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Giving It All // Thursday E-Devotion

Leaders and Christian leaders especially ought to be the most giving people in all the world. I am not talking about money, but that is involved. In all we have and in all of God’s blessings, we must know that all we have been given is in our hands so that we can serve others.

Giving is one of the greatest honors in my life. It makes me feel good. Remember that old saying, “give until it hurts”? I believe that is a godly principle because in so doing we are showing that we trust God. Here are just a few examples of what God expects of us:

“For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected , but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (NASB)

“Bring this
tithe to the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored, and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to fear the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 14:23 (NLT)

Finally, giving is an issue of the heart not of your wallet or bank account. We give to what really matters to us. We spend time with the people and the places that matter to us. We honor the things we think highly of. Question: are we honoring God by giving it all?

“You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)

People who give demonstrate that they are thankful people!

“And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

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