Devotion: “Lent, Not Given”
Scripture Reading:
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
— Psalm 24:1 (KJV)
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
— Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
Personal Reflection:
The story of the wealthy Christian woman is more than an illustration—it’s a reality check. When she said, “This is more money than God ever gave me,” she was acknowledging a profound truth: nothing we have is truly ours. It is all lent to us by God, entrusted for His purposes, not our ownership.
We often think that giving 10% (a tithe) satisfies our duty to God, but Scripture reminds us that everything belongs to Him. We are not owners; we are stewards. If God directs you to give beyond what feels comfortable, it should not be met with resistance but with joy, because it’s Hisanyway.
“We are but stewards of what we call our own; when we give to the poor, we simply return to God what is His.” — Thomas Manton
The tithe is not a ceiling—it’s a starting point. And when we see the poor through God’s eyes, giving is no longer a burden but a privilege. We are His hands, His feet, and yes, His pocketbooks on earth.
Contemplation:
Do you live as if what you have is yours or as if it is God’s?
If you believe everything belongs to Him, then giving to the poor is not losing but faithfully redistributing God’s resources to those He loves. This is why giving to the poor is so important to God. It’s not just about charity—it’s about trust, stewardship, and reflecting His heart of compassion.
Think about the reality of ownership: when you leave this world, you will carry nothing with you. Deeds, bank accounts, and possessions stay behind. This truth should free us to give generously, knowing we are simply managing God’s wealth until He calls us home.
“You will never out-give God; His storehouse is infinite, and His promises unfailing.”
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for entrusting me with resources that are not mine but Yours. Forgive me for holding tightly to what I cannot keep. Teach me to live as a faithful steward, using all I have to honor You.
Open my eyes to see the poor as You do and to seize every God-created opportunity to bless them. Help me to give freely, knowing I am simply returning what is Yours. And thank You for the promises You’ve attached to this command—that in showing mercy, I am attaching myself to You and walking in Your blessing.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Today’s Challenge:
Take inventory of your heart and resources. Ask God to show you one way you can live out this truth: “It’s all His.” When a need arises, give generously and remind yourself: “This isn’t mine to keep. It’s God’s to share
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