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Daily eMail Devotional
Thursday, March 11, 2010
II Corinthians 16:1-4 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.As I read our passage for today I cannot help but flip over to the book of Galatians because it says in verse 1, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.” Paul here is referring to the persecuted Christians over in Jerusalem who were in need of help when he refers to the saints in our passage. It is a little difficult to find out what Paul exactly told the churches of Galatia since I Corinthians was written before Galatians but it was probably similar to what we find in Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
God obviously desires for all of us to help our fellow brothers and sisters in need. Whenever we observe a hurt, a need, discouragement, or a problem we should be quick to strive to meet those needs. A quote that we can all apply in our lives is one I remember hearing in college, “A need seen is an assignment given.”
In verse 2 of our passage we are given clear instruction to help fellow brothers and sisters who are in need, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” It is God’s desire that we give of our money on the Lord’s Day to those in need. Here in our church we provide many ways to do just that. I am looking at our giving envelopes and I see the many ways we can designate our giving above our tithe; there is a section for missions, love gifts, special offerings, and there is even an other section for whatever other way we may want to give.
The ladder part of the verse we read as God hath prospered him. God has prospered many of us above what we actually need and because of this we should, as a church, be building up funds to help those in need. It is easier to build a benevolence fund now rather than giving whenever a specific need is known. That is why Paul writes that there be no gatherings when I come. Much more is given over time then all at once.
How is your giving? Tithing is done out of obedience to God’s Word and giving is done out of love. Who do you love today? According to Matthew 6:21 a person’s heart is known by where he puts his money, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Love you all!!!
Pastor Mike
Don't Forget -
