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Abundant generosity!

Scripture reading for February 15th: Exodus 35-37, Psalm 26, Philippians 4

Philippians 4:16-20 “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

A secret to living a life of abundance is willing and cheerful giving to God’s work. It is difficult at first to let go of our money, possessions, or our time. The world has conditioned us to believe that what we have belongs to us and it is the means to secure what we need and want. The Israelites in Moses’ time had been slaves in Egypt. They were given an abundance of silver, gold, and treasures of Egypt under the plan of God to pay them for their work and provide for His work. When asked by Moses to willingly give, the people gave generously from the heart to bless God’s work. They gave so much, that Moses had to restrain them. Paul explained that the church’s giving to God’s work was a fragrant offering and pleasing to God. God loves a cheerful giver, and promises to meet all of our needs in Christ Jesus!

Exodus 36:3-6 “They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the Sanctuary.”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your example of abundant generosity in sending Your Son to live and die for us who are so unworthy and selfish! Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for every material blessing that has come from Your hand. Move my heart by the Holy Spirit to give to Your work because I love You and Your ‘house’, the people who believe!

Psalm 26:3, 8 “For Your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in Your faithfulness.” . . . “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.”