Lutheran Church, North Manchester. His topic? Being a Christian ain’t easy! All are welcome, masks are optional.
Gentle Reminder:
You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for where I have been more attentive to my own needs above Yours. Help me to reverse that behavior and practice new disciplines in my time, focus, and resources that will build a character that reflects Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
