God has been remarkably gracious to his creation, entrusting his blessings and possessions to us: life, health, goods, wealth, even our moments and time. As believers, let us give thanks to the Father through Jesus Christ for his abundant love and grace, his gifts and direction, his provision and instruction. Following his example and his love for those who give cheerfully, let us give neither reluctantly nor under compulsion. Rather, let us with an open soul give as we decide in our hearts, sowing bountifully to the Lord who gives all things to enjoy.

As a principle similar to that in agriculture, God declares that the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whatever we decide to give to others, the same in kind will be given back to us.

Father, make us like you, who so willingly gave your only Son to pay for the sin debt of the entire world. May we never sow sparingly, but rather sow generously, even as you have sown to us. In Christ’s name, amen.

The most important thing about us is the God we worship, and the God we worship will determine the kind of royal priesthood we become. In short, we ultimately become like what we worship, and this is especially true for members of the priesthood of all believers. Christians serve a triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why does it matter that Nicene Christians serve the triune God revealed by Jesus Christ? As a royal priesthood, we have direct access to God and are privileged to represent God to others and others to God. But our God is not the Allah of the Qur’an or the Ahman of the Mormon faith. Our God is a Trinity, and as members of Christ’s royal priesthood we serve the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

~ Uche Anizor and Hank Voss, Representing Christ. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2016. p. 85.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Everlasting Dominion to Come, Daniel 7.1-18

Book Reading
Anizor and Voss, Representing Christ