Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 8:18-19 (NKJV) 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only [that,] but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and [to show] your ready mind,
How amazing would it be to be mentioned in this way: “the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches”? That would be incredible.
Notice Paul doesn’t even have to mention his name because it was so obvious to all who it was. (The general feeling today is that Luke is the one being referenced.)
A reference like that doesn’t just come along. It is earned. It is developed over a long period of faithful service. How do I steward my reputation?
Sacrifice. People need to know you’re not in it for what you can get out of it.
Relationship. This person was ‘chosen by the churches’. They had to know him.
Trust. He was selected to carry the gift, a great monetary amount given by the churches to the needy in Jerusalem. There was no wiring of money or PayPal in this day. He was the original “Pay Pal”.
Time. The ministry of this person obviously involved a great deal of time. Time is the most precious commodity we can give.
There is no cheap, easy or quick path to building a solid reputation.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Lord, As I follow You May it open up for me opportunities to serve others. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 8:1-6