Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday, June 28, 2007
THE HEART THAT GIVES
THE HEART THAT GIVES©
By: Pastor Peter Okereke Jr.
Even as a pastor, my questions kept mounting. These questions are not due to lack of faith, but rather in awe towards the faithfulness of GOD. As the scripture said, God is faithful, and really, very faithful!
This topic though debatable, is a testimony of people that gives. The direction of giving does not matter.
Giving as yet you are to see, is one of the many ways anybody could be tested. But in it all the more cheerful a giver is, the better rewards he receives; both from man and spirit. Imagine how a cup of water unlocked God’s secret to Abraham, and even earned him a re-affirmation of God’s promises for his life. “He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, [a] do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree” (Genesis 18:3-4, NIV). In reward, God made a revelation to Abraham about his mission to Sodom and Gomorrah. “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Genesis 18:17). God reveals to those that loves him.
My attention was drawn to the Book of 1 Kings, chapter 3. In this chapter of the bible, various definitions were made and likely comparisons drawn to giving and the attitude of receiving.
Solomon, a leader of the Jews (Israel) who in the present day represents a Pope, Bishop, Priest, Pastor or any spiritual leader as the case may be.
Emphasis was made on the distinguished mannerism at which this king served God – his God.
1: “Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places” (verse 3, NIV).
Understand that the only heart that serves the LORD is the heart that LOVES him. If you love the LORD, you can trace the footprints of his servants, and strictly follow them. JESUS is ONE. As a perfect example, Jesus who is God, in the form of man gave to all ‘HIS LIFE’ as atonement for our sins. Where are the footprints of these servants of the LORD? The BIBLE!
Exceptional giving and sincere service as it pertains things of the LORD draws attention, as a proof of genuine love and faith.
2: “The King went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar” (verse 4, NIV)
As we all confess Christ as our LORD and Savior, it is very easy to figure a true Christian –a believer. The fruit of the spirit through faith and works speaks for itself. According to the scripture, both faith and work are tests for each other. You can not have one without the other.
A Christian who can not give God ‘all’ is yet to perfect in service to God. By ‘all’ I mean their heart. The heart is the highest most important place of worship in our temple. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Within the heart lies love, and also from it comes giving. When you give generously, you definitely will reap generously. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar!
A: Why was Solomon giving God who owns all things?
B: Does God require the bulls to exist? No! God does not require any of those. The point here is the condition of the heart that gives. “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are [c] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalms 51:16-17). Any giving without its spiritual agreement is obsolete, and as a matter of fact, is a show-off. Such giving does not bring spiritual rewards.
A leader’s ability to lead by example motivates the followers that they are not chasing the wind. It makes them walk well to be a leader. So, the heart that loves GOD must show it by examples, not mere words. Strict obedience, dedication and steadfastness will be the keyword. Honesty, sincerity and transparency are encouraged, not shadowing secrets. Any problem must be addressed to ascertain clarity. By this, the body will be re-assured that they are not being misled.
3: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (Verse 5, NIV)
4: “...But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (Verses 7(b), 9(a))” This is a prayer –a perfect one. It is simple, yielding his need to serve God back to God. As short as this prayer was, it unlocked the doors of God’s love to answer it. Because this prayer is centered on the need of the people, God’s people, HE answered it.
How in the world could someone ask such a nothing from the God of all things? Just that! Maybe that’s what you think. For the heart that seeks for itself, or man’s glory, such is no the perfect thing to pray!. Solomon identified with the people, He harbors care for them, and is willing to serve them, not with deceit. He knew that any wrong decision or misrepresentation of priority will mangle his intended plans to rule well. He must have heard the prophets, especially Jeremiah 23:1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. Solomon understood that as a king, he was chose for the people, not for himself, and in obedience he yielded his body to the indwelling of God’s spirit –WISDOM.
If you are asked this same question, what would your answer be? Be honest now!
The heart that gives always receives. It will always please God to favor him. Each time the gates of heaven open, God’s blessings and favor pursues the faithful servants. These blessings depend on their various needs. In some cases, even the thing they did not ask for accompanies it, (called MIRACLES).
Remember that there are always two sides of a coin. God will always warn us of the devil. He will always speak to us in a like tone –the bible, dreams, vision or even his servants (prophets).With his tender mercies, he lays instructions of the danger of disobedience. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."(Verses 11-14, NIV)
CONCLUSION: When you give a church, a servant of God, even people in general, the act of doing that triggers the promises of God (showers of blessing) on the giver. When you give the needy, then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:4)
In his own way, Apostle Paul concluded thus, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received (from you) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:17-19). Amen.
From the biblical text, understand that Solomon did not make those sacrifices or gifts to man. It was meant for GOD. So is your attitude while giving.
When you give, be cheerful, careful and expecting.
Be cheerful because, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Be careful so that you “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). The dogs and pigs are the falsehoods using the LORD’S name to make money.
Be expecting since “A man reap what he sows” (Galatians 6:7)
Before giving, pray first, and let the spirit of truth direct you. But be sure to bless someone today!
Copyright reserved © 2007
By: Pastor Peter Okereke Jr.
Even as a pastor, my questions kept mounting. These questions are not due to lack of faith, but rather in awe towards the faithfulness of GOD. As the scripture said, God is faithful, and really, very faithful!
