Giving Intentionally and Regularly

Wednesday - November 3rd

Scripture to Read Today: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

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On the first day of every week, each of you is to

put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper.

1 Corinthians 16:2

The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians a lot about financial giving in the two letters he wrote to them. He was straightforward when he talked about their responsibilities. They were eager learners, and Paul was able to assist them with maximizing the blessings associated with regular and purposeful giving.

The believers at Corinth were contributing to a specific cause. Paul was collecting the offerings to assist the impoverished believers in the over-populated and famine-stricken city of Jerusalem. Further, they were to give at a specific time – on Sundays. The point here is that giving is not simply the result of being in a generous mood or feeling particularly attracted to a given cause. They gave because it was Sunday – the day to give. It was the day they could collect the offering in their weekly gathering. Today, we can give through electronic and online ways. Collecting the offering can take place anywhere at any time.

While many of us contribute to the Lord's work online today, we should not neglect being intentional and faithful with our giving. Paul emphasized the believers should give with a regular, planned rhythm. For most of church history, Sunday has been the day to bring your offering to the Lord. Part of faithful discipleship (following Jesus) is building healthy habits of faithfulness to Christ into our regular life patterns.

Do you think about what you will give as an offering to the Lord through your local church? Do you pray about it? Do you plan for it? We all should. God wants to grow us through the discipline of giving faithfully!

Ask God daily this week what He would have you intentionally and regularly give to your local church!