For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12
“For even in the sacrifices which Abel and Cain first offered, God looked not at their gifts, but at their hearts, so that he was acceptable in his gift who was acceptable in his heart. Abel, peaceable and righteous in sacrificing in innocence to God, taught others also, when they bring their gift to the altar, thus to come with the fear of God, with a simple heart, with the law of righteousness, with the peace of concord.”
Cyprian of Carthage (190-258) Sermon 4 On the Lord’s Prayer 24.
After I preached on Sunday, something happened in the heart of a man in the third row.
He’d been waiting for some funds to come through and God had moved in such a way that he received them on Friday and was stirred to give. No kidding. Others planted and watered. Then God worked in his heart.
After my message encouraging people to “give God what you have” he told the pastor he would give a million dollars.
How cool is that! He exhibited, as Cyprian put it, the fear of God, a simply heart guided by the law of righteousness (that is, doing what is right) and the peace of concord (which means peace rooted in his trust in Christ).
Giving is acceptable to God not based on the amount of the gift but the attitude of our hearts.
God looks for willing hearts who are enthusiastic to share. If God has blessed you, set up monthly giving to GTP today. We are praying for monthly givers. God moved two people to do this last week, and we are praying for more. Click here to give.
I praise God for a fruitful trip down under, 10 events in 5 cities and meetings with many people.
Pray with me that these visits will result in the strengthening of workers for service and support to GTP. And pray for safe travel home for Jenni and me. It’s a long trip.