S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

2 Corinthians 8:3

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own.

O-bservation:

St. Paul was in need of an offering to take to the poor saints living in Jerusalem. He now commends the Macedonian churches for their response to his offering plea. Paul was absolutely amazed and impressed by their generosity for people they had never even met. He said the Macedonian churches have given beyond their ability and they did it “Entirely On Their Own.”

A-pplication:

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read this verse before, but it’s been quite a few. I can honestly tell you that this verse was enlightened to me this AM. What if we, as “Followers of Jesus,” were always giving “Entirely On Our Own?” Not prodded by man, not “Guilt Tripped” into it, but just generous and “Entirely On Your Own?” It seemed like a vision flashed before my eyes of the sun coming up in broken places around the world. I saw people who had contempt for one another now arm and arm, almost like they were enjoying one another’s company, and bloated bellies now turned to healthy smiling children. Yeah, maybe it was just a dream, but the idea of being generous “Entirely On Your Own” will indeed eradicate greed and ownership in the person’s life who chooses to follow the Macedonian model. And the One who knows all things will see that person and probably take care of that person in a way they never dreamed possible. And He will do it … “Entirely On His Own!”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

I want to affirm this AM that I am totally and completely dependent on YOU. No doubt You know of my daily situation. And in spite of it all, I want to give “Entirely On My Own.” The one great thing about it is that I know, You’ve got me! Amen