Memorise: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2nd Corinthians 9:7
Read: Mark 12:41-44 (KJV)
41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Bible in one year: Genesis 46-47, Jeremiah 29:24-30:9, Hymnal: Sing hymn 4
Message:-
Many children of God are losing a lot, either because they do not know the Scriptures enough or fail to apply what they know from it.
Like Abraham the father of faith, some of them who are millionaires today would have graduated to the level of being billionaires, but they have not moved to the level because they feel they are already doing enough in the area of giving when compared to what others are giving.
They do not know that God’s assessment of giving is different from the way people see it. although today’s memory verse encourages us to be cheerful givers, we should also be conscious of the fact that God is the one who gives commendation for our offerings, and His commendation is not based on how much is given but how much remains after giving! This is clearly seen in today’s Bible reading. Many well-to-do folks among the brethren would be amazed to discover that in spite of the millions they are giving, though commendable, many brethren who are less endowed are actually out-giving them in the sight of God!
Contrary to the misguided opinion of some people, God is actually interested in what we give. In Mark 12:41, Jesus Christ personally observed the offertory in the synagogue, so much so that He knew how many mites the widow dropped in the offering box! I would like to point out here that not all widows are poor.
There are actually multi-millionaire widows in our society. However, we are very sure that the widow referenced in today’s Bible reading was poor. We need to get this distinction right because there are certain widows in the Church today who are not supposed to queue up for charity whenever it is being distributed, but they do so. Such charity is meant for the poor among widows.
Another lesson we should learn in today’s Bible reading is that in spite of all those who gave fat offerings, heaven commended the poor widow’s giving as being the most sacrificial of all. Let those who specialise in taking offerings beware of making uncomplimentary remarks against those who give “tattered notes”, because that might be all that they have!
Beloved, the amount you have left in your storehouse after you have given to God determines your score card in His presence. I pray that you will not only give cheerfully from today but you will also begin to give bountifully, and you will not miss your reward in Jesus’ Name.
Action Point: Wherever you are giving to God, always consider what you are holding back to determine how sacrificial your giving is to the Almighty God, who gives you power to make wealth.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional Lessons was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical Churches in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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