Memorize: 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
Devotional Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 , Luke 21:1-4
In our devotional reading for today in Luke 21; we saw how out of poverty, a 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 for her soul. For all that must come to Jesus, must express their appreciation for the 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 of their hands that has 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 of her heart of gratitude for all that 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, freely give”- Matthew 10:8b
King David also in 2 Samuel 24:24a said to Araunah, neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.
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 is an opportunity to be blessed in return.There is blessing in giving, especially when you give cheerfully. 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, it comes back to us in greater measures – Luke 6:38.
If you want a breakthrough in your life, there is a commitment that must be made on your part. There are many people who bring 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, your gift was rejected? 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 your blessings. If you are faithful in giving God a worthy offering and pay your tithe, 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 acknowledge the fact that He is the source and sustainer of your life.
I pray for you today, that as you develop this attitude of giving to God cheerfully as an act of gratitude, God will make a way for you and open new doors of opportunities for you in your employment, businesses, academies, and in ministry in the name of Jesus. The great rewarder will surprise you. Unexpected promotion is coming your way this season in the name of Jesus.
Prayer point: Father, please give me the grace to give cheerfully unto you.
Key Dose: Remember, “Cheerful Givers Never Lack”.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
