Start this week by reading 2 Peter 1:3, 5-8.

Peter tells us that God has provided us with all that we need and it is our responsibility to put forth effort to grow. We can grow in our faith using a variety of spiritual disciplines. These will help us to be productive and effective as individuals and as a church family. We will look at a few of these disciplines this week.

Monday: Prayer

Prayer is commanded in the Bible. The discipline of prayer is a way to be obedient to this commandment. Prayer requires concentration and focus. Teaching our cells to concentrate is one of the reasons we close our eyes to pray. We also need to close our ears and mind as well to the many distractions around us.

Prayer harvests humility, dependence on God, and compassion for others.  Prayer should include, among other things, praise for God's greatness, gratitude for God's gifts, petitions for you and others, confession of your struggles and sins, and whatever the spirit brings to your mind.

Sometimes when we feel stuck or without words we can turn to the Bible to find prayers. Look up the following prayers and keep them close by.

• The Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:9-13
  
• Nehemiah's prayer Nehemiah 1:5-11
  
• Solomon’s prayer 1 Kings 8:22-61
  
• Many of the Psalms are prayers. Some good ones to start with are Psalms 10, 59, 83 and 86.
  

Tuesday: Worship

Worship is more than an activity: it is an attitude- an attitude of awe and gratitude, of humble submission to God's greatness and grace, of obedience and love.

The spiritual discipline of worship is not limited to the activities we do on Sundays. Every activity and every relationship in our daily life can be a way to worship God. Sunday worship is the best initial training ground for this discipline. As we continue developing this habit of worshiping God, we will see Sunday worship as the beginning of our worship, rather than as the only worship time.

Look up the following verses which give the biblical basis and examples of worship. Pay attention to how we can incorporate this into our daily lives.

• Worship must be to God and God only. Matthew 4:10
  
• Worship must be in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24
  
• Worship may be in a public place. Luke 24:53
  
• Worship may be done in private. Romans 16:5
  
• Believers are commanded to worship God regularly. Hebrews 10:25
  

Wednesday: Fasting

Fasting is not a spiritual discipline that you hear much about. Many times it is dismissed as an old practice. However, fasting is an important opportunity for meaningful spiritual growth.

So, what is fasting and how do I do it?

Fasting fosters humility, reliance on God, compassion, gratitude, and self control. Fasting is not simply giving up something but rather giving up the time that something would fill and dedicating that time to God through prayer and Biblical reflection. Fasting from food is a good way to practice fasting. However, there are other things which you could abstain from that may be more effective. Television and social media often consumes much of our lives. When we fast from these things, as well as other things, we are reminded that our dependence on God is sufficient. In the Bible, we can see how fasting was often a way of seeking God's favor or guidance. Look up the following verses and spend time in prayer asking God what area of your life would benefit most from a time of fasting.

• Moses fasted when he received God's commandments. Exodus 34:28
  
• Nehemiah fasted seeking God's favor. Nehemiah 1:4
  
• Daniel fasted seeking God's favor. Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3
  
• Paul fasted seeking God's guidance. Acts 9:9
  

Thursday: Evangelism

Evangelism is an important spiritual discipline. Evangelism is a command that is given to Christian but sharing one's faith with others doesn't always come natural. Studying the scriptures helps us to become more confident which will in turn help us evangelize. The more we know about God and His plan, the better we can share it. Prayer is also a helpful tool in preparing for evangelism. The closer we are to God, the more likely we are to share with others. It is important that we train ourselves instruments used by God.

Read about Jesus’ command to his people to spread the gospel in Matthew 28:19-20

Look up 1st Peter 3:15. Peter is telling believers that they must be ready to give an answer concerning the hope they have. Are you ready to give an answer?

Friday: Wrap up

Spiritual disciplines should be....
Practices that permeate every area of our lives. Ones that help us focus on God as well as building up other believers. Disciplines help us to realize our dependence on God and give us the desire to follow His will.

Spiritual disciplines should not be....
Impossible or unrealistic. They should not be used as a benchmark to judge other people spiritual maturity. And they should not be used as an outward way to cover up inward sin.

