I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.
Psalm 66:13-15

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

Daily Devotion – December 12, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:13-15

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President Nixon’s aide, Chuck Colson, was a key player in the Watergate scandal. Because of his involvement, Colson faced prison time. During that dark time, a friend gave Colson the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. He began reading, and God’s Spirit began working in him.

One night, Colson cried out to God, confessed his sins, and promised to change his life. He pled guilty, and after serving time, Colson kept that promise. He founded Prison Fellowship, a global ministry that shares the gospel with prisoners and their families.

Colson’s conversion reflects the psalmist’s words. From the depth of his need, the psalmist promises to honor God’s faithfulness. When he was in trouble, God delivered. So, he vows to sacrifice a sizable thank offering to the Lord.

Christmas invites us to reflect on how, when we were in trouble, God delivered us. “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4,5).

Because Christ sacrificed himself for us, we joyfully submit ourselves to him. In the morning, we make appropriate and well-thought-out vows to live for him. We promise that whatever we do, we will do it all to his glory. In the evening, we humbly confess our sins, acknowledge our guilt, plead for his mercy, and rejoice in his forgiveness.

Let this Advent season be a time when you, like the psalmist, joyfully bring your sacrifices to God, your Savior. And come to worship him in his temple.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 324, vs 1)
O Jesus, let your Word be a lamp to light my way, to show me how to please you, to guide me every day. Amen.

Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.
Psalm 66:5-7

A Great and Mighty Wonder

Daily Devotion – December 10, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:5-7

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Movies like It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, Home Alone, and even Die Hard suggest that nothing goes together with Christmas like miracles and wonder.

Think of how many Christmas movies involve miracles: unexpected twists, people reunited, hearts softened, and wishes granted. These stories are meant to inspire and uplift. Yet even the most moving Christmas films miss the wonder of the real miracle of Christmas.

This Advent season, the psalmist invites us to “Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” Christmas celebrates God stepping down into our broken world to live among us. He didn’t come to visit; he came to bring salvation.

Just as Christ delivered Israel by the parting of the Red Sea, Christ came on Christmas to deliver humanity by making a way where there was none. His sinless life and sacrificial death opened the way for us to reconciliation and life with God. Jesus is the way that leads from death to life for all who follow him in faith.

While Christmas movies may warm our hearts, their joy is fleeting, and their miracles soon fade. But God’s Christmas miracle has no end. Christ’s work fills our lives, giving us hope beyond this life, and peace beyond understanding.

Step back from the busyness and wonder anew. “Come and see” with fresh eyes and kneel before the real miracle— “an infant who veils his deity.”

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 349, vs 4)
Since all he comes to ransom, by all be he adored, the infant born in Bethlehem, the Savior and the Lord. Proclaim the Savior’s birth: “To God on high be glory and peace to all the earth.” Amen.

“Then suddenly the LORD you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.
Malachi 3:1-4

A Time to Prepare

Daily Devotion – December 8, 2024

Devotion based on Malachi 3:1-4

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Have you ever gotten soap in your eye or accidentally rubbed some sanitizer into a recent paper cut. That really stings, doesn’t it? Something like that causes discomfort. It is often bad enough to make us cry out in pain. It can be a very painful few seconds or even minutes. That’s why children don’t want dad or mom to clean out a recent cut or scrape.

Repentance works the same way. It is painful to admit sin. Admitting that we have sinned also brings discomfort. We don’t like to admit greed, apathy, lust, or hatred. Like the child with the skin cut, we try to hide our sin. We try to avoid the painful but necessary cleansing process.

Failing to clean out a wound allows it to fester. It can lead to infection, illness and even ultimately death. In that case, a little discomfort in getting cleaned up is a good thing. Similarly, sin that is not cleansed through repentance is dangerous for our souls. Repentance prevents sin from festering and infecting our faith. Sin that is not addressed can ultimately lead to unbelief and eternal death in hell.

The season of Advent is a time to prepare our souls for Jesus’ return. Use the time to humbly repent of your sins and let the gospel heal you. Like a launderer uses soap, let God’s Word do its important work of cleansing your soul in Christ. He alone purifies us from all sin. Put your faith in him.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, use your law and gospel to prepare my heart to meet you. Purify me from sin and wash me clean in your blood. Amen.

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:13

He Comes to Make Us Blameless and Holy

Daily Devotion – December 6, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:13

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“Do you think of yourself as more of a sinner or a saint?” This was the question that the pastor asked his Bible Study group. The response was unanimous. Everyone agreed they thought of themselves as more sinner than saint.

