MONEY AND GIVING

God blesses and provides for our needs so that we can be the channel of His blessings. The money that God has given us is not meant for us to keep for our own, but it is meant to be used for the glory of God. God owns our lives and everything we possess. The ways of this world are about accumulating as much wealth as possible so that we can enjoy life; however, God teaches us that true joy and contentment can only come from following Him. Some of the seeds that Jesus mentioned in the parable of the farmer scattering seed were the seeds that fell among the thorns. The seeds sprouted, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choked them, and they proved unfruitful (Matthew 13:1-23). God did not create us to hoard wealth for ourselves, but to be a blessing for the things that He gives us. No matter how much or how little we have, we can still bless others. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)." A great example of being generous is the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish to feed 5000 men, not including the women and the children (John 6:1-15). God used the boy's life to show God's love and power to thousands of people, and many had been transformed through his generosity. 

Giving our tithes, offerings, or contributing to the works of God in this world is not a waste of money, but rather an opportunity for us to bless God for His provision in our lives and for God to bless our lives all the more. God is not concerned with the amount we give, but He is concerned with our hearts. God knows the amount that we have, so let us surrender our lives and everything that we have to God, and let Him have control over them. Let us receive God's provision openly, but let us hold it loosely, for He is still the ultimate owner of everything we have. When I was still in college, I didn't have a lot of money. I was barely having enough money because I was taking out loans to pay for my school; however, God taught me the importance of giving. As a result, I faithfully gave my tithes and offerings and even supported a missionary. I remember giving 25 cents or 50 cents, for that was all I could give, but God was not after the amount, but he was after my heart. God multiplied the small amount I gave to transform my life and the lives of others.

Through my giving, God blessed me, not with wealth, but spiritual blessings that I could never have received without surrendering everything to God. As I obediently give, God never ceases to amaze me at how He provides everything I need. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How should I treat all the possessions that God has provided for me? Why is giving important? How can I apply what God has taught me through today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for teaching me the importance of giving. Please help me to be faithful in giving my tithes, offerings, or contributing to the work that you have on this earth. Please help me surrender everything to you and honor you for all your provisions in my life. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.