Be sure to spend time focusing on what disciplines you already have in place in your life and how you can improve those practices. Reach out to God and ask Him what discipline you are missing and be open to the changes He will make in your life.

 What is the outcome of spiritual disciplines?

1. God uses those disciplines to grow our faith. This matures us as
   
2. Christians and helps us develop a deeper relationship with our Father.
   
3. We learn to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit and the role that it takes in our lives.
   
4. Shows our level of commitment.
   

• Inward disciplines work on the heart. We can see where our commitment lies by examining how well we maintain the integrity of these disciplines. 
  
• Outward disciplines are important as they help us to be held accountable to the eyes watching us. By doing these disciplines (and doing them well) we become an example that a new believer can look up to. 
  
• Corporate disciplines provide us with additional accountability but also a great supply of support and encouragement. 
  

Commit to memorizing this week’s memory verse. Pray and ask God to show you what disciplines He desires you to work on this week. Keep a journal on each and how you can better your efforts and build a stronger relationship with your Father. 

Monday: Disciples Must Go Into The World

Read Acts 1:8

This verse describes a series of ever-widening circles. The gospel was spread, geographically, from Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria, and finally to the whole world. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem and Samaria, spread to the mixed race in Samaria, and finally be offered to the Gentiles in the uttermost parts of the earth. God's gospel has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community hasn't heard about Jesus Christ. Make sure that you are contributing in some way to the ever-widening widening circle of God's loving message.

Tuesday: Disciples Must Love The World

Read John 3:16

The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God's love is not static or self-centered. It reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships. When you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus'- willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God's love.

Wednesday: Disciples Must Remain Separate From The World

Read John 17:14

The world sometimes hates Christians because Christians' values differ from the world. Because Christ's followers don't cooperate with the world by joining in their sin, they are living accusations against the world's immorality. The world follows Satan's agenda, and Satan is the avowed enemy of Jesus and His people.
We must go into the world without becoming part of the world. The key to doing so is staying in the word, keeping tight the lines of communication with God, and maintaining spiritual integrity. This is often easier said than done because we don't like standing out or being different from the crowd.

Thursday: Disciples Must Be Patient

Read Galatians 6:9

It can be discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results. But Paul challenged the Galatians and he challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing.

Friday

Read again this week’s memory verse. Commit to memorize this verse. Make a plan of how you will be a disciple to the world while staying committed to Christ. Pray and ask God to help you see ways to go out into the world while also guarding your heart against worldly things.

Monday:

I had memorized John 13:35 within a couple of months of joining my first church. The worship leader started each service by having us shake hands with visitors and other members. We knew when it was time because he had us all recite this verse together before the music started. I am grateful for this as it helped me memorize a very important verse in the Bible and also showed the importance of welcoming visiting guests. The concept behind the verse goes so much further than extending a welcoming hand during greet-time. The words spoken by our Savior are ones not to be taken lightly. We are to heed them within the church walls as well as outside the doors. If a visitor was to follow your footsteps within the church today, would they see a true disciple? Would they feel God’s love and acceptance through your actions? What if they followed you home?
Pray and ask God to keep you aware of your actions. Keep in mind that others are watching, looking for the love of a Savior through an earthly disciple. 

Tuesday:

Review John 13:34 and try to recite it from memory.

We know that we are to love the Lord with all of our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now we hear Jesus tell us to love others the way that He loved us. To love others isn’t a new commandment as seen in Leviticus 19:18, but to love others as much as Christ loves us is revolutionary. Now we are to love others based on Jesus' sacrificial love for us. Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ, it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God. Jesus was a living example of God's love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus' love. Pray and ask God what this looks like in your life. Be open to changes God may desire for your life. 

Wednesday:

Read John 13:35 and try to recite it from memory.

Love is more than warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it's not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source. The Bible has another beautiful description of love in I Corinthians 13. Read it today and ask God to show you ways to extend His love to others. 

