And So, I Continue . . . . . .
Matthew 6:1-4 ~ 1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Jesus, at the Sermon on the Mount, continues His instructions for all disciples and Christians to live by. Tom and I have always practiced and encourage Biblical giving. Our Lord was explicit in these verses how to do that. So, if you are a faithful giver from the heart, you probably already know how we are to give as Jesus taught the people, and it was important enough for us to know today, for God had His Word was preserved and recorded in our Bible.
We are truly blessed as Christians. There is nothing in the world that we have access to, knowledge of, understanding that you can't find in the Word of God. When we study, read, apply His message in our lives, and take action in His name, He will bless. The Gift and the Giver!
Just a few words on what I gleaned from God's Word today! I pray it is a help and a blessing.
Our Lord and the people we give to are the only ones that need to know what our giving consists of. That is what Jesus is saying here. Give in secret for Christ's sake, not to be broadcasted around for your sake. When we do that, you may get accolades from those who heard of your "great deed", but God is not pleased, and you have received your reward when those you broadcasted to give you a pat on the back. I'm looking heavenward for my reward, and it is mine to have when I give as Jesus gave.
God may use us to give of our finances; money that others desperately need and don't know where to turn to get it. But it could just as well be our time, material possessions, food, clothing, a place to lay their head, etc. Whatever it is, it's for us to know and our recipients to receive. The same goes when we give to the church. Your tithe is a no brainer. You give of the 100% God gave you. It isn't yours to keep; but when you give over and above as the Lord provides, it is your gift to God and to the recipient. He sees our hearts always, He knows why you give, and if done as Jesus taught here in these verses, it will go a long way, come back to you in great measure, and all will be blessed! ". . .that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."
One day our final rewards will be our crowns won because of our obedience, and faithfulness. And you know what we will do with those crowns? We will cast them at His feet in gratefulness and love of Him Who died for us. The Ultimate Gift of Gifts! His precious life as He shed His blood on the cross for me and you! Regardless of what we endure here on earth, a priceless crown will seem a pitiful offering. But it will be the best gift we can give Him. Although the Scriptures do not state it specifically, it is likely that we will all follow the example of the twenty-four elders in casting our crowns at Jesus’ feet. Revelation 4:10-11 - 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." His life for mine!
He made it possible for me to approach the throne of God in prayer and supplications, interceding for others and blessings for me and mine. There is not one thing I have that God did not have a hand in. It is HIS and He allows me to use what He has bestowed upon me. We all have that wonderful opportunity because of Christ's sacrifice and shed blood. Many don't take advantage of that precious gift; yes, they do get saved, I believe that, but then they take it no further.
When you realize that because of Him you have salvation that no other can give, a wealth of the kingdom of God at your fingertips; He will give wisdom when giving. How do we learn of these things Jesus is teaching of? One place is church - but sadly, our churches are empty because God's children don't find it important enough to be faithful in attendance. About 13 years ago, we were separated for a time from our grandchildren. These children faithfully attended church with Grandma from birth on! We missed them tremendously, but God knew, His plan is perfect, and we waited and prayed! All is well now, and we are enjoying a great time with them as young adults. But one of the youngest at the time, told me the other day that she had no clue what I was talking about when I shared a story from the Bible and how it helps me. Sad. I told her, it isn't too late to learn, and I would love teaching her. She can still learn of the things of the Lord. I reminded her of the time she got saved, and she remembered that time with tears in her eyes. Believe me, God is not finished yet, and much more will be shared.
You can also learn of these things through your Bible reading and study, devotionals, and from other Christians. These things may not be important to those who are saved, yet do not serve God; but, one day they will regret their casual and temporal living here on earth; wasting away the blessings of God. When we attend church, this is our part of giving back. . .go to church, worship God with like faith, and allow Him to use us in the work He calls us to. Be a blessing to someone today! Give from the heart and with the cross on your mind!
Here are a few more verses from The Sermon on the Mount I love to read. The Beatitudes!
Matthew 5
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
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