— Spiritual food for today —

Christian Giving

Second only to presiding over the Sunday Communion table, my favorite platform activity used to be orchestrating the tithes and offering segment.  Many times I romanced and testified to this amazing O.T. verse: “... prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal 3:10b).  Also, this one by Jesus Himself: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Lk 6:38).  Be assured that by so noting, we are not soliciting or promoting the so-called, “Prosperity Gospel.”

Perhaps like yourself, as new believers overwhelmed with God’s love, mercy and forgiveness, we wanted to apply His truths to our lives.  Since giving is a vital and intimate part of our worship and love relationship with God, early on we took steps to curb motivations which might otherwise  compromise intent.  Now, decades later, we could fill a book with related anecdotes — though this space permits only the guidelines.  When possible, our giving is: (1) Spirit-directed, after personal and joint prayer, (2) anonymous, (3) in cash, (4) our best and, (5) not to gain tax credits or anything from anyone ... God included.

My-oh-my!  What a wondrous dimension of the Christian walk.  Even as I write, gathering is a mixture of thanksgiving, amazement, excitement and a profound humbling.  Tears of joy flow with memory flashes of God’s ever-faithful giving: His forgiveness, salvation, peace, healings and all else needed to live for and serve Him.  I’m propelled into prayer and rejoicing.  Hallelujah!  "Beautiful beyond description, faithful beyond expression are You to those who simply bow their knee to Your sovereign Lordship.  Almighty God and Father, we pray you will work in each of us, Christ-like giving ... even as You so mercifully and lovingly shower blessings upon all your creation.  Thank you Father!  Thank you Jesus!  Thank you Holy Spirit!  Help us to trust You more."

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests.  Thank you for visiting Hliving.org

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