Maybe it was the power of group dynamics talking. No one wanted to be seen as prideful. Or perhaps it was simply the truth. As we conduct our lives on this earth, we realize that there are many ways to stumble along the path of following our God in faith. Experience tells us, “I am a sinner.”

Of course, the Bible tells us that both are true. We are sinners—because we are weak and possess a sinful flesh that always wants to follow its own path. And we are saints—completely forgiven, washed clean by the precious blood of Christ.

The sinner part we seem to accept more easily. But in today’s Bible passage, the apostle Paul calls us to believe the other truth as well. You are a saint!

How can this be? Don’t look to yourself for the proof. Honest reflection would only leave you feeling even more like a sinner.

Instead, trust God’s promises in the Bible. In his Word, God shows you how sinners become saints. The Savior came to a world of sin and overcame it. Jesus met sin at the cross where your sin became his, and his holiness became yours. Through faith, God has changed your heart to know the love of Christ and the promise of eternal life.

Many days, we will struggle to believe it. How can this sinner be a saint? Go to the Word. There, God strengthens your heart. There, God will again convince you of the truth. Through the blood of Jesus, you are blameless and holy.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for taking on my sin and giving me your holiness. Help me to believe that I am washed clean, a saint. Strengthen me to live as one. Amen.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.
1 Thessalonians 3:11

He Comes to Clear the Way

Daily Devotion – December 4, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:11

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Sometimes people take on obstacles just for the challenge. They will run a race filled with mud pits, climbing walls, and cargo nets to test themselves and hopefully overcome the challenges. At other times, obstacles just appear. Traffic comes to a standstill. The computer crashes. Progress comes to a sudden stop. And at other times, our obstacles are self-inflicted. Like leaving a phone nearby whose noises and messages distract from the work that needs to get done.

The apostle Paul had an obstacle that kept him away from the Christians in Thessalonica. Because of persecution, Paul had had to flee in the middle of the night. Now, writing to them later, he longed to be able to see them again. He prayed that God would clear the way to make a visit possible so that souls might be strengthened, and the love of Christ proclaimed.

While we may not face an obstacle keeping us from visiting Thessalonica, we do sometimes face spiritual obstacles keeping us from being closer to the Lord. Sometimes, these obstacles appear out of nowhere—a temptation or a trial we never expected. Sometimes, our spiritual troubles are self-inflicted. We keep ourselves from God’s Word or worship. We pursue a temptation rather than turning from it.

When the path to God seems difficult, take comfort in knowing that Jesus cleared the way for you. Every trial that was thrown at him, he endured. Every temptation, he overcame. Every distraction that kept him from his path to come to you to save you, he ignored. Jesus let nothing get in the way of winning your salvation.

Obstacles will come. But Advent is a great time to re-focus and re-prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Fix your eyes on him and the path to heaven that he has cleared for you.

Prayer:
Lord, help me clear my life of obstacles that get in the way of growing in you. Amen.

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
1 Thessalonians 3:9

He Comes to Receive Our Thanks

Daily Devotion – December 2, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:9

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Have you ever waited excitedly for someone’s arrival? Maybe your spouse who was away on a trip. A son or daughter or grandchild that you have not seen for far too long. A friend separated from you over the years. But now the time has come, and they will arrive any moment. You feel joy. Excitement. Expectation.

When the apostle Paul wrote the words of today’s Bible passage, he was writing to a group of people he had only met briefly. Persecution forced him to move on from their city. But an amazing thing happened. The gospel changed hearts. People came to faith. Paul could have been tempted to pat himself on the back for the great work he accomplished in a short amount of time. Instead, he thanked God. While the gospel had brought joy to these new believers, Paul received joy in return for their faith. And he thanked God for it.

There is much excitement in our world as Christmas approaches. And much of that excitement also has little or nothing to do with the arrival of the Savior. Let Paul’s words be our guide this time of year: “How can we thank God enough?”

The answer to that is, we can’t. Not really. How can we truly thank God enough for sending us a Savior? For bringing us the joy of forgiveness? The hope of eternal life? For a Son born to take on our sins so that he can save us? No, we can’t ever thank God enough.

But what we can do, is take some time to thank God for all the joy we have as we prepare our hearts for the birth of the Christ.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son. During this busy time of year, keep my head and heart focused on my Savior. Amen.

