November 7, 2022

Rhonda Patterson
“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. And here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”
2 Corinthians 8:9-12

In this chapter to the Corinthians, Paul begins by informing them of the selfless giving taking place in the Macedonian churches. He goes on to test the sincerity of the Corinthians to continue in their own offerings to the work of the Kingdom. This calls to mind the many times through the years that our Cypress Creek Church ministry partners, both local and international, have come to share with us the wonderful work of the Lord in their ministries. It challenges us to be faithful and generous in our giving. Paul speaks of our eagerness to give. He’s talking about the condition of our hearts. In the Message version, this passage closes with, “The heart regulates the hands.”

Father we ask that You continually examine, test and condition our hearts to be sensitive to You. We thank You for the holy privilege to unite with You in Your kingdom assignments, and may the name of Jesus forever be exalted.