Nanette CortezI was watching a minister online and something he said jumped out at me and I saw tithing and working in a whole different way. What caught my attention was he said we shouldn’t live our lives out of an I have to work because I need money for such and such or out of I “want” this mentality. But to live it out of desiring to give. When we make our budgets, we should be basing them on how much I desire to give this year. Yes, we have to pay rent and pay bills, but when we shift it to giving first, then the money flows into our lives so that we may give to others, and there will be enough that comes in to pay for the rest.
So I took this to the Lord this morning during my prayer time. I told him how it opened my eyes a little differently. Then the Lord took it a little further, not just in tithes and offering, but in life. He brought to my mind the scripture “For God so loved the world he GAVE…” John 3:16 He said I give, I give blessings, I give mercy, I give grace, and so on. He gives!
The scripture also came to my mind, “give and it shall be given unto you.” in Luke 6:38. Our lives shouldn’t be focused on selfishness and what can I get, but how may I give unto you today. It could be in any area of our lives that we give not just finances. When I wake up I ask the Lord, how may I give to those following me today. What word or message can I give them from you today? Through me Lord, how may I be a vessel for you to bless them? That is also where we get being a servant from, it’s giving.
Jesus served, he gave. We are created in God’s image. God IS love and God gives. Therefore that is what is in us. We give because we love, it is all tied together. Out of love we give of ourselves for others. Out of love God gives to us. When we start living a life of giving, we will start to see an abundance flowing into our lives. Plus we will live much happier lives. There is something joyful and fulfilling out of giving.
