Reading your Bible for today August, 1

August 1: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

KJV Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:24
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Devotion:
Don’t be in any illusion that a particular church has called you to go to another place and tell the gospel story! It is God alone who will place such desires in your heart and He will make sure you are backed up to carry out the task He is asking of you. Titus has heard the call for people to come out and help and he has responded accordingly – God changed his heart to want to come and help just when it was needed.

It is also right that people should not jump into situations like this alone; another helper is going to be coming along with Titus. Why? Because it is right both in God’s eyes and in man’s eyes. God wants us to have support wherever we go. He made sure Adam had support in the garden of Eden. He makes sure each of us has got the right person alongside us to make us an effective tool for his bidding. Titus is being accompanied by a person who other churches are praising. It is also right that these two have the support of a church or body of people who will be willing to pray for them behind the scenes.

Prayer is such an important part of any ministry and one which is far too often left behind in the cupboard or on the shelf so to speak. Prayer is not just a way we can get personal with God but also a very effective way of asking God for support in the things we do for Him. When we come forward to tell others about Christ, we are doing so in the name of Jesus Christ; we are honouring Him in what we are going to do. When we do so the people around us will, hopefully, see what we are doing and respond accordingly.

Whether they respond in a way which brings them closer to God or respond by telling others about the work we are doing will be how God wants to work in their lives. As long as we are willing and able, obeying God and following His will and His word, then we will see the fruits of our work in one way or another.

Points to Ponder:
How often do you wait and listen for God?

Are you willing to answer and say “Yes Lord”?