If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here.  

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.    1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

Money is an everyday concern. From paying bills, putting gas in our cars, clothing and food, money seems to go out faster that we can bring it in.  But if we use our resources wisely, giving first to God what He has asked us to give, God gives us this promise:  “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV

The world’s view of money is that it’s all about how much we can get. In the Bible, every time the people focused on giving of their resources instead of gaining, the result led to worship and praise.  King David wanted to build a temple for the Lord.  Even though God told him that Solomon would be the one to build the temple, David did start the preparations, giving from his own wealth.  When people saw him giving, they began giving themselves.  In 1 Chronicles 29:9 it says, “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.”

When King Hezekiah led the people to give to the repair of the temple in 2 Chronicles 31, it says that the people gave generously of their firstfruits and tithes and that a great amount was brought. It was told of them that, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed His people, and this great amount is left over.”  (vs. 10, NIV)

As we give to the Lord what He has asked us to give, it leads us to praise Him. In return, He will bless us and provide all our needs.  It’s a cycle we need to continue.  In fact, we cannot out give God.  The more we give to Him, the more He will bless us.  It may not be in great wealth of material goods, but our cups will surely run over.

More than money, though, there is something else we should desire. Wisdom.  Proverbs tells us that wisdom is more profitable than silver and has better returns than gold.  It also says that, “nothing you desire can compare with her.”  (Proverbs 3:14-15 NIV)  It is the wisdom of God that teaches us how to live.  And it is the wisdom of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit that directs us on how to handle our finances in a way that will bring glory to Him.

Do you have problems budgeting money? The Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians advice that we all can follow.  It was their desire to give a worthy offering to the ministry of the gospel.  But this advice can be followed for every aspect of managing our finances.  Paul told them this:

“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 16:2 (NIV)

As we strive to honor God with our resources, we can bring honor and praise to Him; we can meet the needs of others; we can reap the rewards of His blessings that are far more valuable than all of the money in the world.

Heavenly Father, You have so richly blessed me in so many ways. Help me to honor You with all that You have entrusted me with. My time, my talents and my resources are Yours. Give me wisdom on how to give and spend in ways that will glorify Your Name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

This Post first appeared on Encouragement Cafe on October 20, 2015. As it appears again today, it is a good reminder that we are still to continue to give our tithes and offerings to our local churches, even though we are unable to meed physically during the corona virus outbreak.