Week 1 | Day 1 | Perspective

Command:

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys Luke 12:13-15 (NIV)

Read:

What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. Luke 12:29-32 (Msg)

Reflect:

My question was, “How much?” when I considered tithing years ago. I knew that 10% was the standard in Deuteronomy 14:27, but I was a single mom living paycheck to paycheck and battling cancer. I was living on disability and child support. How much would God want me to be tithing? Eventually, I thought about how grateful I was to have both of those financial supports. I decided to tithe on both as an act of obedience, thankfulness and trust.

God forever changed my heart with that decision. He opened my eyes to his generosity and blessings in whatever season I am in. When I give, I feel rich and I recognize that God has lavished his presence, power and love in my life. He is good and faithful. He always provides. Everything I have is from him, and giving back to him is my way to recognize and worship him. Having my eyes opened to his generosity has created a generous heart in me.

React:

How can you live generously through giving your time and treasure to God?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for surrounding me with your presence that provides all the strength and peace that I need in every circumstance. Please open my eyes to see your blessings and open my heart that I might be generous in giving back to you.