In what ways can we dedicate our resources to God today? The Ancient Picture: Leviticus 27:22 “ If, however, he consecrates to the LORD a field he has purchased, which is not part of his own property, …” Key Take-away The worshiper could dedicate even something recently acquired. Ownership transferred upward—everything, old or new, could be set apart for God. Principle: God Owns Everything • Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • 1 Chronicles 29:14 — “Everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given You.” Because He already owns it, dedicating resources is really returning them. Ways to Dedicate Resources Today 1. Financial Offerings • Regular tithes (Malachi 3:10). • Freewill, above-and-beyond gifts (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Faith pledges for missions, church plants, mercy ministries. 2. Property and Possessions • Opening our homes for fellowship, hospitality, small groups (Acts 2:46). • Loaning vehicles, tools, equipment to meet tangible needs (James 2:15-16). • Donating land or buildings for ministry use, modeling Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37. 3. Professional Skills and Talents • Offering trade skills for church maintenance or widows’ repairs (Exodus 35:30-35). • Donating legal, medical, tech, or teaching expertise to Christian nonprofits (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Producing art, music, media that exalt Christ (Colossians 3:23). 4. Time and Energy • Consistent volunteering: children’s ministry, outreach teams, crisis response (Ephesians 5:16). • Sabbathing our schedules—blocking hours for worship, study, family discipleship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Mentoring younger believers; multiplying faith (2 Timothy 2:2). 5. Future Resources • Setting up charitable trusts or wills that fund kingdom work after we’re gone (Proverbs 13:22). • Supporting students in seminary or vocational missions training (Philippians 4:15-17). • Cultivating children’s hearts toward generosity, leaving a living legacy (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Guardrails that Honor Him • Integrity: handle money transparently (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Cheerfulness: God looks at attitude, not amount (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Faithfulness: small obediences prepare us for larger stewardship (Luke 16:10). The Heart Behind Dedication Romans 12:1 calls us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” When our lives are His, every resource follows. Whether a purchased field in ancient Israel or a modern bank account, the invitation is the same: set it apart, and watch Him multiply it for eternal gain. |
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