DATE: Monday, July 31, 2023
TOPIC: GIVING TO GOD
MEMORISE
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
READ: 2 Corinthians 8:4-8
[4]. imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
[5]. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
[6]. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
[7]. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
[8]. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.
EXPOSITION
Giving is the act of releasing what is legally and rightfully yours to someone else. Our text today shows that the first thing God expects from us is our hearts. That is what matter most to Him, not your wealth, or position, or beauty. God invested the life of His only begotten Son for you to accept the Son and have eternal life. Thus, your life is the greatest thing you can present to Him. He says, *My son, give me your heart* (Prov. 23:26). Have you given it to Him? The Corinthians had given their lives first to God and His service. Their material and monetary gifts would have been worthless, if they hadn't first given themselves to God through Christ Jesus. This is a timeless truth.
After giving your life to Christ, you must begin to give your substances-manpower, materials and money. This mustn't become out-dated among God's people. He deserves your tithe, offerings and donations for His people and projects here. He also desires that you be of help to the needy, less privileged, orphans, widows and the likes. How cheerfully have you been doing that? The act of giving is God's command that must be obeyed. Whatever you have now is accorded you by God. Should it be that difficult for you to give back to Him, reasonable portions of your God-given resources? Give your time and talents to worship, work for, and witness to Him. Your possessions must glorify Him. That is your destiny, that is when you are fulfilled.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 680
1. I gave My life for thee,
My precious blood I shed,
That thou might'st ransomed be,
And quicken'd from the dead.
I gave My life for thee;
What hast thou giv'n for Me?
2. I spent long years for thee
In weariness and woe,
That an eternity
Of joy thou mightest know.
I spent long years for thee;
Hast thou spent one for Me?
3. My Father's home of light,
My rainbow-circled throne
I left, for earthly night,
For wand'rings sad and lone
I left it all for thee;
Hast Thou left aught for Me?
4. I suffer'd much for thee,
More than thy tongue can tell
Of bit'rest agony,
To rescue thee from hell.
I suffered much for thee;
What canst thou bear for Me?
5. And I have brought to thee,
Down from My home above,
Salvation full and free,
My pardon and My love.
Great gifts I brought to thee;
What hast thou brought to Me?
6. Oh, let thy life be given,
Thy years for Me be spent,
World-fetters all be riven,
And joy with suffering blent.
I gave Myself for thee;
Give thou thyself to Me.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to make my life a perfect gift for You.
2. Lord, give me the grace to put You first in all I have and do.
3. Lord, help Your Church to know and follow the timeless act of giving to You.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 17-20
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Monday, July 31, 2023 TOPIC: GIVING TO GOD){kind=link}