[Jesus said] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. . . What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Mark 13:32,33,37

The End Will Come

Daily Devotion – November 30, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:32,33,37

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In the 2nd Century, a self-proclaimed prophet by the name of Montanus taught that the end of the world was close at hand. In 1499, a German mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, and professor claimed that a deluge would bring about the end in 1524. In the early 19th Century, a 60-year-old woman named Joanna Southcott claimed she was pregnant with the next Christ and would give birth to him on Christmas of 1814. She claimed the second coming would follow soon after.

With all these false and failed prophecies, we might wonder if the end is really coming. The first disciples had their own reasons for wondering, but Jesus proclaimed the truth to them. The end will come; the Lord will return. The fact that we don’t know exactly when doesn’t make it any less certain.

So, what should we do? Instead of wondering and worrying about the day and the hour, Jesus tells us to keep watch. We keep watch by fixing our eyes on Jesus, repenting of our sins, and finding forgiveness in his precious sacrifice on the cross. We can keep watch by clinging to God’s Word and promises. We can be ready by faithfully carrying out the tasks that God has given us and joyfully looking forward to our Lord’s return because he has promised to take all of his followers to be with him forever.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, we do not know the day or the hour of your return. Give us faith that is fixed on you as our Savior and make us always ready for your coming. Help us to live each day with the confidence of your love and mercy and to faithfully go about our daily tasks as we joyfully await your return. Amen.

Snatch others from the fire and save them.
Jude 1:23

Rescuer

Daily Devotion – November 28, 2024

Devotion based on Jude 1:23

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Many television historians consider a series from the 1970s one of the most influential series ever made. The name of the series was, Emergency!

The series follows two Los Angeles firefighters who are part of a new, cutting-edge program. They have received special training in how to administer life-saving medical treatment at the scene before an ambulance even takes the patient to the hospital. The name of these new, specially trained firefighters? Paramedics.

The impact of the show was massive. Not only was it a ratings success; but it also caused fire departments and hospitals across the country to develop their own paramedics program.

And the show, Emergency!, did one more thing. Generations of firefighters have said they became firefighters because they watched this show that rescued people from fire and saved their lives.

To rescue individuals from a fire and saving them from certain death. Few scenes are more compelling or riveting than that.

The Bible uses this picture to communicate to us the urgency of sharing the truth of Jesus.

So serious is our sin, and poisonous is its evil that it separates us from God and his goodness. And when separated from God, there is just one alternative: The outer darkness of eternal death–the fires of hell.

Snatch others from the fire, the Bible says. The only rescue from this fire is the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It’s why Jesus came and took the incomprehensible step of becoming a human being. All this he did so he could remove the toxic poison of our sin at the cross. All this he did so he could blanket us with the holiness of the perfect life he lived on our behalf.

He alone spares us from the fire. He alone brings us into the forgiveness, security, peace and joy of God’s presence. And when we share him with others, his Spirit is at work to do the same for them.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, through your gospel you have made me a rescuer. Move me to remember this. Amen.

The earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever.
Isaiah 51:6

Like Flies

Daily Devotion – November 26 ,2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 51:6

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Care for a few factoids about common flies? Here goes…

#1. A common housefly can lay 500 eggs every 3–4 days.
#2. Flies taste with their feet.
#3. Flies do not chew. Instead, they excrete an enzyme that liquefies their food so they can drink it.
#4. Flies are vital for breaking down carcasses and turning them into fertilizer for our soil.
#5. Forensic investigators often depend on the predictable work of flies to determine the time of death at crime scenes.
#6. Thank the fly for your chocolate, for it is flies that pollinate the cocoa tree.
And a 7th and final factoid about flies? The average lifespan of a common fly is twenty-eight days.

Twenty-eight days. That’s less than a month. If one were looking for a creature that symbolizes the shortness of life in this fallen world, it would be hard to find one better than the common fly.

It’s no accident, therefore, that the Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, used the lifespan of flies to emphasize that our time on this earth is short. Everything that’s part of this world—everything we buy, drive, wear, collect, and pursue for amusement—breaks, wears out, and dies, including you and me.

Thankfully, Jesus entered this broken, temporary, sin-filled world and confronted the very thing that makes you and me pass away like flies. He confronted our sin. As our substitute, Jesus fulfilled the standards of sinlessness that a holy, eternal God demands. On our behalf, he endured the horror of eternal death on the cross to wash away our every sinful stain. Then, to assure us that eternal life is ours through faith in him, he raised himself back to life.

The result? The next time a common fly lands on your sleeve, remember all the things that are so temporary in this life. But Jesus is not. His promises are not. And now, in him, you and I are not either.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are eternal. This sinful world is not. Move me to remain in you. Amen.

