TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 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. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Read: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Listen: 1 Corinthians 16
TODAY’S MESSAGE
A famine ravages Israel, and the church in Jerusalem suffers deeply. The Apostle Paul asks new Jesus-communities outside Israel to help their brothers and sisters in Christ in Jerusalem. Paul doesn’t set a date for one big offering. Instead, he urges systematic giving over weeks and months. He knows that small gifts set aside each week will make a greater impact than a one-time sum.
We may believe we are generous people because we have a generous moment here and there. Yet, the person who sets aside a few dollars a week over months, years and decades makes a greater impact than one who makes a hundred dollar gift a few times. Generosity is more about developing a lifestyle of setting aside money than big, one-time gifts. Pastor Jeff Manion reminds us when we give money away, it’s no longer ours for a getaway, retirement or big purchase. Practicing generosity regularly allows God to shape our hearts and desires to help us to be content with what we have. We can trust he will provide for what we truly need (Philippians 4:19).
God calls us to a life of generosity because He is so generous with us. God gives his own son Jesus so we can be forgiven of our sin and restored to him. Paul reminds believers that if God gave us his son, how will he not also provide all things? (Romans 8:32). Through Jesus, God provides the strength, wisdom and ability to reflect his generosity to the world around us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Reflect on God’s generosity to you through Jesus Christ. Read Romans 8:32 slowly and prayerfully. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Spend time thanking God for the many gifts he has given you in Jesus and ask him to grow in you his heart of generosity.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Matthew 13.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
