A GIVING DEVOTIONAL
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But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge,
in complete earnestness and in your love for us -
see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
(2 Corinthians 8:7)
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Giving is one of the central themes in the Bible. Jesus talked
about this subject more than heaven, hell or prayer. To
understand what it means to be a Christ-follower, we must also
understand what it means to be a giver. |
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1) FIRST THINGS FIRST
God doesn't need our money; He already owns it all. But when we
willingly set aside the first part of our income for the local
church, our hearts will be turned toward Him.
(Matthew 6:21)
2) KNOW GIVING, KNOW LIFE -- NO GIVING, NO LIFE
Giving is the antidote for materialism. The Bible says that by
giving generously we are able to "take hold of the life that is
truly life." You aren't really living unless you are freely giving.
(I Timothy 6:19)
3) THE TREASURE TEST
Giving is the only area in the Bible where God invites us to test
Him. Give your tithe (the first 10% of your income) to God and see
if He does not open the floodgates of heaven to bless you in ways
that you never dreamed possible. (Malachi 3:10)
4) AN ETERNAL INVESTMENT
Even when the stock market's down, you can make an investment that
pays dividends for a lifetime and beyond. By investing in the
life-changing message of the church, you can actually leverage
your money for eternity. (I Timothy 6:7)
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