THE STEWARDSHIP IN GIVING!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24, 2024.

SUBJECT: THE STEWARDSHIP IN GIVING! 

Memory verse: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20 vs 35.)

READ: Luke 6 vs 38; Second Corinthians 9 vs 8 - 11:

6:38: Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Second Corinthians 9:8: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work

9:9: As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

9:10: Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

9:11: while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

INTIMATION:

Giving is a service to God, especially when it is done for God’s work, and within the household of faith. In God's economy, you move closer toward your goals by giving out than you do by clinging to everything you have. God is the source of all you have; “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” (John 3 vs 27.) Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1 vs 17), He alone gives us power to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8 vs 18). Consequently, He blesses us so that we can be a blessing (Genesis 12 vs 3). 

God is the source of all we have, regardless of how much effort we put into earning a living. Yes, money or possessions may be difficult to come by, and you may have worked hard to acquire them, and giving some of them away would only seem to put you further away from the goal of having all your needs met. All of that would be true if God wasn't your source. 

For instance, the people of our generation live at a level of relative prosperity that most people throughout history couldn't have dreamed of, yet we didn't do anything to be born at this time. We didn't cause ourselves to be born into such opportunity and freedom. It is quite obvious that the ability to prosper is a gift from God, and we can't boast of the opportunities we have been given.

The apostle Paul used those splendid words in First Corinthians 4 vs 7 to emphasize the fact that all you have you have received; "For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" 

The apostle Paul, In Galatians 6 vs 9  - 10 says; “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” The apostle Paul challenges us to continue in the act of doing good, like giving to the needy, especially among believers, whether it is acknowledged or not. 

Although, it is discouraging to continue doing right and receiving no word of thanks or see any tangible results, but we should trust God for the results if we faint not. In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing, and a crown of glory in eternity with Christ. Your stewardship in giving is to God, and not to the receiver. And the Master will reward at His own time, whether here on earth or in eternity or both.

God gives us resources to use and invest for Him. The resources He gives us are not to be hidden, foolishly devoured, or thrown away. Instead, they should be cultivated in order to produce more resources; “Blessed to be a blessing.” When we invest what God has given us in His work, and according to His will, He will provide us with even more to give in His service. 

Consequently, there is no lack in giving according to God’s will; He will make you sufficient in all things, that you may have an abundance for every good work. He owns all things, and shows His compassion to whom He chooses (Romans 9 vs 15). Your giving is also counted for you as righteousness, and He ensures you prosper in the things you do, and is enriched in everything for all generosity.

Your selfishness with possessions is ungodly. God has only entrusted all you have to your care, and stewardship to Him. It is not yours, God owns all resources (Psalm 50 vs 12). And proper use of the resources entrusted in our care by the Owner is demonstrated in how we use it to earn eternal benefit. And that is why no takes anything away at the point of death. Another person will be entrusted with those things you possessed while you lived. 

Unselfish use of the possessions is an act of obedience to God’s Will. It's one thing to say you believe God is your source, but it's another thing to prove it. The way you prove to yourself, not God, is to give a portion of what you make back to Him. And that is done when you use your money to help those in need or to help others find Christ, therefore, our earthly investment will bring eternal benefit. 

Prayer: Abba Father, all I have I have received from You! Endue me with the spirit of giving, to serve You and others with what You gave entrusted in my care, that I may be approved as a worthy steward, and earn myself true riches in Christ, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!