First things First

“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:5) Do you ever look at the needs around you and wonder where to give yourself first? In this chapter of 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul is talking to the believers about grace and generosity. In verse seven Paul says, “see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” This verse is particularly challenging because this past season has been quite busy in our home. There was a whole host of needs that needed to be met and I wasn’t sure how it would all work out. As I read the words “excel in this grace of giving.” I instantly thought, because my house needs then we need to give a seed. Sowing financially, sowing your gift/talent or even your time will open tremendous doors. We must excel in this grace of giving. Then, the next moment my eyes fell again on verse five. Here it reads, “They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to others.” I was shocked at how incredibly simple this truth was! First I give myself to the Lord. I dip into the well of all He is and draw up all that I need for this moment and this day. Then I go and give out of that to others. When I get the order wrong that is why I get so tired. My job is first to please the Lord and not run around meeting everyone else’s needs while not being connected to Him. His presence has all I need. I will embrace His presence in this moment. I will engage in His presence by drawing on His resources and I will enjoy His presence as He enables me to excel in this grace of giving far beyond my own limited resources. Lord God, You are so good! You give us all we need as we need it. You simply call us into Your presence to receive. Forgive me when I rush past You and try to do it all in my own strength. Remind me always to first give myself to You as I dip into Your deep well. Then I can go and give generously out of all that I have received. What joy You give! Thank you Lord. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen. To join our email listing, send us your email at infor@nowfaithministries.org Keep the Faith, Elder Bertrina Hebrews 11:6