Deborah Toyin Daniel
WHEN MONEY ANSWERETH NOT
The things of God are not for sale. He cannot be bribed (Deuteronomy 10:17). Lavish-giving without Christ is not a valid ticket to Heaven, neither is it the key that opens great and effectual doors. There are examples of people who sought to buy the anointing, spiritual gifts, and other blessings, but were disappointed or sold 'gifts' packaged by Satan himself. We have also heard of stupendously wealthy people with physical or mental illnesses, going from one specialist hospital to another but remaining uncured and eventually dying despite all the wealth they had at their disposal.
No man or woman of God can genuinely promise you anything divine without the intervention of the One who will supply it - the One who is called, The Alpha and the Omega. He alone has the power to make things happen for you. There have been cases where people prayed on behalf of others and God interrupted them right in the middle of their prayers to reject their pleas, with or without reasons - He owes us none.
Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money (Acts 8:18-20). That still happens today, when we think we can twist the arms of God to be healed, to be wealthy, to find a spouse, and more. We may also feel placing huge envelopes in the offering basket will earn us titles and recognition in church. The latter strategy has been successful for some but is bound to lead the giver and the receiver to the path of damnation (Matthew 7:22-23).
God desires more. Make peace with Him through Jesus Christ. Commit to a lifestyle of holiness, and follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14). God indeed loves a cheerful giver. However, He wants nothing to do with your giving if your heart is not right with Him (Proverbs 15:8, Proverbs 28:9, Proverbs 21:27). Stop the lavish-giving and make it right with Him first. Seek Him Today!
Firmly in His Grip,
Deborah O Daniel (Toyin)