The Daily Office for June 19, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 78:1-39
Numbers 11:1-23
Romans 1:16-25
Matthew 17:22-27
Reading (Romans 1:16-25)
Reflection
Have you ever given someone a gift just because you care? It’s a gift of love with no strings attached. You love God, right? So how do you give Him gifts of love? Giving is always a touchy subject in the church. How much is enough? The New Testament gives some general guidelines on giving:
- Give in response to God’s love, not to get something in return.
- Give whatever you can according to how much you have.
- Give sacrificially but responsibly.
Sharing the blessings God has given us with others is not only a wonderful way to demonstrate our love for God but it’s an essential way to truly enjoy our full membership in His earthly Kingdom. Giving to God can be a real blessing – especially for the giver. But there’s only one way to find out! Ask God to guide you in the matter of giving. Supporting your local church should come first, but also be open to ministries and organizations that can use your one-time or ongoing gifts.
Collect for the Day
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.