SUMMARY: First things
OVERVIEW: This chapter illustrates a practical way to love God and love people: give faithfully to God as he provides, and regularly give to the needs of others.
BIG IDEA: Give back to God a portion of what he has provided to you.
KEY VERSE: Deuteronomy 26:17–18 (Moses to Israel)
You have declared today that the Lord is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Be prayerful, be faithful, and be generous. I have always provided for you, and I always will. Take time to remember the ways I have supplied for your needs in the past. Reflect on where you have been and all that took place to move you to where you are now. I heard your cries, and I responded. I may not always react the way you desire or with the speed you want, but I work in and through all of your circumstances—every one of them. Nothing slips by me.
Just as I provide for you, I want you to be a blessing in others’ lives. There are needs around you—near and far. I will give you eyes to see them and will put it on your heart to help, even in small ways. You can be part of someone’s answer to prayer. Join me in loving others. Show your love for me through generosity to others.
NEXT STEP
Show your gratitude to God for any income you receive by returning a portion of the money to God as an investment in God’s work at your church. Consider additional ways to help those in need—perhaps bringing groceries to a family, financially supporting a local food bank, or sponsoring a child through a group like Compassion International or World Vision.
LYRIC VIDEO