Do you remember those guys and gals?
The Macedonians?
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
2 Corinthians 8: 1-5
Have you begged anyone lately for “the favor of taking part in their relief”?
A favor? Are you kidding me?
How do you give beyond your means?……that’s not possible!
How do you give from extreme poverty, in affliction?
Paul reminds us a few verses later WHO our example is: (vs. 9)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich,
yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
This ain’t natural, my friends……its “other worldly”
Its Supernatural living!
I had the privilege of giving more last year to Missions than I ever have in my life.
You can see on this Schedule A, Form 1040, of my tax return.
You might call me prideful, or boastful or egotistical!
Obviously, If I cared if you judged me in that way, I probably would not have linked to the Schedule A.
But God has used this money to do many wonderful things that I am very proud of:
A new Orphanage in Namtouang, Thailand for Homeless Hmong Children,
Support for a young, new missionary in Southeast Asia,
An opportunity for young adults to see the needs in SE Asia,
A rice cooker and beds and a well for fresh water and a burner for poor servants in SE Asia who run an orphanage,
Another orphanage in SE Asia to be built,
Computer equipment for Kathy’s Home in Pua,
Support for House Parents in our new Namtouang Orphanage
And other gifts that I simply don’t remember……But Our Father does, Paul lays it out again in
2 Corinthians 9:
The Cheerful Giver
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 AndGod is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every
good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
So What are You deciding in your heart?
He gives Grace so I might have all sufficiency,
so that I may abound in every good WORK, NOT every good TALK!
Are you working or talking?
Disclaimer: You are correct! I am hypocritical and I have no right to judge you or anyone!!! But, Just because I am hypocritical, doesn’t mean the word of God is not full of truth. Read my blogs every month and pray for God’s leading.