Weekend Words

 From Our Daily Bread...

A Handful of Rice - Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." (2 Corinthians 8:2)

The state of Mizoram in northeast India is slowly climbing out of poverty.  Despite their lack of income, since the gospel first came to this area, believers in Jesus have practiced a local tradition called "handful of rice."  Those preparing meals each day set aside a handful of uncooked rice and give it to the church.  Mizoram churches, poor by the world's standard, have given millions to missions and sent missionaries around the world.  Many in their home state have come to Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul describes a similarly challenged church.  Believers in Macedonia were poor, but that didn't keep them from giving joyfully and abundantly (vv. 1-2).  They saw their giving as a privilege and gave "even beyond their ability" (v. 3) to partner with Paul.  They understood they were merely stewards of God's resources.  Giving was a way to show their trust in Him, who provides for all our needs.

Paul used the Macedonians to encourage the Corinthians to have the same approach to giving.  The Corinthians excelled "in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in ... love."  Now they needed to "excel in this grace of giving" (v.7).

Like the Macedonians and the believers in Mizoram, we too can reflect our Father's generosity by giving generously out of what we have.

- Matt Lucas

From In Green Pastures...

Let the Blessing Flow Out

Artwork by Lucy Almey Bird

While you are to brighten first the place nearest you, you are also to throw the little beams of your lamp as far as they will reach.  It will not make your own home any less bright if, on a dark night, you open the shutters of your windows and let some of the brilliancy and the cheer pour out upon the street.  Then others, too, may be blessed by the light that fills your home.  If you have a beautiful garden, why should you build a high wall around it to hide it from the eyes of passers-by?  Would it not be a more Christ-like thing to tear down your stone wall and let all that move along the street be blessed and cheered by its beauty?

Artwork by Asia Spettel

And if you are looking for some good Christian music, this is my favourite.  I have the CD in my car and play it ALL THE TIME when I am driving.  Joseph, one of the 'two servants' often speaks at the church I attend. 

To listen to all the songs, you'll need to click on the playlist symbol (where it says 1/12) at the top of the screen and the list of other songs will drop down so you can listen.  If you are reading from your phone you might have to turn your screen sideways to get the playlist symbol to show.  

(I'm sure there must be an easier way to do it !?!?)  

OR

Just click on the 'Watch on YouTube' and you can see (and listen to) all the songs!!

I knew I'd get there in the end :))

 

Enjoy!