Daily Devotional

In Matthew 22 a debate ensued between the Pharisees and Jesus about the payment of taxes to Caesar. Jesus replied, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesars; and unto God the things that are Gods." What are those things that belong to God; would that not include your tithes and offerings?

But why give tithes? Is it because it belongs to God? Is it because it is the right thing to do? Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver."

God does not want you to give your tithes and offerings because it is lawful, or because it is necessary, nor because you have to. God wants you to give your tithes because it is a love and faith action. God wants you to be a cheerful giver — when you give your tithes, give your tithes out of a joyful heart, a heart that remembers the goodness and grace of the Lord.

Remember that God wants you to be a blessing, not a cursing. In order for you to be a financial blessing you need to follow Gods plan for prosperity — the law of giving and receiving.

Do you tell the taxman, "Well, you messing up the country, so I will stop paying my taxes"? Or do you tell your medical aid, "I'm not paying your premium because I don't need your hospital cover"? Yet we find it so easy to compromise with God? And question what the Word of God says?

What happens when you do need hospital cover? You don't have cover if you miss just one premium. But we compromise with God when it comes to having His cover over our finances? He says, "I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground."

Give unto God that which belongs to Him and He will bless all the works of your hands and you will prosper. Amen.