Advent Lectionary Readings
Isaiah 12:2-6
Amos 6:1-8
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Now
I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has
done through the churches in Macedonia. 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. 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. They
begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the
believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first
action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to
do.
So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways--in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us--I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have. Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. As the Scriptures say, "Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough." 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Paul offers good advice for monitory giving...and life in general. It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Give—money...time...talents. Nothing really belongs to us anyway..so give. Offer it back to the Lord by giving whatever it is to someone in need...of your time, talents and/or treasures. Finish what you started—whatever that is—a woodworking project, a painting, quilt or sewing project, a book or even a short story. Will the completion of your unfinished project bring honor and glory to the Lord? When I was growing up I was active in 4-H. It is an organization that empowers kids from 4th grade through high school with skills that help them develop confidence and leadership skills by doing hands on projects in agriculture, science, health and civic areas in their communities, state and nation. One of the things I remember our leaders stressing was “Finish what you start.” In my life I’ve sometimes taken this to an extreme—don’t start something new until I’ve finished the old project. I still haven’t finished my great-Grandmother’s quilt. It is high on my “To Do List” for next year.
So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways--in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us--I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have. Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. As the Scriptures say, "Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough." 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Paul offers good advice for monitory giving...and life in general. It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Give—money...time...talents. Nothing really belongs to us anyway..so give. Offer it back to the Lord by giving whatever it is to someone in need...of your time, talents and/or treasures. Finish what you started—whatever that is—a woodworking project, a painting, quilt or sewing project, a book or even a short story. Will the completion of your unfinished project bring honor and glory to the Lord? When I was growing up I was active in 4-H. It is an organization that empowers kids from 4th grade through high school with skills that help them develop confidence and leadership skills by doing hands on projects in agriculture, science, health and civic areas in their communities, state and nation. One of the things I remember our leaders stressing was “Finish what you start.” In my life I’ve sometimes taken this to an extreme—don’t start something new until I’ve finished the old project. I still haven’t finished my great-Grandmother’s quilt. It is high on my “To Do List” for next year.
Meanwhile, I’ll finish the race set before me.
Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip
off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us
up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Paul suggested to the church at Corinth you can help someone now so that they can help you later. As we are all aging it seems to me this is a reeeeaaallly good idea. Sure we have family to help us—even with raking leaves this fall—but not everyone has family—or they are hundreds of miles away. Can they come help you tomorrow? Not likely. Help your neighbor today so they can help you tomorrow. That reminds us of Solomon’s teaching—There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24. Are you...or can you be...that friend who helps—who sticks closer than a brother?
Prayer ~ Dear God, help me to see the needs of others and to be willing to use the resources you have given me to provide for them—not just during this Christmas Season—but all year.
Daily Bible Reading: Acts 24-26
Advent Random Act of
Kindness - Organize or take an active role in a holiday toy drive.
Only
12 Days Until Christmas
© 2018 photo and
text by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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