This topic though debatable, is a testimony of people that gives. The direction of giving does not matter.
Giving as yet you are to see, is one of the many ways anybody could be tested. But in it all the more cheerful a giver is, the better rewards he receives; both from man and spirit. Imagine how a cup of water unlocked God’s secret to Abraham, and even earned him a re-affirmation of God’s promises for his life. “He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, [a] do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree” (Genesis 18:3-4, NIV). In reward, God made a revelation to Abraham about his mission to Sodom and Gomorrah. “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Genesis 18:17). God reveals to those that loves him.
My attention was drawn to the Book of 1 Kings, chapter 3. In this chapter of the bible, various definitions were made and likely comparisons drawn to giving and the attitude of receiving.
Solomon, a leader of the Jews (Israel) who in the present day represents a Pope, Bishop, Priest, Pastor or any spiritual leader as the case may be.
Emphasis was made on the distinguished mannerism at which this king served God – his God.
1: “Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places” (verse 3, NIV).
Understand that the only heart that serves the LORD is the heart that LOVES him. If you love the LORD, you can trace the footprints of his servants, and strictly follow them. JESUS is ONE. As a perfect example, Jesus who is God, in the form of man gave to all ‘HIS LIFE’ as atonement for our sins. Where are the footprints of these servants of the LORD? The BIBLE!
Exceptional giving and sincere service as it pertains things of the LORD draws attention, as a proof of genuine love and faith.
2: “The King went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar” (verse 4, NIV)
As we all confess Christ as our LORD and Savior, it is very easy to figure a true Christian –a believer. The fruit of the spirit through faith and works speaks for itself. According to the scripture, both faith and work are tests for each other. You can not have one without the other.
A Christian who can not give God ‘all’ is yet to perfect in service to God. By ‘all’ I mean their heart. The heart is the highest most important place of worship in our temple. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Within the heart lies love, and also from it comes giving. When you give generously, you definitely will reap generously. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar!
A: Why was Solomon giving God who owns all things?
B: Does God require the bulls to exist? No! God does not require any of those. The point here is the condition of the heart that gives. “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are [c] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalms 51:16-17). Any giving without its spiritual agreement is obsolete, and as a matter of fact, is a show-off. Such giving does not bring spiritual rewards.
A leader’s ability to lead by example motivates the followers that they are not chasing the wind. It makes them walk well to be a leader. So, the heart that loves GOD must show it by examples, not mere words. Strict obedience, dedication and steadfastness will be the keyword. Honesty, sincerity and transparency are encouraged, not shadowing secrets. Any problem must be addressed to ascertain clarity. By this, the body will be re-assured that they are not being misled.
3: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (Verse 5, NIV)
4: “...But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (Verses 7(b), 9(a))” This is a prayer –a perfect one. It is simple, yielding his need to serve God back to God. As short as this prayer was, it unlocked the doors of God’s love to answer it. Because this prayer is centered on the need of the people, God’s people, HE answered it.
How in the world could someone ask such a nothing from the God of all things? Just that! Maybe that’s what you think. For the heart that seeks for itself, or man’s glory, such is no the perfect thing to pray!. Solomon identified with the people, He harbors care for them, and is willing to serve them, not with deceit. He knew that any wrong decision or misrepresentation of priority will mangle his intended plans to rule well. He must have heard the prophets, especially Jeremiah 23:1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD. Solomon understood that as a king, he was chose for the people, not for himself, and in obedience he yielded his body to the indwelling of God’s spirit –WISDOM.
If you are asked this same question, what would your answer be? Be honest now!
The heart that gives always receives. It will always please God to favor him. Each time the gates of heaven open, God’s blessings and favor pursues the faithful servants. These blessings depend on their various needs. In some cases, even the thing they did not ask for accompanies it, (called MIRACLES).
Remember that there are always two sides of a coin. God will always warn us of the devil. He will always speak to us in a like tone –the bible, dreams, vision or even his servants (prophets).With his tender mercies, he lays instructions of the danger of disobedience. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."(Verses 11-14, NIV)
CONCLUSION: When you give a church, a servant of God, even people in general, the act of doing that triggers the promises of God (showers of blessing) on the giver. When you give the needy, then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:4)
In his own way, Apostle Paul concluded thus, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received (from you) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:17-19). Amen.
From the biblical text, understand that Solomon did not make those sacrifices or gifts to man. It was meant for GOD. So is your attitude while giving.
When you give, be cheerful, careful and expecting.
Be cheerful because, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Be careful so that you “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). The dogs and pigs are the falsehoods using the LORD’S name to make money.
Be expecting since “A man reap what he sows” (Galatians 6:7)
Before giving, pray first, and let the spirit of truth direct you. But be sure to bless someone today!
Copyright reserved © 2007
Write To:
Pastor Peter Okereke Jr.
The Living Word Ministries
P.O.Box 2604
Evanston IL, 60204-6204
E-mail:Pastorpeterokereke@letjesusdoit.com
Pastor Peter Okereke Jr.
The Living Word Ministries
P.O.Box 2604
Evanston IL, 60204-6204
E-mail:Pastorpeterokereke@letjesusdoit.com
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