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| Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo |
Topic: Maximising Family Finance (2)
Dear Reader,
Welcome to another segment in this column. Last week, I shared with you the subject of money. This week, I will be discussing on Ways of Giving of Money.
Giving Money to the Lord
If we are not tired of receiving, we must not be weary of giving. The Word of God says: Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth… In the morning sow thy seed in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good (Ecclesiastes 11:3, 6).
Family members must encourage each other to sow seeds. Hard times have come upon the earth but you become exempted as you purpose to keep sowing seeds to the Kingdom. This, of course, includes tithing. As a family, ensure your tithe is paid either separately as husband, wife and children or together as a family (Malachi 3:10). It is God’s, not yours. Give offerings according to your size also (Malachi 3:8). Don’t rob God in your offerings. Ensure that your children also give offerings. The Word of God says: If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth…He that observeth the wind shall not sow… Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 3, 4).
You must learn the art of giving. Pay your tithes always and give generously. As you sow seeds and give to Kingdom projects, as a couple, a time comes when your clouds will be full and empty themselves upon you. Scientists tell us that the heat of the sun upon the river causes portions of it to evaporate. Then condensation occurs and the waters return as rain upon the earth. It is wisdom to sow seeds, even when you need every naira of your earnings. There is a portion to eat and a portion to sow.
For someone who is desirous of a great financial future for his/her life and family, one vital attitude to possess is that of giving. In a home environment where love and harmony are meant to be the foundation stones and bedrock of its existence, Love is never selfish (1 Corinthians 13:5). Therefore, you must have a `Giving’ attitude. For God so loved the world, He GAVE. He demonstrated His love for man by taking the initiative and giving us His son. It was in His selfless giving that the world was won. Jesus admonished us to “give and it shall be given unto you…”
A tight-fisted mentality is a sure way to remain dry and in lack. It also kills the atmosphere of love in the home.
God is a giving God and giving is a god-like attribute. If we claim to be God’s children, we must emulate Him in all things -including giving. Giving your financial harvest (income or finances) is a sure way to ensure your purse doesn’t run dry. Tithing is a good insurance against the devourer and enemy. Those who give to the Lord hardly ever end up worshipping money. Remembering God first before distribution is a way of putting God first above money.
Tithe is meant to be 10% of one’s income, earnings or money given to you as a profit. You may say: “We don’t have money at home,” “I can’t afford to tithe” or “10% is too much to give God”. Can you afford not to tithe? If tithe is too much an amount to spend, can you afford the devil’s charges? The Lord says that if you tithe, He will ‘rebuke the devil and stop all his evil plans concerning you’, including all those things devouring your income (Malachi 3:10-11).
Giving to the poor
The poor are those not as privileged as you are and having less than you do. You must be generous and give to the under-privileged. God loves a merciful man and releases blessings upon him. The Word of God says: He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor (Proverbs 22:9). The Bible also says: He that giveth to the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (Proverbs 28:27).
God ensures that when you reach out to bless the underprivileged you will not lack. Anyone who pretends not to know those who are in need is selfish. He will incur a curse upon himself. Cornelius was a man given to almsgiving. He thought God did not take notice of his secret service. However, one day, God visited him and reminded him of his generosity (Acts 10:3, 4). You too can register in God’s book of remembrance by being open and generous.
Giving to men of God
The pastors God has placed over His flock invest spiritual things into our lives. They spend time discovering truth from God’s Word to liberate the people from struggles and sweat. We go to them for counsel and God through them shows us what to do to trample satan under our feet. The pastor is duty bound to feed the flock, and the flock is duty bound to minister material things back to the man of God. The Word of God says: …Who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? …If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (I Corinthians 9:7, 11).
The grace to be an addicted giver can be given to you if you surrender your life to Christ. If you are ready for this experience, could you 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”.
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).
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