Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 8
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:1-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2co.8.1-4.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part”. It’s amazing how a “abundance of joy” will come out of affliction. There are times when we are broken to the point that we are willing to give it all up. At those moments, we realize we don’t have the power to endure our situation and give ALL of ourselves to God. God doesn’t necessarily give us a outcome we desired, but He gives us a peace to endure and a joy from His presence that is beyond measure. Please pray that we and our friends always seek God with ALL of our hearts. Please pray for Dave Sawyer’s family. He passed away on Wednesday from lung cancer. The funeral is 11:00 at JFBC.