[Jesus said] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
Mark 13:32,33

Surprise

Daily Devotion – November 24, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:32,33

See series: Devotions

Surprises break the monotony of the mundane. Surprises often please us. If our experience with surprises has been good in the past, we most likely look forward to having more of them. Of course, there are no surprises for God. He knows all things before they happen. He even knows when the end of the world will take place.

But while God is never surprised, he has given us reason to be, and pleasantly so. When our first parents—Adam and Eve—sinned, they broke the bond of a loving, trusting relationship with God. That brought physical death into the world. The result was eternal separation from God. But surprise! Instead of condemning them to hell, God immediately told Adam and Eve that he would send a savior to reestablish that relationship with himself.

Again, we’re surprised by the way Jesus came to this earth—as a lowly, humble human being. (Yes, he’s truly God, but he is also truly human.) Jesus kept God’s laws, the laws that we have broken. He was perfect! So, we’re again surprised when we see that Jesus had to suffer and die. Why did he do so? Because he was taking our sins on himself and paying the full price for them. So, through Jesus, our relationship to God has been repaired. And really, that is no surprise; it fulfills what God told Adam and Eve.

So, there will be no real surprises when Jesus returns. He’ll come back and take his believers to live forever with him. We do not need to worry about that whatsoever. The only unknown is when it will take place. That is God’s final and wonderful surprise.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that because of what you have done to save me from my sins I do not need to fear the day this world comes to an end. Help me to be ready for that day, whenever it may come. Amen.

“But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Daniel 12:1,2

The Book of Life

Daily Devotion – November 22, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 12:1,2

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Picture the scene. A courtroom with a judge and jury. A gallery full of people. The prosecutor armed with damning evidence. And a defendant who knows his guilt. The prosecutor has a book full of the wicked things the defendant has done. With a smirk on his face, he begins to open his book. He can’t wait to tell everyone the terrible things written on the pages.

But before that prosecutor can speak, the judge pulls out his own book. He silences the prosecutor before he utters a word. This book isn’t full of deeds. Instead, it’s full of names. He looks at you with a smile, and he reads your name.

This book is like God’s family register. It’s his book of life. All it contains is names, not deeds. All believers in Jesus have their names written in the book of life. They are not acquitted because of the things they’ve done. Instead, their names are written in this book by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.

God does speak of another type of book. And this book does have deeds written in it. These are the sins of those who reject Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will be condemned because of their works. They are without excuse. God has the evidence. He does not make his judgment arbitrarily or unfairly. A summary of all those sins could simply read, “Rejected God’s love and salvation.” That is ultimately what leads to “shame and everlasting contempt.”

But those who trust in Jesus as their Savior can be assured that deliverance is certain. Their names are written in the book of life. No matter how dark the world may feel, they belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. God is in control, and his kingdom will ultimately reign.

Prayer:
Dear God, it is by grace alone that you record names in your book of life. Help me to always trust in you and the grace you show through Jesus. Amen.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27,28

Our Time of Grace

Daily Devotion – November 20, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 9:27,28

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No one can escape death. And just as certain as death is the judgment that will come after it. That can be a terrifying thought. No one likes to face judgment.

The thought of being judged at the end of our life for all the things that we have done and have not done sounds excruciatingly painful. We don’t want anyone to judge our life and see the terrible things we’ve done or hear the awful things we’ve said.

The standard of judgment is not about being pretty good or mostly good. It’s not about being better than others. It’s not even about getting better and better as life goes on. No, God’s standard of judgment is perfection. Either you are perfect, or you are not.

Since no one can live up to that standard, God made a plan. His Son, Jesus Christ, came into the world and lived perfectly. He kept every standard God set. He never failed or faltered. He is perfect. More than that, Jesus faced God’s judgment for sin on the cross. His sacrifice satisfied the wrath of God for humanity’s imperfection and sin.

Now, God gives people an opportunity during their life to hear this good news called the gospel. He wants all people to believe that Jesus is their Savior and to receive the forgiveness that Christ offers. God gives each of us a time of grace to put our trust in him, acknowledging that his sacrifice is sufficient so that we can live in the assurance of sins forgiven.

Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus will not have to fear death and judgment. God will judge believers based on the works of Jesus and his perfection. When Jesus comes again, he will bring salvation to all waiting for him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for enduring judgment in my place. Help me to trust in your finished work and eagerly wait for your second coming. Amen.

[Jesus said] “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
John 5:28,29

All Will Rise

Daily Devotion – November 18, 2024

Devotion based on John 5:28,29

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There is a large cemetery near where I live. From the road, you can see headstones for what looks like miles. Driving into the cemetery, you are surrounded by graves. Rows and rows of plots and places where the dead sleep, entombed in a coffin, covered by six feet of dirt.

