Dear Reader,
Welcome to the concluding part of this edition. I believe you now know that it is only God who gives genuine increases that add no sorrow. This week, we will dive deeper into the teaching, Source of Increase through Giving.
The Word says: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). From scripture, we understand that God so loved the world that He gave. He demonstrated His love for man by taking the initiative and giving us His Son, even when no man understood what He was doing and could not say, “Thank you”. It was in His selfless giving that the world was won. If the man and his wife learn to prefer each other in love, consider and think of ways to bless the other, family life will be much sweeter. Therefore, love is …never…selfish…(1 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB).
Avenues through which we can Give to Experience Increase:
Giving to God: Money is limited in value except it is placed in the hands of God. It has wings. If you do not send it on an errand, someday it will take up wings and fly away by itself. The Word says: Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven (Proverbs 23:5). Money is a god; it seeks to be worshipped. That is why Matthew 6:24 says, …Ye cannot serve God and mammon. “Mammon” means money. It is a good servant but a terrible master; don’t allow the absence of it to determine the atmosphere of your home. There are some people once they are angry you know there is no money in their pocket. Don’t let it destroy the peace and joy in your home. The Bible declares that two is better than one. Therefore, you can “better” your giving to the Lord by giving as a family, thus making better your receiving (Luke 6:38). You must encourage each other to sow seeds. When hard times come upon the earth, you and your household will be exempted as you purpose to keep sowing into the Kingdom.
As a family, ensure your tithe is paid, either separately as husband, wife and children or together as a family. Give offerings according to your size also. Don’t rob God in your offerings. Ensure that your children also give offerings. Therefore, it is wisdom to sow to the kingdom, even when you need every penny. There is a portion to eat and a portion to sow (Proverbs 11:24).
Giving to the Poor: You must be generous to the poor, the underprivileged and those who do not have as much as you have. God loves the merciful and releases blessings upon them. The Word says: He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse (Proverbs 28:27). When you reach out to bless the poor, God ensures you do not lack. Just as Cornelius was a man given to almsgiving, one day, God visited him and blessed him with salvation. You too can register in God’s book of remembrance by being open and generous.
Giving to Men of God: As couples, you must provoke each other to do the right things. Sowing to men of God placed over you is right and provokes great blessings from the Lord. God is glorified when you handle your money this way. The Word says: If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things (1 Corinthians 9:11).
Giving to Parents: We have an undeniable responsibility towards our parents. It is your duty to honour your parents according to how God has blessed you. You cannot have parents who don’t have food to eat, and you are wasting food in your house. That is irresponsibility. You must honour your parents if life must be well with you. Many marriages and families are in a financial mess today because they fail in their covenant responsibilities to their parents. The Word says: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Therefore, those who run after money are running after sorrow. Bishop David Oyedepo often says, “If you run after money, you will mourn.” So, run after God, and money will run after you.
However, to run after God and not money, you need the help of God. If you are not born again, please say this prayer of faith: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner, and I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. From today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I am Born Again.
Congratulations! You are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204 and 07026385437.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Building a Successful Family,Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Success in Marriage (Co-Authored with Bishop David Oyedepo), Breaking Financial Hardship (Bishop David Oyedepo), and The Wisdom that Works (Bishop David Oyedepo).
