How can we incorporate the principle of offerings into our daily worship routine? A Picture of Daily Worship from Ezekiel 46:11 “At the festivals and appointed feasts, the grain offering shall be an ephah with a bull, an ephah with a ram, and with the lambs as much grain as he is able to give, and a hin of oil with every ephah.” Key Principles Embedded in the Verse • Regular rhythm – offerings are tied to every festival and feast, not sporadic spurts of generosity. • Proportion and precision – “an ephah with a bull… an ephah with a ram” shows thoughtful, measured giving. • Personal capacity – “as much grain as he is able to give” invites each worshiper to respond according to God-given means. • Spirit-filled devotion – a “hin of oil” accompanies each portion, picturing joy, anointing, and the Holy Spirit’s presence (cf. 1 Samuel 16:13). Why Offerings Still Matter • Hebrews 13:15-16 links Old-Testament sacrifices to New-Covenant “sacrifice of praise… and do not neglect to do good and to share with others.” • Malachi 3:10 underscores God’s desire to bless obedience in giving. • Philippians 4:18 calls financial support “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” • Romans 12:1 widens the lens: our very bodies become “a living sacrifice.” Daily Ways to Bring Your Offering 1. First-fruits of time • Begin the day by setting apart ten undistracted minutes for Scripture and thanksgiving. • Psalm 5:3: “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice.” 2. First-fruits of income • Decide a percentage before the paycheck arrives (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Automate giving so the Lord receives first, not leftovers. 3. First-fruits of talents • Offer specific skills—music, hospitality, administration, carpentry—to build up the body (1 Peter 4:10). 4. Oil of joy • Add song, gratitude, or journaling to every act of giving; offerings without gladness lose aroma (2 Corinthians 9:7). 5. Proportionate generosity • Review finances monthly, adjusting upward when God increases your “ephah,” yet allowing for lean seasons (Luke 21:1-4). 6. Hidden offerings of mercy • Anonymous grocery drop-offs, notes of encouragement, intercessory prayer sessions—quiet gifts that only the Father sees (Matthew 6:3-4). A Sample “Festival” Rhythm for the Week • Sunday – corporate giving with the congregation; dedicate the week aloud. • Monday – text or call someone God places on your heart; offer time. • Tuesday – set aside a small cash envelope for spontaneous needs you meet during errands. • Wednesday – volunteer an hour for church admin or local outreach. • Thursday – share a meal; invite a coworker or neighbor. • Friday – revisit finances, transfer designated funds, pray over ministry impact. • Saturday – family worship: recount answered prayers and thank God together. Motivation to Persevere • 2 Corinthians 8:12: “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” • Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” A Closing Challenge Let Ezekiel’s clear, orderly pattern inspire daily, cheerful, Spirit-anointed offerings—of resources, time, and praise—so that every sunrise becomes its own appointed feast before the Lord. |
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