March 31: Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1Corinthians 16

Giving

Scripture: 1Corinthians (NIV) 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Observation: Paul was encouraging the churches to give an offering to be sent to help the church in Jerusalem. The area around Jerusalem was experiencing a drought. Food was scarce and expensive.

Giving was to be in accordance to one’s income. Even the poor can experience the joy of giving. Giving was to be as regular as their income. They received their income weekly; they met together weekly; and they could give weekly. Faithfulness in the regular giving of a smaller amount is much better than the infrequent giving of a larger amount.

Application: I should give in accordance to what I have received and as regularly as I receive.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the Great Giver. Thank you for teaching me to be a giver and allowing me to experience the joy of giving. Amen