Today’s scripture: Psalms 116: 17
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and I will call upon the name of the Lord.”
History is replete with people of different sects and culture sharing a similar pattern of expressing thanks through tangible gifts and offerings.
The Romans celebrated a festival called Cerelia, which honoured a deity called Ceres their goddess of grain (from which the word cereal comes). This festival required them to bring offerings of the first fruits of their harvest to this god.
The ancient Chinese also celebrated their harvest festival, Chung ch’ui, during this festival, the women would bake special moon cakes and distribute to each family in memory and appreciation of their liberation from enemy armies.
But you see, pagan gods and religions have always imitated and perverted the principles of God’s kingdom. Elaborate festivals and giving, in honour of God, have their roots in worship; where the bearing of gifts and material substance in appreciation of the living God is a basic requirement; one done not out of compulsion, but out of genuine appreciation for the Lord and that which He has and continues to do for us.
It has never been a question of what you can give God. He cannot be enriched by your substance. The earth belongs to him and all its fullness. Giving to the Lord in honour and as an expression of our gratitude is a precursor to a larger harvest. The book of Proverbs 3: 9 endears us to honour God with our offerings and with the first fruits of our increase. This is an instruction from a Father who is desirous of Blessing his children.
When you give to God in gratitude for what He has done, you take on the nature of God your Father and qualify for more of His blessings. His grace is always available to you in Jesus Name.
Meditate and Memorize:
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6: 38
Prayer/Confession:
Father I thank you because you have blessed me indeed. I receive the grace to have a heart like yours, a heart that always seeks to bless and holds nothing back in Jesus name. Amen.
