Today's Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:5

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

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
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.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Lane Olinghouse:
"Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Faith Transforms You if You Trust His Word'
"By this faith you are saved [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose], if you hold firmly to the word which...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Problem People'
"Dear Precious One, Yesterday's note focused on valuing each person in the Father's family. There are, however, some in the family who seem to be..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Romans 8:28
"Upon some points a believer is absolutely sure. He knows, for instance, that God sits in the stern-sheets of the vessel when it rocks most. He..."

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.

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.

More Today's Verse