THE PRINCIPLE OF GIVING

by Alta Smith

            My cousin, Kay Payton from Bedford, Indiana, worried about her tithes and offerings when she believed that she was not doing enough and that the Lord was disappointed in her.  But the more she focused on God instead of her lack, the more her money increased.

            Now she tells me almost every week how the Lord has increased her finances.  For example, she received a discount of $10 off her next purchase from a local store and won a $100 gas card from her workplace including a $40 bonus.  Then she found $15.  People have given her $15 or $20 for helping pass out fliers, and her Avon customers are increasing.

            On one particular day, she was in need of money that very day.  But instead of worrying, she prayed.  She said, “I went from broke to having $77.50 in just a few short hours.�?SPAN>  The Lord has taught her to trust in Him for her finances instead of becoming stressed about them.  The increases have been in small amounts, but Zechariah 4:10 says, “Who despises the day of small things?�?SPAN> 

            Some people say they did not prosper when they gave their tithes and offerings.  Why do some people not see the increase as God has promised?  The most common reason is:  they have not believed that God would do as He says He will do.

            Hebrews 4:2 says that �?B>the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.�?SPAN>  But if we personalize Philippians 4:19 by repeating over and over, �?B>My God shall supply all my needs,�?these words will strengthen our faith and keep us focused on God instead of on the problem.  Our faith will produce the fruit of our words, releasing the power of God in our lives.

            “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom...�?Luke 6:38

            Sometimes we just have to take God at His Word.