Stewardship Devotion: The Gift of Grace - Hebrews 5:1

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Hebrews 5:1 

 

            In the ancient past, people used to offer sacrifices to God in order to be forgiven of their sins and to be blessed with a harvest that would sustain them throughout the year. They gave of their best livestock and produce, so that God would not be offended by their gifts.

            When Jesus died upon the Cross, He became the most perfect sacrifice for our sins. He brought salvation into the world, so that we would not be sinfully separated from God. His Death has also given us everlasting Life which will be the greatest gift that we will ever receive in this world or the next.

Question:        How grateful am I for forgiveness and the blessing of everlasting life? Is my gratitude reflected in what I give to God?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for our sins. Help us to never take that wonderful gift of grace for granted. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Stewardship Devotion: Gift of God - Ephesians 2:8

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.         Ephesians 2:8

            The word ‘gift’ in the New Testament comes from the Greek word ‘doron.’ It means to offer something that honors and respects the person who is receiving the gift. In the past, a doron was given to kings and queens, generals and leaders as a mark of respect and loyalty. Our modern word ‘donor’ may have its roots in this old Greek term.

            Our gifts and offerings to the church are not meant to be religious obligations or holy taxes. Our gifts are supposed to represent our respect of God and a means of honoring Christ’s work among us. It’s not a convenient way of bringing down our secular taxes or something that we pledge and then forget. Our giving to the church is a faithful expression of who we believe God is and how we actually serve Him.

Question:        Do I respect God with what I give to the church?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the gift of God’s grace to sinners like us. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can honor and respect God by what we choose to give to Your Church. Amen.