Dearly Beloved, THE FAT PORTIONS “In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor” (Genesis 4:3-5, NIV). Cain and Abel were brothers that first tried to offer sacrifices or gifts to God in the Bible. Though there were no instructions on giving and offering of sacrifices in their own time, yet both of them took out of their possessions as offerings to God. However, the Lord accepted Abel and his offering while He did not accept Cain and his offering. One may rashly conclude that God was partial. Why did He accept one and did not accept the other? However, the reason is obvious: Cain just gave SOMETHING out of his possessions while Abel gave THE BEST he could out of his possessions. Many people are like Cain today when it comes to giving to God and other people. They are ready to give just some out of their possessions, and not the best of their possessions. No wonder, God do not accept the giving of such people. Later in the New Testament, there are explicit instructions about giving (Acts 4:32-35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19). The manner of this giving must be in (a) firstly giving of ONESELF (2 Corinthians. 8:5); (b) one that, as much as possible, no other person knows about (Matthew 6:1-4); (c) giving in love (1 Corinthians 13:3); (d) accordance with one’s ability (Acts 11:29); and (e) without grudge (2 Corinthians. 9:5, 7). The measure of the New Testament giving is UNLIMITED – the more you give, the more you receive from God (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6). The tithe is a good place to begin in formulating a program for Christian stewardship. However, it should not stop there. God is ready to bless only those who are giving generously to the needy and the cause of the gospel. Many people have been robbing THEMSELVES of the blessings of God by not giving “the fat portions” of their possessions. In this New Year, you can renew your sense of giving so as to receive God’s abundant blessings. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). _________________________________________________ FindLaw - Free Case Law, Jobs, Library, Community http://www.FindLaw.com Get your FREE @JUSTICE.COM email! http://mail.Justice.com