Monday, June 25, 2012

E-Devotional-Week 18


PROPORTIONATE GIVING-WEEK 1

INTRODUCTION 

By: Barry G. Allen- President & CEO
The Bible teaches proportionate giving. In the Old Testament, the tithe, or 10%, was to be returned to God. The same principle of proportionate giving carries over into the New Testament. As Christians we are not to give arbitrarily or haphazardly. God has gifted us with a certain amount of financial resources, a portion of which we are to give back to him for kingdom work.

From 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 we could paraphrase Paul this way: “Don’t take an arbitrary approach to giving; it’s much too important for that.” That is, don’t say, “well, I guess I’ll give $25 to my church,” or “I guess I’ll increase my giving by $5.” Consider what proportion or percentage of income you are now giving. Is that a proper proportion? If not, then what is? Paul pointed to the Macedonian Christians who “gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Cor. 8:3).

Begin by letting God’s Word speak to you. “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” (Mal.3:10).

Then make the careful and prayerful decision, which Paul suggested, for giving. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Let God’s Word and the inspiration of his Holy Spirit be your guide.

Prayer Focus: Ask God to put into your heart the earnest desire to be a cheerful, proportionate giver.


Next Week: Are You Robbing God?

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The information in this article is provided as general information and is not intended as legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, you should seek the advice of an attorney or other professional adviser.

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