A group of Christians approached another believer about making a major contribution to a particular campaign. They did not know that this man had a serious problem with giving. He found it difficult to praise God with the money the Lord had given to Him.
After this group of men told him what the need was and challenged him to give a certain amount, he responded: "I understand why you think I can give this large sum of money. I own a large company, but there is something you do not know. My mother is in an expensive nursing home. My brother, who had no insurance, died and left a wife and five children. My son is deeply religious, and he is working with the poor and makes less than the national poverty level."
Praise and giving go beautifully together because both honor the Lord.
The men responded humbly by saying that they did not know any of this. "Well, then," the man said, "you also need to know that I have not given them a penny. Why would you think that I would give to your project?"
Only God can soften the hardened heart of the person who refuses to give to others. After reading this account, the image that comes to mind is one of a person who is bitter and void of true peace and contentment.
Praise and giving go beautifully together because both honor the Lord. They also teach us to set our heart's devotion on God and not on ourselves. The way to blessing is a way that is outlined by sacrificial giving.
In his commentary on Psalm 34, Charles Spurgeon declared, "To bless the Lord is never unseasonable. . . . Our thankfulness is not to be a dumb thing; it should be one of the daughters of music. Our tongue is our glory, and it ought to reveal the glory of God. What a blessed mouthful is God's praise!"
Prayer: God, no matter how generous I am, You are always infinitely more generous. May my giving honor You and testify to Your kindness. Soften my heart, that I would withhold nothing from You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Empowered by Praise, Part 5: LISTEN NOW
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