Thursday, June 27th | 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Passage:
1 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia:
2 During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, 4 they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will. 6 So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace.

7 Now as you excel in everything ​— ​in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us ​— ​excel also in this act of grace. 8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it. 11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality. 14 At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little. -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (CSB)

Song:
Blessed by Andi Rozier, Jason Ingram, Jud Harris, and Vanessa Dalrymple

Lyrics:
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Blessed are the ones in need
For every thirst and every hunger
You are everything
Blessed are the worn and weary
Blessed are the ones who grieve
And every moment unexpected
You are everything

To seek You is to find You
And to know You is to want You
And I want nothing more than You
To see You is to love You
And I can't believe I get to
And I want nothing more than You

Blessed is the mercy giver
Blessed is the way of peace
I will trust Your heart and head
You are everything
Yes I will trust Your heart and head
You are everything

Take this world
Give me Jesus
Take this life
Give me Yours
In every season
You are the blessing
Jesus You are my reward

Oh and I want nothing more than You
Oh I want nothing more than You

Prayer:
O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and on earth: Put away from us all hurtful things, and give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.