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August 1, 2023
Generosity
They gave offerings of whatever they could-far more than they could afford! Pleading for the privilege of helping in the relief of poor Christians. This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives. That’s what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention so that what was so well begun could be finished up. You do so well in so many things you trust God; you’re articulate, you’re insightful, you’re passionate, you love us now, do your best in this, too. (2 Corinthians 8:4-7 Message)
My precious child, Mary, had just taken an expensive bottle of perfume and poured it all over My feet to prepare Me for My burial and Judas didn’t like it. (Mark 14:9) Why was Judas so upset over this extravagant gift Mary gave? In today’s economy, the same perfume would cost around twenty thousand dollars. Judas had the offering box, and I knew when I put him in charge of the Tithe and offering, he was a thief and a robber. I said, ‘I have chosen the twelve of you, and one of you is a devil.’ (John 6:70) I will test you on your finances! Would you take money out of the offering? Do you keep money in your bank account that is a tithe? There are generous people today who always carry one-hundred-dollar bills with them and listen to My still small voice, I speak to them about whom to give to, and they obey. Would you do that? You may say, ‘I don’t have a hundred dollars, then start where you are and increase it as I bless you. Start with ten dollars and see if I will not extravagantly reward you. Listen to My still small voice and give to whom I instruct you and allow Me to sharpen your discernment gift. It’s not the amount that you give – I rejoice over you because you have completely given Me your heart.
Generous givers do not give expecting something in return! (2 Corinthians 8:4-7) It’s the attitude of their heart. I am a rewarder of those who diligently seek Me. (Hebrews 11:6) Rewarder in Greek means ‘to pay what is due or to reward with extravagance’! There is a difference between being blessed and being rewarded. Grateful people are extravagant givers. When you give extravagantly you will see the first time you give BIG – the curse of poverty will be broken off you, and you will never lack again! David was an extravagant giver – he gave $21 Billion in today’s money toward the building of the temple. I tell you, ‘The widow who gave two mites was an extravagant giver because she gave all she had.’ (Luke 21:1-4) Mary was an extravagant giver, and you would be too if I had just raised one of your family members from the dead. (John 12:3) Grateful people are generous givers!
I am an extravagant God! The streets of heaven are paved with gold, the gates as you enter are pearls, and the walls are jasper! Why? Because there is a plentiful supply! (Revelations 21:18-21) I gave it all; I gave My life for you! (John 3:16) The Macedonians were poor yet extravagantly generous. They gave far more than they could afford – their own free will. They were grateful to Paul and his ministry team for the privilege of sharing these gifts with other believers. They wanted to help build the Kingdom of God! (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Are you like the Macedonians? Have you given Me you’re all as the widow who gave two mites? Do you desire to break the curse of poverty off your life and your family? The secret to freedom financially is ‘extravagantly give!’
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