TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 2 Corinthians 8:5
Listen: 2 Corinthians 8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Whatever Paul expected the Macedonian churches to do—they didn’t do it. They exceeded it. But their commitment didn’t begin with the gift they gave to Paul for famine relief in Jerusalem. It began with the gift of themselves to the Lord. Then they gave themselves to Paul and his traveling companions. Finally, they gave financially. It wasn’t their money that was first at God’s disposal. They were at his disposal. Submission to God preceded the submission of their finances.
It is possible God doesn’t have access to your money because he doesn’t have access to you. It is possible your money isn’t his because you’re not his. Maybe you haven’t submitted your finances to him because you haven’t submitted yourself to him. If you’re reluctant to move towards radical generosity with your money, maybe there is still something you need to surrender to Jesus.
Understand that this is not just a one-time conversion experience. As Senior Pastor Jeff Manion told us this weekend, it is a daily offering of myself—and all that I own—to God.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
God isn’t primarily after your checkbook or bank account. He is after you. Giving generously begins by giving yourself—all of you. Symbolizing your willingness to surrender, today open your hands and pray the prayer Pastor Manion modeled, “I’m yours today. My thoughts, my words, my actions. I give myself to you today. I am at your disposal to be used as you desire.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
