Today's Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:5

Friday, August 5, 1960

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.
— 2 Corinthians 8:5
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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.

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8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Giving Hearts
Illustration of 2 Corinthians 8:5
Inspirational illustration of 2 Corinthians 8:5 -- And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
Challenge the Status Quo and Live a generous Life
Article by Rick Brown
So how do I keep the status quo from getting in the way of my generosity? Rick Brown reminds us that we are called to challenge the status quo like Jesus did and turn our values, our world, upside down and bring the life of the Kingdom the way that God wants.
Excellence in Giving
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, Show your grace to me and my family by giving us hearts so generous that we will share liberally with those who need our help. May we..."
Made for Ministry
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What is the heart of real ministry? Ministry is basically two things: giving and serving!
See All 8 Related Resources about 2 Corinthians 8:5

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.

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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.

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