Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow... So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

Paul reminded the Corinthian church that although eagerness to help is good, it needs to be translated into real actions, in order to bear fruit. We often stop at the "sitting and talking" phase, but fail to "get up and act" accordingly. We can all sit down and discuss how to love one another. However, without any action, it is just like clanging cymbals or resounding gongs. This brings no help. The church often talks about caring for our society, but if we do not step out of our doors, caring becomes just talking. The church often emphasizes unity, but if all we do is criticize others, how can we be united?

Many Christians often stop at being eager to help, but fail to really give of themselves. How many times have God called you to draw close to Him and serve Him? When you were young, you said, "Although I'm willing, I need to study. It is not convenient!" When you graduated, you said, "I need to establish my career and family now. It's not convenient!" When you are settled and have a family, you say, "Lord, I am eager, but I have 3 kids to take care of. It's not convenient!". When you reach middle age, you are busy with starting a business and investing in the stock market, it becomes even more inconvenient. When you grow old, you say, "Lord! I am willing, but my body really can't take it anymore! It's really not convenient!" Do all these excuses sound familiar? We allow too many inconveniences to stop us from serving. In fact, God never said, "Follow me when it is convenient!" God's command is always for the present time. His presence is the same way. He has given us the willingness in our heart and we need to respond immediately.

Brothers and sisters, are you willing to have faith and depend on God, to rise up and accomplish His will in your life? Perhaps the Holy Spirit is moving in your heart now to serve in a particular area? No matter how unqualified you may feel, are you willing to have faith to respond to his calling and offer yourself?

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, I thank you because you are the Lord who touches us. Our eagerness to serve comes from you. May the Holy Spirit touch us once again, so we may act on it today to finish the work you have given us, and we can give the glory back to you. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!

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