Thursday:

Read I Corinthians 13. We can have gifts and talents to offer. We can have money to give and time to spend. But if our actions aren’t backed by love they are nothing but the noise of “a clanging cymbal.”

Re-read verses 4-7. List 8 things that love isn’t or does not do. Then list 7 things that love is or does. Take a moment to consider which category you fall into. Look for ways to show love to others. Make a commitment to reach out to a person that you find it hard to love. Ask God to help you. He will grow you in your faith and give you the heart to care about others that you may never be able to care about without His help. 

Friday:

Commit to read I Corinthians chapter 12, 13, and 14. In Chapter 12, Paul gave evidence of the Corinthians lack of love in the utilization of spiritual gifts; chapter 13 defines real love; and chapter 14 shows how love works. Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the church body. Great faith, acts of dedication or sacrifice, and miracle-working power produce very little without love. Love makes our actions and gifts useful. Although people have different gifts, love is available to everyone. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself. Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.

Read Luke 14:25-33

Jesus was very plainly teaching that there is a cost to be His disciple. He expects our highest devotion, and He couldn't have made His standards more clear.

First, we must love Him even more than the people we love the most: our fathers, mothers, spouses, children, brothers and sisters. In fact, Jesus said we must love Him more than our own lives. True disciples of Jesus are sold out to Him. Jesus is not just a part of their lives; He is the center of their lives.

Second, Jesus said that we must carry our own cross in order to be His disciples. What did He mean? He wasn't saying, of course, that His followers must literally carry a cross on their backs wherever they go. The carrying of the cross that Jesus talked about must be symbolic of something.

In Jesus' day, when crucifixion was a common means of punishment, the expression He used was probably common. It would have meant, "Do the thing that you would naturally not want to do," or "Deny your selfish desires for a greater cause." Those who are Christ's true disciples have done just that. The most important thing in their lives is no longer pleasing themselves, but pleasing God.

Third, we must love Jesus more than any material thing if we are to be His disciples. Jesus owns us and everything we own. Therefore, He should have control over everything we possess, and we should do with it as He directs.

1.  Disciple = Worship

The apostle Paul described true worship perfectly in Romans 12:1-2: “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable, or well pleasing and perfect.”

True worship is God-centered worship.

Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth: 

• John 4:24
  

It’s also important to know that worship is reserved only for God. Only He is worthy and not any of His servants: 

• Revelation 19:10 
  

True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him:

• Acts 17:23 
  

Worship is to glorify and exalt God—to show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.

2.  Disciple = Servant

Characteristics of a servant of God:

• A Thankful Servant - “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” (Romans 1:8)

• A Prayerful Servant - “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;” (Rom. 1:9)

• A Submitted Servant - “Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey By The Will Of God to come unto you.” (Rom. 1:10)

• A Giving Servant - “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;” (Rom. 1:11)
• A Humble Servant - “That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Rom. 1:12)

3.  Disciple = Witness

Matthew 5:13:  You are the SALT of the earth.

Be salt — that is, flavor and a preservative to all around you.

• Live for God before people, and you will impart a positive flavor to any gathering of people.
  
• Live for God before people, and you will be a preserving force against corruption.
  
• As you determine to be salt and light before others, you exert a positive influence upon them.
  

Matthew 5:14-16:  You are the light of the world.... it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

• Be light, and the darkness is pushed back.
  
• Be light before men, so they see your good deeds. 
  
• Your good works point others to God. Your good deeds can cause others to “praise your Father in heaven”.

If you’ve spent time in church (or with my grandmother) at Christmastime, you’ve heard at least parts of the Christmas story. Most of us own a manger scene, complete with Joseph and Mary, three shepherds, an angel and some cows or sheep, and of course a baby Jesus wrapped in a tiny blanket. We know about the angels appearing to the shepherds and the star that shone bright; the wise men that came bearing gifts, one of which would reappear during the burial process of the same baby boy they were rejoicing over.  I want to encourage you to re-read the story, not from a Christmas book, but rather search the scriptures and ask God to show you something new this year as we take a tour together of the manger scene.

