Are you Dead Sea living?

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 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.

Bishop Tanner spoke the truth, and something that continues to play in my mind are the following statements:

“ The Dead Sea receives but never flows or gives out water.”

“ Dead Sea living is keeping every blessing to yourself.”

“ Be a Macedonian” 

The teachings of the Macedonian churches instruct living with overflowing joy even in severe trials. The people of the Macedonian churches gave beyond their ability and trusted that God would enable them to do great things. When the people gave of themselves first without strings attached, they found favor, and the Lord blessed them. Bishop Tanner spoke on giving of our talents and not keeping them to ourselves. I was challenged to serve without strings attached but with grace. We are called to model Jesus and trust that He will enable us to do great things in His name. The world expects string attached serving, but we are called to be different and serve humbly for the Lord. Our grace should flow like the Sea of Galilee. Are you living like the Dead Sea or the Sea of Galilee? 

Pastor Kendra Scott