Rhapsody of Realities 13 February 2020 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome — Excel In The Grace Of Giving

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Topic: Excel In The Grace Of Giving

But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us–see that you also excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV).

Every Christian is supposed to be passionate about God’s work, and put their resources into the push and spread of the Gospel around the world. But there’re usually those who are more passionate than others. They’re the ones Paul referred to in our theme scripture: they excel in the grace of giving.

Also Read: Open Heaven 13 February 2020 – The Beloved III

Giving is a grace; it’s one of the spiritual gifts in the Bible. What makes it spiritual is that it’s God who gives the ability. Romans 12:6-8 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith…he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity….” Remember, He already said that upon receiving the Holy Spirit, we would all prophesy: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…” (Acts 2:17). However, the Word also says, “…to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom” (1 Corinthians 12:8), even though the Holy Ghost enables everyone to prophesy and to see visions.

In the same way, everyone is enabled to give, but the grace of giving is also a gift. And the Bible says, “… earnestly covet the best gifts…” (1 Corinthians 12:31). So, it’s okay to covet and desire to excel in the grace of giving. In every gift of God, you get better by practice. So, practise giving your best; it comes with its myriads of blessings and promotions of the Spirit. Praise God!

PRAYER:
Precious Father, I thank you for the understanding of your Word granted me even now; thank you for making all grace—every favour and earthly blessing— come to me in abundance, so that I may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need, be self-sufficient, possessing enough to require no aid or support, furnished in abundance, for every good work, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 12:6-8; Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Luke 8:1-3; And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve [were] with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

2 Corinthians 8:9-10 AMPC; For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). 10 [It is then] my counsel and my opinion in this matter that I give [you when I say]: It is profitable and fitting for you [now to complete the enterprise] which more than a year ago you not only began, but were the first to wish to do anything [about contributions for the relief of the saints at Jerusalem].

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 28 & Leviticus 4-5

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 17:22-34 & Psalm 17-18

Rhapsody of Realities 13th February 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.