One of the most important aspects of the Word of God is giving. The Bible teaches us that we are to give, the importance of our giving, and how to be led by the Holy Spirit in our giving. In 2 Samuel 24:24 the Bible teaches us that we are not to give God that which costs us nothing, but we are to give God our very best. Malachi 3:10 says; “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
When giving of your tithes and offerings it is important to be led by the Holy Spirit. Giving should not be a legalistic ritual. Giving should come from your heart and be presented as a pleasing offering before the Lord. How can you please God through your offerings? To please the Lord in this manner you must give with a repented heart. First clearing your conscience before the Lord by asking Him to forgive you of your sins and wash you clean with His blood. Secondly, it is vital to seek the Lord where you are to give your finances and how much the Lord is requiring you to give. Sowing financially is likened unto sowing seeds into soil just as a farmer does. If a farmer does not sow his seed into good soil he does not receive a good harvest. Likewise, if an individual sows without seeking the Lord first for His guidance on the matter, then they could end up sowing into soil that does not reap them a good harvest. As Christians it is important to obey the Lord in every aspect of our lives including giving.
Giving in obedience to the Holy Spirit is vital. First, through an individual’s financial giving they position themselves to receive a spiritual inheritance in the Gospel. In life there are those who are called to the full time ministry and those who are not called in this way. However, those who are not called still have an important role to play. It is through giving that an individual can be a part of the Gospel that is being preached throughout the world. The Bible says; “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10: 14-15. When an individual gives into God’s Kingdom they are helping to send those who have been called by God to preach the Gospel, and in this there is a great reward.
Secondly, when an individual gives they will receive a blessing from the Lord in their lives in every aspect. The Bible says; “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. An example of reaping and sowing is shown in the Scriptures. 1 Kings 17:8-16 says; Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.” So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.
This woman obeyed the Lord and did what the man of God spoke to her to do. Because she responded in faith and provided for Elijah, the Lord provided for her. She gave all she had and did not hold back from the Lord. She gave her very best and received the reward for her obedience. This day we encourage you to give to the Lord what He is requiring of you. Do not hold back. Step out in faith and obey His voice. It is in this that you will receive His blessings and position your heart for all He has in store for your life. You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I seek You this day regarding my finances and my financial giving. I ask that You would forgive me for in any way not giving as You have commanded me to, and I pray that You would show me the higher way to walk in this matter. I ask for You to speak to my heart, and lead me in my giving. Please fill my heart with the faith I need to obey You.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
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