Morning Devotional 111025 Joyful Givers

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

November 10, 2025 

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity. 3 I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily. 4 They urgently begged us for the privilege of sharing in this service for the saints. 5 They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will.

Good Morning! Blessed are those who give to others!

When I read this morning, I am reminded of the Parable of the Two Coins. Unlike the rich who gave out of their abundance, the widow gave all that she had. On the flip side, we have the rich man who walked away when Jesus said that he should sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. 

We, who live in a nation of abundance, are challenged by these examples of giving. Is Jesus asking us to give up everything we have? How would we survive the winter if we sold everything and gave it to the poor? What is Jesus asking of us? 

To sell everything was directed to a specific person who had become too attached to his possessions. Jesus is not making a blanket command for everyone to take a vow of poverty. Jesus is calling us to examine what holds us back from God. When wealth and the achievement thereof become a barrier to a relationship with God, then we must give it up. Jesus calls us to live a life of generosity and stewardship of all possessions for God's purpose. 

The command is a call to shift from self-ownership to stewardship, recognizing that all possessions, time, and talents belong to God. It means being willing to share what you have with others, especially those in need, and trusting that God will provide for your needs.

How can we be better stewards of our blessings? 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for reminding us that we place too much value on our earthly things. Open our hearts to be joyful givers. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Look for opportunities to give to others!

Share your blessings with grace and love! Pastor Liz