Yesterday, we examined the first two characteristics of heart-giving: First, it is what matters to God, and second, it is sacrificial. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef continues to examine these characteristics.
If you would like more insight into today’s devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Living Generously, Part 1: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
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[00:00:00] You are listening to My Devotional, the daily devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading
[00:00:06] the Way.
[00:00:07] Giving From the Heart by Dr. Michael Youssef
[00:00:12] Yesterday we looked at the first two characteristics of heart-giving. First, it is what matters to
[00:00:18] God, and second, it is sacrificial. Third, heart-giving accomplishes much. Think of all
[00:00:26] the people throughout history who have been liberated to give because of the account of
[00:00:30] the widow's offering in Luke 21. Over time, Jesus has used those two small coins to save,
[00:00:37] feed, heal, and encourage many souls. Fourth, heart-giving has its own reward. God
[00:00:44] will not neglect to eternally reward those who give from their heart. 1 Corinthians 3, 11-14
[00:00:50] says that on the last day, all of what we've done for Christ will be lit with a match. If
[00:00:57] what we've done on earth has been sacrificial, it will be like gold and burn brighter in the
[00:01:03] fire. If no sacrifices have been made, it will be like hay, set alight, leaving nothing but
[00:01:08] ashes. Fifth, heart-giving is a great equalizer. There is no virtue in being poor and no virtue
[00:01:17] in being rich. Ultimately, God will hold us all accountable for where we have invested our time
[00:01:22] and our resources and ourselves. Is my giving of myself done willingly, joyfully, and sacrificially,
[00:01:29] or begrudgingly and regretfully? In Christ, we see the perfect picture of generous living. At risk of
[00:01:37] his reputation, he spent his days ministering to sinners and tax collectors rather than making
[00:01:43] friends in high places. The sick came to him. He healed them. As he was mocked, tortured, and betrayed,
[00:01:50] he forgave. And while we were still sinners, completely undeserving of his grace and love,
[00:01:56] he died for us. Jesus' life demonstrated the heart of generous living. He sacrificed his life so that we
[00:02:03] could have life to the full. And now he sits at the right hand of the Father, receiving eternal worship
[00:02:09] for what he did on the cross. God does not need or want our money. He already owns everything.
[00:02:16] What he wants is us, our wholehearted devotion to and trust in him. He wants us to love him and to
[00:02:25] love others with the same kind of love that Jesus demonstrated during this earthly life. That's the
[00:02:31] kind of worship he desires, generous living in response to his generous love. Let's pray together.
[00:02:39] Lord, we pray that our lives would be a picture of generous living in response to your generous
[00:02:45] love. Let our attitude be like that of Christ's. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
[00:02:52] If you enjoy listening to the My Devotional Podcast, would you consider partnering with us
[00:02:58] to proclaim the hope of Christ to a world in darkness by giving a year-end gift? This month,
[00:03:04] your gift will have doubled the impact through our December gift challenge. Leading the way is reaching
[00:03:10] the lost and equipping the saints 24-7 through television, radio, online outreaches, discipleship
[00:03:17] resources, evangelistic events, field teams, and more. Dr. Youssef's biblically-based messages are
[00:03:24] broadcast in 28 languages to audiences across six continents, passionately proclaiming uncompromising
[00:03:32] truth worldwide. Join us by giving a gift at ltw.org today. My devotional is a ministry of leading the
[00:03:42] way with Dr. Michael Youssef. To learn more, visit ltw.org today.