Topic: Blessedness Of Giving [DCLM Daily Manna 24 July 2020 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

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Text: Philippians 4:15-20 (KJV)

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Key Verse: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” – (Philippians 4:15)

MESSAGE:

A story was told of a very wealthy businessman in the United States who was committed to giving to foreign gospel mission. On one occasion, he decided to visit the mission field in an Asian country where his donations had been deployed for a church building project. As he got there, he was attracted by an unusual sight of a peasant farmer yoked to an ox ploughing a farmland. Curious, he asked why. He was deeply humbled when he learned that the farmer, without money but willing to contribute to the building of the church, had sold off the other ox and donated the proceeds towards the building project! The businessman learned a lesson in sacrificial giving.

Also read: Open Heaven 24 July 2020 – Dangers of Backsliding I

In the passage under consideration, Paul the apostle commends the Philippian church for ministering to his needs. The church itself was a giving, missionary church. It ministered to Paul’s needs during his travels. Paul appreciated not just the gift, but the spirit of love and devotion, which the church manifested.

Missionary support as with giving and welfare outreach to the needy in the household of faith is honoured and accepted by God as “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God”.

What we give to the support of missionary work is regarded as an offering brought to God. The Lord regards whatever we do for one of the least of our brothers or sisters as done for Him. He wants us to always remember the poor and helpless ones in our midst. In return, He has promised to reward us in time and eternity.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God loves a cheerful giver.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Chronicles 22-25

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.