We continue to look at some conditions so that we can pray freely "Give us our daily bread".

One of these conditions is : are we faithful and generous with our gifts ? I do not deliberately use the word 'tithing' here, because all the practice of tithing belongs under the Law, and has no place in the New Testament. Even Jesus tells us in Luke 11:42 : "But woe to you, Pharisees ! Because you pay the tithes of mint, of the street, and of all herbs, and neglect the justice and love of God; that is what you must do, without omitting other things."

Jesus emphasizes the justice and love of God, which automatically brings us to an attitude of the heart to want to give. All that a Christian received comes from God, and belongs to Him. It is a non-negotiable Christian duty to share in one's possessions. And do it intelligently ! Pray that God will lead you. Check if the person, the ministry you want to give, lives according to the word of God and bears fruit ! Giving only 'tithes' to a 'church' so that the building can be maintained, usually carries little fruit ...

As is to give money to all sorts of other 'departments' that often use this money mainly to buy / maintain buildings, make travel, maintain websites and TV channels with all kinds of lessons (Fortunately there are, of course, valuable exceptions: missions that really care about touching and saving souls, serving the people of God, sometimes with breathtaking results.) Yes, God has given teachers And evangelists, but he also wants us to make efforts to stand before him and sound his Word.

Often the reality is that true disciples, who go on mission to distant countries, and Christian organizations that help people who are really in need often find it difficult to balance their budgets, while millions of euros are locked up In buildings, debts and wages to maintain the whole system ... In addition, very often, sincere Christians in this church have trouble taking care of them ... Honestly, I do not know if all this makes smile Our Heavenly Father ...

God takes care of our daily and real needs, if we follow Him with a sincere heart. And sometimes this is done in a practical way ... I remember that we lived a time that was financially tight. Our kids always ate cereal in the morning. In the morning, at breakfast, I had begged, half laughing, "Lord, give us our daily cereal !". The same morning, someone came to give us an entire box full of cereal boxes! We have a practical God, but also humorous !

"Lord, help me to realize that all I have is yours, and comes from you. Lead me in gifts and gifts. Show me how, how much, and to whom / what ministry / organization to give, so that it can bear the maximum fruit! In the name of Jesus, amen !"

René de Groot