“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ ” 2 Corinthians 9:6,7 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, help me to be a more cheerful giver.”
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( 3 / 21 )One of the fun little games I liked to play with as a child, was dominoes. I did not play the game, but I would set them up, one after another in a sort of maze and then knock one down, making the rest of them fall. That is what the Apostle Paul says giving is: the first domino to fall in a spiritual series of events. Someone gives, then someone goes, someone speaks, someone hears, and someone believes. Since our church wants to be more evangelistic, and we passionately want to do our part to reach a lost and hurting world, pray and consider today what you will do to be the first domino
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’ ” Romans 10:14,15 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, help me to do my part in seeing people come to You.”
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( 3.2 / 17 )Just the other day, I read Daniel chapter one again, and I was challenged to do a ten-day “Daniel” fast. In the Bible Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego ate only fruits and vegetables for ten days, and God blessed them in the doing. My purpose in this time of fasting is to seek God and ask Him to show my wife and me what He would have us give financially to our church. As you read Malachi 3 today you will see that God asks us to test Him in this area of giving, and that He wants to bless us. If you want to join me in a time of fasting, don’t tell anyone. Continue to go about your life, connecting with God in a deeper way, and give up what the Lord lays on your heart.
“‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:10-12 (NIV)
Prayer: “Dear God, help me to pass this test so that your provision will overflow in my life.”
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( 2.9 / 41 )As you will notice, I have already had you read 2 Corinthians chapter eight on day three of our 20/20 devotions, but I think it is worthy of a second look. As with the story of Ruth, God works in famine as well as during times of prosperity. Having a life of comfort and cushion often masks our real pain and our need for the Lord. So allow God to speak to you at the end of this year. Let Him know that you still trust Him and want to be filled with His abundant joy, even if your resources have dwindled. Remember that our God is looking at your heart, not just the amount you give. Have a great day.
“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:1,2 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, what are You asking me to give, even in these economically challenging times?”
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( 3.1 / 44 )This commission in Acts chapter 1, was given to all of us, not simply the “professional preacher.” We are all to be about the business of leading friends and family to the Lord. When the power of the Holy Spirit moves through you, it is like an electric shock. Wow! To see God move in someone’s life and to know that you were part of that is amazing! Try it, you will like it; there is nothing that tops it. Make this day count for His kingdom.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, extend our church outreach to every part of the world.”
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