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Q. Why does God appear, in Psalm 37:25-26, to tie His provision to our generosity?

A. God promises to bless generous givers, and even their children. That's reason enough to give until the day you die. In times of high prices, unemployment and uncertainty, it's easy to focus all our energy on building up our net worth—and forget others. When you give a bag of groceries or anonymously slip a 20-dollar bill in an envelope and mail it, you're doing exactly what God expects—supplying the needs of the saints.

One young couple in a small church I pastored experienced a long string of setbacks: unemployment, losing their home, family problems. The wife became pregnant and was expecting twins. Late in the pregnancy, one of the babies died from complications. Just then, the husband got sick and couldn't work. The church raised money, bought groceries, prepared meals and helped pay the rent. Church members helped take care of the children and did house chores until the family could get on their feet.

After the crisis had passed, the wife sent the church a note that said something like this: "I thank God for all you have done. God used you to help us out when we really needed help. I'm glad to be part of a church that cares." When we give as Christians, there is a divine nametag attached to every dollar we give, every meal we cook, every piece of clothing we donate. Our giving enhances our heavenly Father's reputation in the world.

Ray Pritchard is senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church, Oak Park, Illinois.

Adapted from: Green Pastures, Quiet Waters (Shaw, 1999).

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Prayer for the Week

Thanks, Lord, for supplying all I really need and shielding me from all that would truly harm.

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