Testimonies

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The Blessings of Giving

God has blessed me so much. When I say that, what do you think of? Do you think of money and riches? Most people do. But that is not what I mean at all. I am not rich, I live from paycheck to paycheck just like most people now-days. But God has really blessed me - spiritually. More and more everyday I see and feel His blessings in my life.

Now, let me tell you why I believe He is blessing me. Obedience. Simple obedience and adoration to my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I give tithes and offerings to my Church faithfully and I am not ashamed to say it. I also give of my time and talents to my Church in service for my King and His Kingdom to come. I participate in stewardship campaigns, give to our building fund, love offerings to my Pastor’s family, to Missionary funds, to my local Bible College, give to the homeless, help families in need when I can and volunteer for anything and everything that I think I can be of service in. And God is blessing me so much!

I read my Bible every day, sometimes more than once. I try to stay in constant communion with the Holy Spirit and pray about everything; from the smallest things to the fondest desires of my heart. I praise Him in my heart with songs and hymns to His glory all during the day. God blesses me.

I am not saying all this to boast and I pray it does not come across that way but I think I have figured out the secret to God’s heart: obedience in giving.

I have not always felt this way. There was a time just a few short years ago when I thought tithing was something I felt I had to do. My heart wasn’t right. I did not understand the principle of tithing. The Bible says God loves a CHEERFUL giver. At times, I was not very cheerful when I gave my little measly offering (which was usually a little less than ten percent). I was worried about the electric bill or groceries for the next week. When I finally stepped out in faith and believed that God WOULD supply all my needs and started faithfully and cheerfully giving of my resources and time - guess what? It works! He supplies all my needs. I am not rich by any means. But still, I do not go hungry and my bills get paid. But the best part is He opens the windows of heaven and pours out so many blessings on me that I cannot contain them. Spiritual blessings. The best kind.

I realize that there are some Preachers and Evangelicals that are misusing the funds given to them. I do not believe for one second that my Pastor is one of them. But even if he were, God would still bless me for giving because My heart is in the right place in doing it. If the funds get misused, that person will answer to God for it, but I will be rewarded for my giving. Because you see, I am giving to GOD - not to the Preacher.

I think some people may have the concept of giving all wrong. You see, the more I give, the more God blesses me. Not always in monetary rewards, but sometimes that is the case as well. But just in quiet, sweet communion with Him. There’s nothing better than the feeling of knowing that God is pleased with me. He lets me know and I never want to lose that joy He gives.

I once heard of a man that gave to beggars on the street every time he saw one. Another man laughed at him and said “Don’t you know he will go and buy a bottle of booze with that? You are just throwing your money away!”

To which the man replied, “Maybe so, but my heart is right in doing it and God will bless me for it. He always does.”

He was so right. The principle of ‘It’s better to give than to receive’ is godly truth. I see so much being said about tithes not being scriptural, but I just don’t see that in my Bible. Jesus gave so much for us - His very life. If we truly love Him, why would we not give everything we can to further His Kingdom?

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