AUG 12 – JOY IN GIVING!

“Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly” (I Chronicles 29:9).

There is always joy in giving. That too, it is one thousand times more when you give to God. So, when you give, give whole-heartedly and cheerfully.

Once, on an afternoon, while my father was walking along a street, he saw a pastor who was coming from the opposite direction. He was not known to my father. On nearing my father, he asked my father to suggest any nearby hotel for him to take food. He also insisted that the hotel should be a simple and cheap one.

On hearing this, my father understood that he was short of money. So, he took out all the money he had and gave it to the pastor saying, “I am a servant of God and you are also the same. I would like you to have good, sufficient food”. Though that pastor hesitated in the beginning, accepted the money later with much gratitude.

Immediately after the pastor had left, the heart of my father began to get filled with joy. On that day, during the whole of his prayer time, he greatly experienced the presence of God. When the servants of God are given something, it really makes God rejoice.

Giving to God is the greatest blessing on earth for you. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Further, it is also a sweet-smelling aroma. The Philippians supported Paul in the Apostle’s ministry to their optimum level and encouraged him. While receiving them, Paul felt very happy.

That is why he happily says, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

Dear children of God, give to God cheerfully. He will open the windows of heaven. Opening the windows of heaven and giving you is a blessing of one thousand times. Not only that. It is a great joy which the world could neither give nor take.

To meditate: “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mathew 6:20).