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2 Cor 8:10-11

10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.


What were you doing a year ago today? Unless it was your birthday or a special occasion, you probably are like me and don't know exactly what you were doing.

I know two years ago we were going through the book of Genesis. Also a year ago I was doing devotionals everyday, and I still am.
But in the last year some things have changed for me. Like my wife and me returned to our old church and are happy there. My son also had a baby and I'm now a grandpa, and my wife and me had a baby girl last November.
So even though some things have changed, as I was reading these verses today during my devotional time. I had to stop and think about what I was doing a year ago for the Lord and what I am doing now.
Three years ago I desired to teach the bible over the Internet, and thanks be to God, I am still doing it. Is it complete? Not by a long shot, we have much more in God's word to study.
So does that contradict what today's verses say since it indicates to complete the doing of it?

No, if you read the beginning of chapter 8, Paul is speaking to the Corinthian church about their desire a year ago to give to Paul and the other churches in need. Paul was encouraging them to complete the taking of these gifts to be distributed to those in need.

  • 2 Cor 8:6 (NLT) So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to complete your share in this ministry of giving.


    • So how does this apply to you today?
    What ministry have you started maybe a year ago or even a few months ago that you put off or just set aside?
    Did you plan or even start to help out with the ushering or the children's ministry in your church? Maybe at the beginning of the year, you vowed to read through the entire bible this year. Have you set that aside also? Did you start to pray for someone and now have stopped or forgot about him or her?
    Maybe you have thought of someone you really wanted to share the gospel with, but have put it off because it never seems to be the right time.

    There could be other things that I haven't mentioned here that you started to do a year ago or even a month ago but have put off.
    I would encourage you, just as Paul was encouraging the church in Corinth to go back and finish these things you said you would do.
    Our God is a God of order and completeness; today is God speaking to you about something He wants you to complete?
    What are you waiting for, a sign from heaven?
    Maybe this is that sign?

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