Completely, Totally, and Entirely COVERED!!!

 
2 Corinthians 8:1-9

  
"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. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich"

 

To be Far More than you can imagine 

A Christ-Follower must be willing to confess your sin and purify your heart.

The chapter just prior to our text states in 2 Cor. 7:1, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

In the first part of 2 Corinthians, Paul establishes the benefits and promises that living for Christ are: The benefits and promises are that believers as ambassadors for God's Kingdom, are recipients of Christ eternal life, and are a forgiven people. It is through these promised benefits that we are encouraged to be far more than we can possibly achieve on our own by confessing our sin, sacrificing our flesh and purifying our hearts to the Glory of God.

How do I do this you may be asking: By daily work in the economy of Mercy! Mercy is a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion....when we are living in the knowledge of mercy in our lives, we are willing to confess our short comings, we are willing to strive to help others in distress and we are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others just as Christ did for us... Here is a news flash...you are guilty! It is through our uniting with Jesus that we are forgiven and through His Spirit and dedication to His word that we gain purity. Romans 3:22-24, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

THEREFORE:

“We run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3). 

It is “IN” the focus on Jesus and his mercy on the cross, we acknowledge our in ability to overcome sin and we strive for purification through His death burial and resurrection. We are far more than our abilities because He offers far more than we can imagine!

Seeking to be Far More....You know I Love ya, Don