Dear Reader,
Everybody in life desires increase, and it is good and godly to want increase.
That is why we will find out from God’s Word today what it takes to enjoy increase, so you can keep increasing in life.
God is a giving God. Giving is godlike. If we claim to be God’s children, we must emulate Him in all things. This week, we will be looking at Giving.
God so loved the world that He gave (John 3:16). He demonstrated His love for man by taking the initiative and giving us His Son, even when no man understood what He was doing and could not say, “Thank you”. It was in His selfless giving that the world was won. If man and wife will learn to prefer each other in love, consider and think of ways to bless the other, family life will be so much sweeter. God’s Word says: Love is…never…selfish… (1 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB).0
Giving to God
Money is actually limited in value except it is placed in the hands of God. Money has wings; if you don’t send it on errand, someday, it will take up wings and fly away by itself. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven (Proverbs 23:5).
Money is a god; it seeks to be worshipped. That is why Matthew 6:24 says you cannot serve God and mammon. “Mammon” means money. It is a good servant but a terrible master; don’t allow the absence of it to determine the atmosphere of your home. There are some people once they are angry, you know there is no money in their pocket. Don’t let it destroy the peace and joy in your home.
The Bible declares that two is better than one. You can “better” your giving to the Lord by giving as a family, thus making better your receiving (Luke 6:38). You must encourage each other to sow seeds. Though hard times have come upon the earth, you will be exempted as you purpose to keep sowing into the Kingdom.
As a family, ensure your tithe is paid, either separately as husband, wife and children or together as a family. Give offerings according to your size also. Don’t rob God in your offerings and ensure that your children also give offerings.
It is wisdom to sow to the Kingdom, even when you need every penny. There is a portion to eat and a portion to sow (Proverbs 11:24).
Giving to the Poor
You must be generous to the poor, the underprivileged and those who do not have as much as you. God loves the merciful and releases blessings upon them. God’s Word says: He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (Proverbs 28:27).
When you reach out to bless the poor, God ensures that you do not lack. Anyone who pretends not to know those who are in need, is selfish and will incur a curse upon himself.
Cornelius was a man given to almsgiving, and one day God visited him and blessed him with salvation. You, too, can register in God’s book of remembrance, by being open and generous. Women can emulate the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.
Giving to Men of God
As couples, you must provoke each other to do the right things. Sowing to the lives of men of God placed over us is right and provokes great blessings from the Lord. God is glorified when you handle your money this way.
Giving To Parents
We have an undeniable responsibility towards our parents. It is your duty to honour your parents, according to how God has blessed you. You can’t have parents, who don’t have food to eat and you are wasting food in your house. That is irresponsibility. You must honour your parents, if life must be well with you.
Many marriages are in a financial mess because they fail in their covenant responsibilities to their parents. God’s Word says: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Also, giving gifts to each other spices up the marriage. You can take the initiative to surprise your partner with thoughtful little gifts. If it did wonders for you during your courtship days, it will do you no harm to carry the habit over into marriage.
Those who run after money are running after sorrow. My husband often says, “If you run after money, you will mourn.” So, run after God, and money will run after you. Are you set to run after God?
You need to be born again. To be born again means confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.
If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer:
“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).