The CLC Family Likes Giving

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Monday, June 30, 2014

"And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,  they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us."                                      2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV2011)

 

This is a really cool passage.   The apostle Paul bursts into praise over the personal generosity of the Macedonian churches.   They didn’t have much but their joy in having found (having been found by) the Lord caused them to want to give and giving made them happy.  They had given themselves “first to the Lord” and then to others.

Last weekend was amazing to me.  One of you was on a weeklong mission to the handicapped.  Another was commissioned to Romania.   Five others were in Panama.  Many others raised money for the Tamani orphanage in Kenya on Saturday morning.  Many others raised money for the Lighthouse in Oxford that Saturday afternoon.   Still others commissioned the ministry teams for Urban Promise on that Sunday evening.    Amazing!  

But that’s not all.   I met several people, new to CLC, who told me how warmly they were welcomed, not only welcomed but included.   One newer family told me how those who sit around them in worship rallied around them when severe sickness had arrived.   Those “neighbors in the pews” have been their pastors, their generous care givers.    There are scores of stories like these.

It’s all because you are church that likes giving!  I couldn’t be more proud of you or feel more humbled to be with you every week!!!

“Lord, thank you for the example of godly generosity which is right in front of me every single day as a member of the CLC family.   Incredible.  Please help me to more like them.   Amen”

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