2 Corinthians 8:3 "For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. 5 Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them."

Here we have a group of churches in Macedonia, who had been going through some very difficult times of their own. Yet, when they heard about the needs of Christians in Jerusalem, they went above and beyond to do what ever they could to give and help.

In a like manner, there is no doubt that the church has been affected over the economic recession that we are experiencing here in America. Yet, week after week Christians in America are called upon to give sacrificially and cheerfully. As a part of the church we give out of obedience and love, not necessarily out of abundance. We give because it is right.

Many Americans, Christian or not, recently stepped up to the plate and gave to help Haiti after the devastating earthquake that hit their country. As time goes on and time begins to take attention from Haiti to other things, the needs of Haiti are not going to go away. There is going to be a great need there for quite some time.

May we be challenged and encouraged by the example of the Church in Macedonia. They counted it "gracious blessings" to be able to give and begged for opportunity. In giving they went beyond their "highest hopes." They dedicated themselves to the Lord and the disciples, and followed whatever the Lord directed them to do.

May we be just as generous and intentional. May we be concerned and involved. May we give beyond our highest hopes. May we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and be careful to follow Him as He directs our steps!