Joy: Week 2 - Day 4
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, our desire is to store up riches in Heaven, not here on earth, but our selfishness and fearfulness keeps us from giving. Please help us to see your way when it comes to possessions and giving. We want to be more like you.
15 “Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”
REFLECT:
Your donations to others pleases and honors God so much that it is a credit to you in Heaven. Paul said, “What I desire is that more be credited to your account”. Do you want to store up riches in Heaven? Give what you have to those in need while you live on earth.
If you consider the United States culturally today, we have never had more access to things and cash and at the same time been more discontent with our possessions and complacent in our lives. Not much joy to be had.
I remember years ago in a small-town church service the preacher’s toddler started screaming during communion, nickels and pennies firmly clutched in his chubby hands. That little kid didn’t know the value of the coins he just didn’t want to let go of the shiny things. The small chuckles and nods of understanding from the parishioners struck me in that moment. The truth is we understood that we are all toddlers, desperately clutching the shiny things of life when our God is offering something infinitely better, bigger, and yes, shinier.
APPLY:
Where can you make “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God”?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, through your grace and mercy we have more than enough! We praise you for your generosity to us.