DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 9 January 2024
TOPIC: Spirit of Giving
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:15-20
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).
DCLM Daily Manna MESSAGE
A poet wrote, “What I gave away I saved, what I spent I used, what I kept I lost. Giving to the Lord is but transporting our goods to a higher floor. In defiance of all the torture and malice and might of the world, the liberal man will ever be rich, for God’s providence is his estate.”
The verses under consideration reveal Apostle Paul’s commendation of the Philippian church for ministering to his needs. Members of that church gave sacrificially and supported the apostle’s ministry heartily. Paul appreciated the gifts, and the spirit of love and devotion with which the brethren gave.
READ DCLM Daily Manna 8 Jan 2024 – Obedience is Key
Missionary, evangelical outreach support and welfare giving to the needy in the church is honoured and acceptable to God. What Christians give in support of missionary and evangelical work is regarded as an offering brought to God. When you remember what Christ did on the cross for you, it should not take long preaching before you give willingly to the Lord.
Believers are called and constrained to give their best to God and His work as a mere expression of love for what He has done for them.
However, like the Philippian brethren, God expects you to give yourself to Him first. You must accept Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour; and then give the best of your time, talents and treasures to Him. Your giving should not be limited to special funds and church projects but to the needy. The Lord Jesus Christ commended givers, revealing that whatever we give to the brethren, the needy and the poor, is lent to Him. He also promised that we will not lose our reward in time and eternity.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We get by giving; get more by giving more.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 20-21