• Isaiah 9:6,7
• Luke 2:1-20
• Matthew 1:16-2:10
  

The Shepherds . . .

Why shepherds? Shepherds were not seen as important people; not politically, not economically. They lived among sheep. They ate with their sheep, slept among their sheep, they taught their sheep to obey commands and they protected their sheep at all costs, even at the risk of their own lives. Just as Jesus came to earth through a very humble birth, the news of His arrival was first presented to a very humble group. God works through humble hearts and simple situations. Christ walked among His people. He ate with them, slept among them, taught them His commands and gave His own life to protect them. He was the ultimate shepherd. What better companions to have displayed in manger scenes for centuries to come than the very men that represent what Christ is for all of humanity?

Study Psalm 23:1-6

Mary . . .

Why Mary? She wasn’t rich. She wasn’t heir to a throne. There wasn’t any part of her that would suggest that she should bring a king into the world.  I smile as I think about the people that God has used to do some of the most courageous things that we read about in our Bibles. She was humble, she was willing. Read Luke 2:19. I cannot begin to imagine what she was pondering. She held in her arms the sweetest, most precious gift that the world would ever reject. The journey ahead of her would be one like no other mother in history until then or since has ever had to face. Her son; the little boy that was birthed in a lowly manger, peering up at her with the clearest of eyes, latching hold of her finger as he pierced her heart with his infant perfection; she would one day watch as he was mocked and beaten. She would watch him flinch under the cattails attached to a whip. She would see his body collapse in pain, no longer able to carry the cross he so undeservingly was sentenced to. She would be there as he called out to God for the forgiveness of the very men who were putting Him to death. And she would watch her beloved baby boy draw in His last breath before giving up everything He had on a dark, gloomy hill as He swallowed up man’s sin once and for all. I don’t know that any other woman alive could have endured what she did. In the eyes of her culture she was plain, she was ordinary. But God chose her because she was stunningly extraordinary, just like you. How does God desire to use you? Allow Him to reveal a plan for your life.

You . . .

If you look very closely into any manger scene you can find yourself. You’re in there!! We are all there among the smelly sheep. We are in the heart of baby Jesus. God knew you before you ever were. He knew you would one day walk on Earth as His child and He had a purpose for you. He also knew that your purpose would require the sacrifice of His Son. When was the last time you thanked God for the manger scene and what it means for your life? Spend time in prayer today praising God for the birth of His Son and take time to read about the life and ministry of Jesus in the Gospels. 

Prophecy is important. It shows God’s absolute control over all of history in that if God said that it will happen, it is going to happen. We can lean on these prophecies for understanding of God’s word and the perfection of His timing and look to them for hope when faced with our future. The greatest hope that we have is our hope in Jesus Christ, and yes, that was prophesied. We can follow the prophecies in the Bible that foretold the events that would occur in the lifetime of Jesus; prophecies that tell of His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection.

This week, we will spend time looking up the fulfilled prophecies from Jesus’ time here on earth. Match the Old Testament scripture with the prophecy being foretold and the scripture that shows the fulfillment. At the end of each day, take a moment to write down what hope we can draw from these passages and say a prayer of thanksgiving for that hope.

His Birth:
Prophecy:  Isaiah 60:3, Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Genesis 12:3

• That He would be from the line of Abraham
• That He would be born in Bethlehem
• That He would be worshipped by wise men and presented with gifts
• That He would be called Emmanuel
• That He would be born of a woman
  

Fulfillment:  Matthew 1:23, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 2:5-6, Galatians 4:4, Galatians 3:16

His Life:
Prophecy:  Isaiah 6:9-10, Zechariah 9:9, Isaiah 53:4, Isaiah 11:2

• That He would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem
• That He would be filled with God’s Spirit
• That He would heal many
• That He would speak in parables

Fulfillment:  Matthew 21:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17, Matthew 13:10-15, Luke 4:18-19

His Death:
Prophecy:  Isaiah 53:12, Exodus 12:46, Psalms 69:21, Zechariah 13:7

• That His bones would not be broken
• That He would be forsaken by His disciples
• That He would be crucified between two thieves
• That He would suffer the piercing of His hands and feet
  

