Memorise:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Read : Luke 21:1-4
1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Message
Out of her poverty, this widow gave all she had. Those who lack understanding can never fathom why this woman had to give all she had. She did it because she was grateful to God for the salvation of her soul. For all that must come to Jesus, must express their appreciation for salvation of their souls. Those who find it difficult to give a worthy offering to God are usually those who believe that it is the effort if their hands that had earned them all that they have. But this is not true because it is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich and addeth no sorrow. There are people who are so selfish, that they prefer to consume their wealth upon their lusts rather than meet a desperate need even when it is so glaring. The widow simply gave out her heart of gratitude for all the Lord had done in her life. Every opportunity we have to give to God is an opportunity to respond to the grace of God which is extended to us for our enjoyment.
"Freely ye have received, free give" Matthew 10:8b
This is why am always uncomfortable whenever we are in a meeting and someone is asked to coordinate the collection of the offering, and he is spending so much time motivating the people to give. You lack the understanding of the law of harvest if you have to be cajoled, begged, motivated, and sermonized before you give to God. If you appreciate the grace of God upon your life irrespective of what you may be going through, you will realise that an opportunity to give us an opportunity to be blessed in return. There should not be a reluctance or feeling of being compelled before we give to God. Every time we give, what we give may leave our hands physically but it doesn't leave our lives.
If you want a breakthrough in your life, there is a commitment that must be made on your part. There are many people who brings offerings before the Almighty God, and not all of them are received by God. God reserves the right to accept or reject your offerings. Can you imagine how it would feel if you decide to give a gift to your father or mother and on getting there, you are told to pocket your gift. This would cause you to feel bad and begin to ask for mercy. If this can happen with your earthly parents, how much more your Heavenly Father who is the source of blessings. If you are faithful in giving God a worthy offering, you will never lack. Don't just give because you are told to give, give because you have an understanding about giving. Let Him know that you aknowledge the fact that He is the source and sustainer of your life. As you develop this attitude of gratitude, you will see new jobs, lucrative contracts, and undeserved promotion coming your way.
Key Point:
Your Offering may leave your hand but it will never leave your life.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Acts 1-3 and Ecclesiastes 12:1-8
Author : Pastor E. A. Adeboye
HYMN 2: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED.
O Jesus, I have promised,
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.
Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Savior and my Friend.
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