Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 16
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
There are at least two Christian privileges spelled out to us in I Corinthians 16; giving and serving.
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Giving is a Christian privilege and duty. In fact, one of the marks of the early church was generosity. Generosity was the evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church. Giving in the Spirit means giving regularly. Paul admonished the Corinthians, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store.” Give in proportion to how God has given to you. Do you set aside God’s tithe from your income? Tithing is the same for the person who is a millionaire as it is for the person making only minimum wage. God weighs your gift not by the size of your offering, but by the size of your sacrifice. The widow gave a small amount but Jesus testified that she gave more than everyone because she gave all she had. Giving is part of our worship. By giving we take part in the work of the Lord, and it is a blessing to give. The Bible says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Take joy in doing your part to support God’s work through your tithes and offerings. A second privilege we have is serving. Look for the opportunities God is giving you to serve Him. Paul said,
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9)
The greater the opportunity the greater the opposition will be. To be effective in service we must seek to be in the center of God’s will. Paul was careful to follow God’s plan for His life, and in doing so he walked through the opened doors. When God opens a door, walk through it and trust in His grace to sustain you. Henry Blackaby said, “Find out where God is working, and join Him.”
Prayer: “Dear Father, thank You for giving Jesus. Because You gave so much, we want to joyfully give as expression of our love and obedience to You. We pray for open doors that we may serve You faithfully. In Jesus name. Amen”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 