Life Plan Devotion #138 [Guidelines for Giving, 1 of 3]

II Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (NIV).

Last time, we looked at II Corinthians 9:6 and began to look at the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping. We discovered that which farmers know--we harvest in proportion to the amount of seed we sow.
Today, let's begin to look at II Corinthians 9:7, a verse in which God, through the Apostle Paul, gives us three guidelines for giving. For today, we will look at the first guideline. The intent, as always, is to reflect and learn. It is not to condemn. While you may experience conviction, if you experience condemnation/guilt, that's the work of the enemy, not the Holy Spirit. How can you know the difference? Satan loves to condemn, by giving you negative, condemning thoughts which have no "answer" or resolution. The Holy Spirit may convict, but He does so lovingly, with the intention of giving you the opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness, pointing you to the Word, which contains the "answer."
The first guideline for godly giving is that the giver should prayerfully decide the amount to give and the place to give it. The decision, according to II Corinthians 9:7, should me made in one's "heart." The Greek word for "heart" is kardia (kar-dee'-ah), and it means "heart, thoughts, feelings (mind)."
If you find that you quickly dig into your pocketbook or wallet while the offering prayer is being prayed, or you're busily writing your tithe check as the offering plate is being passed, you are missing out on the worship experience that giving is meant to be.
If you are not already doing so, I encourage you to take time each week, in advance of your giving, to pray. Praise God that He is Jehovah-Jireh (the God Who Provides), thank Him for His many blessings, ask Him how much He would like for you to give (above your tithe) and where you should give it (missions, building fund, special projects, etc.). He may or may not put a certain amount on your heart, but whether He does or not, the final decision must be yours.

Deuteronomy 16:17 [NLT]
"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the LORD your God."

What this has to do with weight loss: Have you had people help you on your weight-loss journey? I know I have, and one of my greatest joys is when I can give back to someone who has helped me or even to a person who is just beginning their journey. While I am no expert in weight-loss circles, I can give that which I am able to give--my experience, my encouragement, my prayers, etc. God has blessed me, so I must "pay it forward." How can you give what you are able to give, today?

Confession:
I give thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the intent to bless, as I am able.