April 08, 2018: SOAP #3048: 1Samuel 3-5; Psalm 77; 2Corinthians 8

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

Observation:   Surly the Macedonians mentioned above were believers!  The life of Jesus was obvious in their lives!  Where else could they have lives filled with OVERFLOWING joy and RICH generosity while experiencing SEVERE trials an EXTREME poverty!

It cannot be unless Jesus is living inside!   Only His joy is overflowing even in times of severe trials!  Only His generosity is rich in times of extreme poverty!

Application:   Truly, these people did not see themselves as poor or in despair!   They had the true Treasure inside!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I have that same Treasure inside me!  Your joy is greater than the trials that come my way.  Show me how to let your generosity be expressed in a smile, a kind word, or a gift.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!