Every time I accompany families to that cemetery for the burial of a loved one, I have the privilege of assuring them this will not be their loved one’s final resting place. It doesn’t matter how well the coffin is sealed or how much dirt is on top of it. It doesn’t even matter what condition the body is in. That body, that person, will rise when Jesus comes.

Jesus makes it clear that all people will rise when they hear his voice at his second coming. Cemeteries, tombs, and mausoleums will burst open with the once dead who are alive again. No grave will have the power to hold onto its corpses.

At that time, Jesus declares that those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. But who can do good when God defines good as perfection? No one is perfect except for Jesus. But, God promises to credit Jesus’ perfection to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Those who believe in Jesus as their Savior rise to eternal glory; those who do not believe rise to eternal condemnation.

All the dead will rise at Jesus’ voice on the Last Day, but believers rise from spiritual death at the voice of Jesus in the gospel. During this life, he invites you to come to him for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He beckons you with his gentle voice to find your rest in him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to hear and listen to your voice so that I may rest forever with you. Amen.

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2

Fly

Daily Devotion – November 16, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:2

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In his book Run with the Horses, author Eugene Peterson describes what he once saw on the shore of a lake. Three young swallows were sitting on a dead branch that stretched out over the water. As Peterson watched, an adult swallow got alongside the chicks and began shoving each one off the branch. The one on the end of the branch fell first. But before it hit the water, its wings came to life, and away it flew. The same thing happened with the next young swallow. The third chick, however, was stubborn. No matter how hard the adult swallow shoved, the chick hung on for dear life. Even when it fell forward and was hanging upside down, the young swallow refused to let go. Finally, the adult began pecking at the little one’s feet until it was too painful to hold on. The chick released its grip and began to fall. And then it started to fly. It finally began to do what it was meant to do.

God calls upon us to be generous givers and lavish in giving to others what he has given to us. But often, you and I can be like that third chick. Whether out of fear, doubt, or stubbornness, it’s easy to cling to what is familiar and hold on to what we think will give us security. But if we are forever clutching the things God intends for us to share—we will always be like a sad, terrified bird clinging for dear life to a dead branch. We will never know the joy of true generosity. We will never fly.

Oh, how vitally important Jesus is for us! He came to this earth and lived a life of unbridled generosity on our behalf. He lives to give us the power to live for him. When necessary, he will shove us off our branch to do so and allow pain and trouble to disrupt our sleepy comfort. And it is often during those unpleasant periods of freefall that Jesus will re-teach us the sweet joy of a generous life. He will refresh us and spread our wings of generosity. And we will fly.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, cleanse me of the many ways I have given in to my selfish impulses. Refresh me with your Spirit. Spread my wings of generosity. Empower me to fly. Amen.

For I testify that [the Macedonian churches] gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
2 Corinthians 8:3,4

Startling Generosity Flows from Gratitude

Daily Devotion – November 14, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:3,4

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Renowned Christian minister John Wesly famously said, “The last part of a man to be converted is his wallet.” He said this because even veteran believers find it difficult to use their money to serve God.

With that in mind, did you catch what today’s Bible passage said? The poor Christians in Macedonia begged the apostle Paul for an opportunity to open their wallets and give. How’s that for startling generosity?

Paul was collecting an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem. And even though the believers in Macedonia had never met their brothers and sisters in that faraway city, they pleaded with Paul for the privilege of supporting them.

Why? Because they didn’t view giving as a burden, but as a privilege. God was doing them a favor by laying this opportunity in front of them. After all, startling generosity is one of the characteristics of God’s people, and participating in the offering lets them show it. Despite their own poverty, they willingly gave far beyond what Paul expected. They recognized that their gifts could help relieve the suffering of fellow believers. Their eagerness to give came from a deep gratitude for what they had received from God.

This dynamic relationship between gratitude and generosity is essential. Like the Macedonians, everything you have is a gift from God. When you struggle to be generous, reflect on the blessings God has given you.

He gave you your body and soul, your mind, and all your abilities, not to mention every other material blessing you cherish. He gave you his only Son, who saved you from sin, death, and the devil and who secured your heavenly home. Then he sent you his Holy Spirit to give you saving faith and keep you in that faith.

The more you reflect on God’s blessings, the more grateful you become. And while you may not be begging for a chance to give, you will generously serve God.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude that overflows into generosity to those around me. Amen.