FAITH CAPSULE: Give as prompted by God’s Spirit and not give by man’s evil devises to steal from you.

Genesis 4

The Bible talked about offering by faith using the story of Abel as an example when it stated that, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” (Hebrews 11:4) Giving offering without faith is giving with fear or giving in fear. Fear is what displeases God. Offering that is given in fear is without expectation for manifestation of worthy reward from God. When Abel and Cain gave offering to God, Abel’s offering gained worthy attention from God while Cain’s offering did not gain attention from God. In Abel and Cain’s offering bible recorded, “…Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.” (Genesis 4:3-5) Indeed, Abel and Cain brought what they had to God as an offering, but Abel brought everything that was added (Fat) to his offering. Abel separated nothing from what he brought by giving his best offering before God. Abel’s offering before God was his very first best which could not be termed as “just an offering.” Give respectfully before God as God will respect your offering. Giving offering to God or giving in God’s name demands giving without fear or with no holding back as prompted to give.
When a stranger (Elijah) approached the widow of Zarephath, he did not only ask for water but also asked for bread (a fat offering request). The widow was living in a land where drought had been on for years with not knowing how long drought would continue. Also, she had no knowledge about who Elijah was. The woman only had enough for herself and her son when Elijah’s request came to her in the name of God. The woman responded with fear and that prompted Elijah to respond, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.” So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.” (1Kings 17:13-15) Fear is what Elijah required the women to disallow because fear was going to deny her from giving to God. With no fear, engage offering as a priority before God to get God’s attention.
When promoted by the Spirit of God to give instead of being prompted to give by man’s devises is certain to deliver God’s visitation. With knowledge and understanding, give offering with priority. Zarephath’s priority of giving offering in the name of God delivered uncommon blessing of God in her.

Prayer for today: Ask for the grace that eliminates fear in time of your giving.