Tag: generosity
Generosity produces joy!
Scripture reading for September 1st: 2nd Corinthians 8, Psalm 25, Proverbs 20
2nd Corinthians 8:1-5 “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints–and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
Paul encouraged the believers with a testimony about the churches of Macedonia. They were in a severe test of affliction and persecution but begged Paul for the opportunity to give. This was because they had given themselves to the Lord as His children and servants when they believed. God’s grace, working in them, caused them to freely give of themselves and of their finances. Many were in extreme poverty because of the persecution, but they gave beyond their means. This giving for the relief of the saints cause an abundance of joy and rejoicing. Not only among those giving, but also among the saints receiving the needed help! God’s ways and paths are beyond the world’s understanding! The faithful and generous are blessed!
Psalm 25:4-5 “Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for Your are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for demonstrating joyful giving through the giving or Your Son, Jesus Christ for us who were sinners. Thank you for the joy that this free gift of salvation has brought to believers throughout the world and for all time. Use me to overflow with generosity to help refresh the saints and experience the abundant joy of cheerful giving.
Proverbs 20:6 “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?”
The sacrifices of praise and generosity
Scripture reading for March 21st: Hebrews 13, Psalm 57, Proverbs 26
Hebrews 13: 13-17 “Therefore let us go to Him, outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
In Jesus Christ, all blood sacrifice is fully complete to atone or cover all our sins and that of all sinners. But those who are redeemed have other sacrifices that we can make. These include the continuously thankful heart that flows out of our lips with praise for our generous God in providing Jesus Christ. God has prepared good works and told us to be generous and kind, reflecting His heart of love and compassion to all mankind. These should be given like a sacrifice with joy and thankfulness to God, Who is to receive all glory in the earth and in heaven. When we live a life of worship and praise, it brings us joy and God pleasure because His covenant love is reflected to a lost world and wins souls. Leaders in the church watch over each believer to encourage them in these sacrifices and will give account.
Psalm 57:10-11 “For Your steadfast love is great to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth!”
Prayer: Father God, I thank You and praise You today for Your steadfast love and faithfulness to me and all peoples. Thank You for the leaders in Your family that watch over me and those that I have been privileged to watch over. Help me to be continually joyful and thankful, reflecting Your great love and faithfulness to those I serve and walk through this wilderness with. Let Your glory be over all the earth.
Proverbs 26:27 “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.”
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.”
Delighting God!
Scripture reading for September 25th: Zephaniah, Psalm 74, 2nd Corinthians 8
Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 8:1-5 “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints–and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
Paul commended the Macedonian churches for their gracious giving. These churches were in severe persecution and were suffering physically and economically. But Paul was impressed with their joyful hearts and gracious giving, even beyond their means. They did not need to be persuaded, but begged to be part of the relief of other brothers and sisters. Their giving was marked by giving of themselves to the Lord first and then their offerings.
Psalm 74:12 “Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my King, working salvation. Keep my heart in step with Yours, full of mercy and generosity. I give myself to You to dwell in my midst and open my hands to give as You direct.
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One Who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”
Generosity and Love!
Scripture reading for April 17th: Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4
Key Scriptures: Acts 4:32-35 “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’s feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
The early church brought many diverse people together in unity around Jesus Christ and His vision to reach the world and make disciples. Material things took a lower priority and believers shared their goods. Great power and grace rested on the apostles and their preaching brought new souls into the kingdom. Believers’ hearts were filled with generosity and love for each other.
Faith Confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for this amazing revelation of the early church and its love and generosity. Help me to be powerful in Your grace through the Gospel message and generous to those in need.
Ruth 4:13-14 “So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, Who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, . . .”
Psalm 37:4 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.”
Abundance through giving!
Scripture reading for August 8th: Psalm 79-82, 2nd Corinthians 9
Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
As Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to give an offering to help the needy in Jerusalem, he shared the spiritual law of sowing and reaping. When you give, it is like sowing seed. Seed that is sown has the potential of producing a harvest. If God blesses the seed, it will increase and you will reap. The more seed you sow, the greater the potential of great increase. God loves to give increase and bless those who sow in faith into His kingdom. They abound in grace and have sufficiency!
Psalm 79:13 “But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give thanks to You forever; from generation to generation we will recount Your praise.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your great generosity in blessing Your people’s giving. Help me to keep a generous spirit and be a cheerful giver. Thank You for the abundant harvest. Amen.
Thankful for a generous heart!
Scripture reading for July 14th: Proverbs 7-11
Key Scriptures: Proverbs 11:24-26 “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.”
God’s wisdom is the opposite of what the world thinks. The world thinks that when we give, it is gone for good. God says that the generous man will prosper and those that refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Those that give gain even more. Giving is a spiritual character trait that is like the heart of our Father, the ultimate giver! When we give, we reflect God’s heart and He blesses that! It takes faith to give and trust God for His promised return. Without faith, you can’t please Him!
Blessed by generosity: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
The grace of giving!
Scripture reading for August 8th: 2nd Corinthians 8
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Corinthians 8:1-5 “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”
God is a generous giver! His love compels Him to bless His creation and especially His people. Paul cited the Macedonians as an example of what a committed relationship to God the Father produced in their lives. Although the Macedonians went through severe testing and extreme poverty, they had overflowing joy and a desire to give towards God’s work and His people. They gave willingly and generously and the result was super-natural! God’s grace works extreme generosity in those who are cleansed and forgiven!
Observations for over-comers: The grace of giving, even beyond natural ability, marks over-comers. A relationship with Jesus Christ, faith in God’s provision and vision for His work produces the grace of giving. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from your hand.” (1st Chronicles 29:14)
Fair pay?
Scripture reading for January 28th: Matthew 20
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.” (Matthew 20:1-2) Jesus taught his followers through this parable that each person who comes under the Lord’s authority and agrees to salvation and kingdom work does so voluntarily. The denarius was a fair daily wage for a laborer of that day.
During the twelve hour work day, the landowner hired workers at the third, sixth, ninth and eleventh hours. “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going to the first.’ (Matthew 20:8) The workers were all given a denarius for their day’s work! This upset those who had worked all day and they grumbled against the landowner. They thought he should have given them more for a whole day’s work! “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?’ (Matthew 20:13)
God ultimately pays everyone well, no matter how long or short our time of service. We all get more than we deserve because of the generosity of the One who owns it all! “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:28-29)
Connecting with generosity!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: 1st Chronicles 28-29
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2nd Corinthians 9:7-8
Preachers are sometimes pushy or manipulative in asking the people to give. There are so many needs and money is often a limiting factor in the work of the church, at least in our minds. The love of money keeps many from giving and holds back God’s blessing in the people as well. This area is a touchy area for many because of the various abuses and the strongholds of idolatry to money and materialism in this land.
King David set forth his personal giving to fund the vision of building the temple of the Lord. A good leader will always lead the way for those he is calling to help. David gave of his personal treasure 188 tons of gold, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze and 3,750 tons of iron. This was a fortune by today’s values! From this position of personal dedication, he challenged his other leaders to willingly too.
The leaders caught the spirit of generosity that King David had modeled. They also contributed “willingly and wholeheartedly” to the Lord. (1st Chronicles 29:6-9) David rejoiced with a psalm of praise to the Lord! He attributed everything that he had to God’s grace! (1st Chronicles 29:11-12) We can boast about nothing! He alone is to be praised!
David prayed for the people: “And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O, Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever and keep their hearts loyal to you.” (1st Chronicles 29:17-18) That is my prayer for each of us today! May you have a willing heart to give! If you are a leader, may you set an example of extravagant giving. May your heart remain loyal to the Lord and open to be generous forever!