SEPTEMBER 22

2 Corinthians 8:5

                 GIVING THEMSELVES TO THE LORD

Anna was born into a very rich family. But she seldom saw her parents because they travelled all over the world for business. She was left at home with her maid.

One day, a parcel arrived at the door. It came from Anna’s mother. She had sent her a beautiful and expensive doll. At first Anna did not want to open the parcel. When she opened it, she threw it on the floor. The doll broke. If you were Anna, would you throw the doll on the oor? Why do you think Anna did that?

Anna cried loudly and could not be consoled. Her maid could not stop her.Anna cried, “Mummy, don’t just send me pretty things. I want YOU!” She sobbed for a very long time. Poor Anna!

In the same way, Jesus is not happy when people give Him only things. Some people think He is pleased when they give His church an offering now and then. The apostle Paul wrote that the Christians in the Macedonian churches gave generously to help their brethren in the Corinthian church. They did this for the Lord. THey constantly gave their hearts, their love and themselves. This is exactly what Jesus wants us to do. Like the Macedonian Christians who gave themselves first to the Lord, we must also give ourselves first to God.

How do we give ourselves rst to the Lord?

• Believe that He is our only Lord and Saviour;
• Trust in His promises;
• Be thankful;
• Let Him rule and own us;
• Give up our selfish wants;
• Live for Him;
• Read and obey what He tells us in His Word.
Have you given yourself first to the Lord? He wants us, not our presents.

Thought: What did the Macedonian Christians give to the Lord?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your only begotten Son who gave His life for us to save us from our sins. Help us remember that You gave freely so we should give ourselves to Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.