Today is February 10thMay the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8."8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very 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 Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very 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 theprivilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Music Credit:Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)

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