Topic: Put Yourself In The Offering Plate [Wednesday March 21, 2018]
[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. — Hebrews 12:2
In 2 Corinthians 8, when Paul was talking to the Corinthian believers about their giving, he gave them the example of the churches in Macedonia. He said in verse 5, Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God].
That just amazes me, because they didn’t just give their money—but they gave themselves.
I wonder how many of us are willing to write our names down and stick that in the offering plate. Romans 12:1 says we should offer all of ourselves as a sacrifice to God.
This means living for God outside of church. It means being willing to give money, but it also means being ready to love anyone God brings across your path. It means being willing to use any resource you have for His kingdom.
So the next time you’re in church and the offering plate comes around, I encourage you to tell God that you’re giving all of yourself to Him!
Prayer Starter: God, I want to give all I have to you. I offer myself as a living sacrifice. Show me how You want me to use the resources You’ve given me for Your glory.