Fulfillment:  Mark 15:25, Mark 15:27-28, Matthew 26:31, 56, John 19:33-36

His Resurrection:
Prophecy: Psalm 24:7-10, Psalm 110:1, Psalm 16:10, Psalm 2:8

• That He would be seated at God’s right hand
• That He would rule the heathen
• That He would be raised from the dead
• That He would ascend
  

Fulfillment:  Matthew 22:44, Revelation 2:27, Luke 24:51, Matthew 28:2-7

Monday:  Isaiah 9:1-6
In our gloom and despair, we fear that our sorrows and troubles will never end. We can take comfort in this certainty: although the Lord may not always take us around our troubles, if we follow him wholeheartedly, he will lead us safely through them. And our troubles are short-lived. We are given a hope far beyond what we deserve. In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both Counselor and Mighty God. This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin.

Tuesday:  Ephesians 5:8-14 
As children of light, our actions should reflect our faith. We should live above reproach morally so that we will reflect God's goodness to others. Jesus stresses this truth in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5. Take time to read it today. 
While it is important to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness, we must go even further. Paul instructs us to expose these works, because our silence may be interpreted as approval. God needs people who will take a stand for what is right. Christians must lovingly speak out for what is true and right.

Wednesday:  John 1:4, 5 
"The darkness did not comprehend it" means that the darkness of evil never has and never will overcome or extinguish God's light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life and His life brings light to mankind. In his light, we see ourselves as we really are; sinners in need of a Savior. When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can know how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives. Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine into your life? Let Christ guide your life, and you'll never need to stumble in darkness. Pray and ask God to show you areas of your life that need to be exposed. Ask Him to forgive you for sins hidden in the darkness.  

Thursday:  John 3:19-21
Many people don't want their lives exposed to God's light because they are afraid of what will be revealed. They don't want to be changed. Don't be surprised when these same people are threatened by your desire to obey God and do what is right, because they are afraid that the light in you may expose some of the darkness in their lives. Rather than giving into discouragement, keep praying that they will come to see how much better it is to live in light than in darkness.

Friday:  John 12:35, 36 
Jesus said he would be with them in person for only a short time, and they should take advantage of His presence while they had it. Like a light shining in a dark place, He would point out the way they should walk. If they walked in His light, they would become sons of light, revealing the truth and pointing people to God. As Christians, we are to be Christ's light bearers, letting His light shine through us. How brightly is your light shining? Can others see Christ in your actions?

Closing: 
Look at your own life. Is your light off or on? Stowed away in storage, occasionally used, or often available for others? What are some practical ways you can share the light of Jesus more often as you go through your daily life?

Monday: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 8

The Corinthian believers were great at many things….they were great in their faith, their speech was excellent, they were knowledgeable and displayed great diligence. Paul wanted them to be great givers too. Giving is a response to love and here he is speaking, not through authority, but as an encourager. He is testing their sincerity. Would you pass the test?

Tuesday: Greedy Troubles

A couple weeks ago, we learned that the antidote for materialism is giving. If we aren’t giving as we are commanded to do, there is more room for our hearts to grow cold about the subject.

Proverbs 28:25 says “A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.”

Greed is overwhelming and causes trouble. Look up the following verses about relationships destroyed by greed.

• Genesis 4:3-5
  
• Malachi 3:6-10
  
• Matthew 26:14-16
  
• Luke 12:42-48
  

Wednesday: The Reason for Wealth

Why would God ever make anyone wealthy? The more you have, the more you want, right? Generosity is a hard pill to swallow but not as much for the poor as the wealthy. Oftentimes it is through our most blessed times that it is hardest for us to give. But God blesses us with the intention that we in turn, bless others.

• 2 Corinthians 9:11 - We are given so that we will give and through our giving, God will receive thanks.
• Proverbs 11:24 - God is looking to bless those with generous hearts. But when our hearts are hardened and greedy, He has no room to bestow His blessings.
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 - The generous giver will reap a generous harvest. But remember, we are not given a generous harvest to store the benefits in our silos. God wants us to bless others and give Him the praise.

