Willing to Contribute

Wednesday 9 September
READ: I Tim. 6:17-19
MORE LESSON: Acts 2:42-47

One day, Jesus was faced with the challenge of feeding a multitude of hungry people. He had to borrow a young boy's lunch pack of five loaves of bread and two fishes. That pack was nothing compared to the number of people to be fed. Humanly speaking, it was an impossible situation that He was faced with. In His divine wisdom, Jesus divided the people into groups. He took the five loaves and fishes, blessed and broke them, after which He commanded the disciples to distribute among the people. Surprisingly, everybody ate and there were leftovers (Jn. 6:5-13). The young boy's release of the only thing he had for the sake of others is commendable. Not everybody finds it easy to give in order to benefit others because naturally, giving is not easy for man. Selfishness is the nature of man and it takes a conscious effort for one to be delivered from this vice.

I commend Jesus' disciples who distributed their limited resources to be heroes. How many people today will be willing to distribute scarce resources for the good of all? You may even think this problem is limited to politicians but many brethren are also greedy. For example, at ceremonies, some people grab more than one plate of food, gifts etc when others have not got any. The disciples were able to overcome greed that was why they did not share the food among themselves, which would have hindered the miracle of the feeding of five thousand. 
The question is, how much can you give to other people? Mike Murdock once said: Giving is the only proof that you have overcome greed. Let's give to people in need; if your resources are scarce, in your willingness to distribute to those in need lies the miracle of multiplication. Today's text is very instructive on 
this matter, Charge them that are very rich:

1. that they be not high-minded , v17,
2. not to trust in uncertain riches, v17,
3. but to trust in the living God, v17,
4. that they do good, v18,
5. that they be rich in good works, 
6. that they be ready to distribute,
7. willing to communicate.

The Message translation says, ...Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life ITim. 6:17-19 (MSG). Remember, it is what you share that can never finish!

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to grant you a giving heart and make you a blessing from today.
* Pray that God will give Nigeria leaders that are not selfish.
* Ask God to make you a Kingdom financier and help you not to withhold anything from God.
* Plan to meet a need this week, either of a neighbour or a church.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
In September, I shall not sing the song of my enemy, I shall not dance to the music of my opponent, God will answer me speedily.