PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Apr
09

Grateful, generous, cheerful giver.

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Observation
The context is a firm but gracious reminder by Paul to the Christians in Corinth to fulfill their promise to give to the poor and needy in Jerusalem. Paul points them to their love and submission to Jesus and HIs good news, recognizing the grace of God upon them. Paul is intentional about connecting their Christianity to the centrality of Jesus - His grace, and gospel.
Application
I’ve been hearing about churches pushing giving, tithing, offerings - from friends in KC, articles about tithing and churches running as businesses. The financial pressures are high for many people, families - to make ends meet, pay off debt accrued, rent, utilities - not to mention just having some extra spending money for a little pleasure. I know of people even going into debt - to pay a tithe, give offerings through their credit card! Lord Help us!

I’m convicted and challenged to teach New Testament giving - that God is able to make all grace abound toward us. Not to be givers out of guilt, compulsion or the needs of the church, ministry, poor, needy. Cheerful, Generous, worshipful, grateful giving is the heart I desire to have, when I give to God - not unto the “church or man.” Whatever I decide in my heart may very well be the will of God, as I give with a grateful, generous, cheerful heart, Otherwise - I shouldn’t be giving. That’s not an excuse for me NOT GIVING - I need to correct my heart. But to give with a wrong heart motive is not acceptable to the Lord.
Prayer
Lord Help me to be a generous, grateful and joyous giver… unto YOU!! May my giving not be because of compulsion, need, guilt, pleasing man, looking good or any other evil motive. I want to be a reflection of You, giving as unto You, with a worshipful and grateful heart.

Devotions for April 09

1 Samuel 6,7
Psalm 72
2 Corinthians 9

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