"Remember this: The one who plants few seeds will have a small harvest. But the one who plants a lot will have a big harvest. Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give. And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work" - 2 Cor 9:6-8 (NIV).

It is the great Christian author, Charles Spurgeon, (1834- 1892) who wrote, "The Christian church cannot sustain, maintain, and expand the Kingdom of Jesus Christ without the donations of its members and supporters." Spurgeon went on to observe that "Unlike families, whose parents earn its sustenance; unlike businesses, which sell for a profit; and unlike nations, which tax its citizens; the church is dependent upon the good will of its members and supporters."

Although one often hears of instances of manipulation and some bit of stretching by enterprising pastors to support God's work, it is solely a voluntary effort. It is a fact that a number of churches had to close their doors during the lockdown, simply because members were inaccessible. Fortunately, without much cajoling, there are many believers elsewhere who continued to support God's work using the available electronic tools.

By supporting God's work, He has promised us "more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything"! Rare, if ever, will you find one who suffered impoverishment from giving towards God's work- and here even towards tricksters, who appear every once in a while.

The Prophet Malachi quotes God as saying that "Good things will come to you like rain falling from the sky" when we give (Malachi 3:10). Furthermore, God promises us that there is proportionality at work in our giving. Like the farmer, if you plant a lot, you will have a big harvest. But more importantly we give happily, knowing and assured by His word, that He will bless us even more!

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as the New Year starts I pledge to support your work through the church and other ministries that extend the kingdom of Jesus Christ, happily and assured of more of your blessings, this I pray in Jesus name!