Thursday: Blessing Others

Regardless of your financial situation, God desires for us to actively seek ways to bless others. This can include our tithes, our extra giving, time, talents, and belongings.

Look up the following verses to learn about people in the Bible who were generous with their money, their belongings, and even their own tomb!

• Luke 8:1-3
• Matthew 27:57-60
• John 19:39
• Acts 18:26
• 2 Corinthians 8 and 9
• Philemon 1:2 

Friday: Test the Tithes

Last week we were issued a challenge to test God’s faithfulness in our lives by participating in Test the Tithes.

Each family is challenged to begin tithing or continue tithing in the month of December. The purpose is to show faithfulness to giving according to scripture and to combat the materialism of this season. This is not an authoritarian mandate for money, but rather an encouragement to test God and experience the blessings He has promised to those who will give according to His word.

December is here and now is the time to place your faith and trust in God’s hands. He cares about the sparrow, how much more must He care about you? 

Monday: Testing God

In Malachi 3:10, God says “Test Me in this.” In Deuteronomy 6:16 we are told “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Are these scriptures contradicting?

The answer is no. These are two very different situations with two very different attitudes behind each. In the later, God is warning the Israelites about their doubt. Their doubt and lack of faith resulted in them demanding that God prove Himself to them. In Malachi, we see where God is inviting the challenge. The Hebrew word for test in this text is “bachan” which means to examine, scrutinize, or prove. God wanted the Israelites to give and watch Him increase their blessings. Just as gold is tested with fire, God was asking Israel to test Him with their offerings and their tithes and see that He proves His faithfulness in response. He is giving us the same challenge. Take time today to pray about ‘Test The Tithe’ and how God would have your respond.

Tuesday: The Cheerful Giver

Read and study the following ideas presented in the Word and consider what God wants you to give in obedient response.

• It is a favor or benefit to be able to give and giving is a way of participating in the ministry with others (2 Corinthians 8:4)
  
• Giving is a way to support a part of the church that lacks (2 Corinthians 8:13-14)
  
• Deliberately choose for yourself what and how you shall give (2 Corinthians 9:7)
  
• God will multiply the means and results of grace giving (2 Corinthians 9:10)
  
• Giving is a good witness (2 Corinthians 9:13)
  

Wednesday: Giving is a Privilege - 2 Corinthians 8:2-4

During his third missionary journey, Paul had collected money for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia - Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea - had given money even though they were poor, and had given more than Paul expected. This was the sacrificial giving they were poor themselves, but they wanted to help. God desires for us to give with the same attitude as these churches. They gave because of their dedication to God and their desire to be obedient. How well does your giving measure up to the standard set by the Macedonian churches?

Thursday: Why Tithe?

Look throughout the Old Testament and find examples of tithing.

Abraham tithed unto Melchizedek, Isaac tithed, His son Jacob and many others also even before the law was given. Many Christians do not tithe because they have been taught that they are not under the law, but under grace. While this is a true statement, God did not institute the tithe to bring us under the law, but to get blessings to His children. Abraham tithed before the law, and God blessed him supernaturally. We’re under grace that we might establish the law; not turn from it. Jesus said that He didn’t come to do away with the law, but to fulfill it. Because He fulfilled it, we are to establish it. His Words are forever settled in heaven, therefore we establish His Words upon the earth.

Friday: Taking The First Step

To a ‘non-tither,’ ten-percent of your income can be a bit overwhelming. And to those who are obedient to God’s call to give, giving above that amount can seem scary or undoable. God never promises that stepping out in faith will be painless. He only asks that we do it and have faith that He will be with us for every step. There are many instances in the Bible that we can refer to for the promise that God gives to take care of us. See if you can find several of them and write in your scripture journal how each pertains to your giving.

A good place to start is Psalm 9:10. God will never forsake those who seek Him. Actively seek God through ‘Test The Tithe’ by worshipping Him with your giving. Give Him the opportunity to carry you through what may seem impossible.