The Bishop’s Mind: Christian Wisdom, Daily Devotionals & Empowering Messages for Kingdom Living

  It’s Not a Bill! (2 Corinthians 9:6–11) "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also harvest sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also harvest generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…" – 2 Corinthians 9:6–11    Tithing is not a bill. A bill demands payment regardless of attitude, with penalties attached for nonpayment disconnection of services, repossession, or loss. Bill collectors are indifferent to how the money is obtained or how the payer feels, as long as payment is received.  Giving tithes and offerings, however, flows from the heart. It is an expression of worship, relationship, and trust in the Divine. God values not only what we give, but how we give the attitude, spirit, intention...

  Change the Way You Look at Giving "They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God."   1 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV)    In order for us to experience harmonious relationships , we must first change the way we look at giving. A healthy relationship is always mutual both giving and receiving. But until we shift our perspective on giving, our relationships may remain filled with chaos, confusion, contention, competition, and comparison.  The Apostle Paul thanked the church at Thessalonica for the way they received him. In the same way, God calls us to create harmony in our relationships by embracing a new way of seeing giving. Let’s look at three truths that will transform the way we give. 1. I cannot give you what I do not have.    If I don’t have a million dollars, I cannot give it to you no matter how much I love you. Many of our frustrations come from expecting people to give us something they simply do not ha...

The Prayer Tool of Giving and Stewardship time, talents, and treasure Everything and everyone belongs to God. Stewardship is the understanding that because God has total ownership of everything, you must carefully handle the resources He has entrusted to you. You must be a good manager (steward) of these resources. Being a good steward of your time, talents, and treasure (money) means tithing them. Tithing is recognizing and appreciating God as your Source. Jesus, our Wayshower, confirmed the idea of paying tithes with the right motives (Matthew 23:23). Tithe, in its most basic definition, means one-tenth, giving 10% of your time, talents, and treasure. You tithe your time by investing two hours and twenty-five minutes in prayer, your Spiritual Toolbox. You tithe your talents by volunteering in ministry and doing pro bono work. You tithe your treasure by giving cheerfully, freely, and liberally to the local assembly or ministry where you connect wit...