Sunday, 14 July 2024
PLAN YOUR OFFERINGS
Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion... (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC).
Giving to God should always be a joy, and we’re blessed for doing it. Nonetheless, we can have greater results by doing it according to His Word. There's a great significance to planning the offerings that you give to the Lord. Remember, He is God; He’s not a man. Your offering to Him is holy; it’s a sanctified thing and it deserves careful consideration; it’s something you have to be intentional about.
Your offering to God is not a “casual” giving; it’s something you do as an act of worship. When you give your offerings to God, you’re saying to Him, “I recognize that you are God, and I worship you as my Lord.” Some have the misconception that giving offerings to God involves giving away your “excess” or what you don't really need. Such an approach can lead to financial instability and challenges down the line. Plan your giving and recognise the holiness and sanctity of your offerings.
The Apostle Paul tells us, "I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give…" (2 Corinthians 9:7 MSG). Recognize the spiritual significance of your offerings so you can experience the fullness of God's blessings associated with it.
Don’t be swayed by arguments against giving or influenced by those who downplay its significance. Instead, pay attention to the Word. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom…." Prayerfully plan what you will be giving as your offerings, which, by the way, are different from your tithes and firstfruits or special seeds. This is an integral part of your financial stewardship. Plan your offerings and give them joyfully, knowing that “...God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, ``prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]” (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC).
This is the way to position yourself to walk in God's superabundant blessings in every aspect of your life. Praise God!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the privilege and blessings of giving my offerings; I’m taking actions to do it consistently, reverently and joyfully with the wisdom of God. Therefore, I walk in abundant blessings, bearing increased fruits of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 22:22-23:1-11 & Job 36-39
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 4:1-11 & Isaiah 34