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.
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8.5-9)
“Without [the Spirit] you can do nothing. It is the Spirit of God who raises dead sinners at first into a divine life, and he puts all the languid springs of life into new motion… [It is] he who awakens our fear, who excites our hopes, who kindles our love and desire to things holy and heavenly and [it is] he who exalts our spiritual joys.” (Isaac Watts, Discourses of the Love of God, p. 273)
Let’s pray: Lord, influence me through your Spirit. May the breath of your Spirit blow through me, that your love in me would be rekindled. May I have a burning passion for things that are holy and heavenly. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s sing “Holy Spirit” (Brian & Katie Torwalt). Click here.
–JP