“So that a lamp...burn regularly…”
I still remember my days in Cuba, when I was a bit younger. I remember the poverty, the hunger and the “false” freedom brought by the Revolution. I also remember the deceiving political discourses and all the pain and hard work that my mother had to endure. Oh, I almost forgot, I also remember the numerous blackouts.
The blackouts were common in my time (I hear that it’s worse now!). Entire cities were left without electricity for hours or even days at a time. It was a dangerous time to be on the street, because thieves and other criminals tend to operate better under the cover of darkness.
In our house, however, there was always light. No, we were not rich nor communists, but we did have a “quinqué.” A quinqué was an oil lamp similar to a lantern. With a good oil supply you can have light for a long time.
The children of God are spiritual quinqués; at least we are supposed to be. The oil we have is the best: The Holy Spirit. We can be lights in the darkness; we can illuminate the world so they can see Jesus.
The Scriptures command us not to “quench the Spirit” (I Thess. 5:19). If we turn off the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives we might as well be like pagans, who continually live in a state of spiritual blackout.
Lord, fill us with your Spirit and shine forever in our hearts! We want to shine for you in this dark and sinful age. Help us to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and to reflect your glory everywhere we go.
A. G.
“...an offering from all whose hearts prompts them...”
What should be our motivation when we bring tithes and offerings to the Lord?
In the first place, let’s keep in mind that our offerings are for GOD. The money you place on the plate is not for the pastor, for a Christian singer and not even for the church. That money belongs solely to God, and when we give, we must give with gladness unto the Lord.
But, what about those “pastors” or so-called Christian organizations who steal or squander God’s money?
While it is true that there will always be those hirelings who “minister” for the sake of money, remember that they are now dealing with God and that God will deal with them. These mercenaries will have to answer for every penny they stole from gullible or good hearted believers, by promising healing or any other benefit. Therefore, there is no excuse to withhold your offerings to the Lord. You may choose to give your offerings in another church, but if you close your wallet altogether, you will become a thief too.
Our offerings must come from the heart; a happy and grateful heart. When we have offered our hearts to God, we will have no trouble offering to him everything else, including our money.
Is your heart a property of God? Is your will submitted to God’s will?
Some people give money to God, while others bring offerings. Only those who are grateful, and have a pure heart, will bring free will offerings with joy to the Lord, and only they shall be accepted.
A. G.
