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Topic: The Principles of Giving
(Open Heaven 30 September 2019)
Memorise: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. – 2 Corinthians 8:15
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:9-15 (KJV)
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 24-25, Daniel 10:1-17
Open Heaven 30 September 2019 Monday MESSAGE:
Giving has always been a debated topic in Christendom. Nevertheless, irrespective of how controversial it has become today, it is still part of God’s mandate to us as Christians. Several passages of the Bible clearly instruct us to give, and several more tell us how rewarding it is. However, like many of God’s promises, there are principles to follow in order to reap its benefits. The Holy Spirit wants us to consider some of these principles today so that we can begin to reap the full benefits of giving.
The first principle of giving that you need to understand is that you must give your life to God first before giving Him a gift. God is not interested in your gift if you are not one of His children. Speaking on this, the Holy Spirit says in Proverbs 15:8a:
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD:”
Secondly, God expects us to give for the right reasons. The Lord said in Matthew 6:1:
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
Most times when we give, we give to be admired by men. As Christians, we have to carefully consider our motive before we give. If you check and find out that the reason you want to give is to be seen as rich or zealous by other people, then it is better to keep your offering to yourself, because God will not acknowledge such giving.
The third principle to consider is based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which says:
“6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
As important as it is to give bountifully, it is also pertinent that you give cheerfully. Whatever you give, do it with a cheerful heart and disposition.
Beloved, in order not to lose your reward, ensure that your every act of giving is consciously done to satisfy all the principles required. May God honour you and your gifts from today in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heaven 30 September 2019 Monday Prayer Point:
Father, please make me a wise and cheerful giver.
Open Heaven 30 September 2019 Monday Hymn 4: Take My Life, And Let It Be
1 Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.
2 Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3 Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
5 Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6 Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
