Will I Go Broke from Being Generous? A Christian Devotional about Giving and Receiving

Will I Go Broke from Being Generous? A Christian Devotional about Giving and Receiving 

In this devotional, you will learn godly principles about giving and receiving. I pray that after reading this, you will receive an emboldened faith to be extremely generous for God's glory!

This devotional is an excerpt taken from my new eBook: "Sandcastles Don't Last Forever". 

“And He sat down opposite the [temple] treasury, and began watching how the people were putting money into the treasury. And many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a mite. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this poor widow put in [proportionally] more than all the contributors to the treasury. For they all contributed from their surplus, but she, from her poverty, put in all she had, all she had to live on.”” (MARK 12:41-44 AMP)

In the past when I read or heard the passage above being preached, I would always be inspired by the widow’s faith & generosity and find that it was a pity that she would stay poor - I assumed that her situation wouldn’t change.  

However I missed out one important truth: Jesus saw her. 

Whenever Jesus saw someone being generous to Him/His Father in heaven, they would receive a blessing of provision that exceeded what they gave.

Jesus always blesses those who are generous to God

Peter and his fellow fishermen caught nothing all night but when Peter lent his boat to Jesus, Jesus compensated him with a miraculous catch of fishes:

“Now it happened that while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee), with the people crowding all around Him and listening to the word of God; that He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake, but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little distance from the shore. And He sat down and began teaching the crowds from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night [to the point of exhaustion] and caught nothing [in our nets], but at Your word I will [do as you say and] lower the nets [again].” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were [at the point of] breaking; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats [with fish], so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all his companions were completely astounded at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon [Peter]. Jesus said to Simon, “Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!” After they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].” (LUKE 5:1-11 AMP)

Jesus did not say “Hey I am God, you have to give Me your boat because I command you to”. 
Instead, He blessed Peter immediately after, with earthly blessings, and not just heavenly rewards in the future. 

“Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it.” (MALACHI 3:10 AMP)

Under the Law, Israel was commanded to tithe to the Levitical priesthood, but now under grace, we don’t give towards the kingdom of God out of obligation, but out of a heart of thankfulness towards God for blessing us with everything that we have.

When Peter gave his boat to Jesus, God literally poured out such a great blessing that there was not enough room on the two boats to receive it! 

If under the Law the blessings of the tithe were so great, imagine how much more blessed we are today when we give to God under grace. 

Did you also notice how the generosity of God towards them did not cause them to become worldly and covet the money they would receive from selling the huge catch of fish? 

God’s goodness led to their repentance - they decided to follow Jesus and count everything else as insignificant in comparison. 

God’s supply of provision also did not just bless Peter, but it filled the other boat with fish too - God blesses us to be a blessing to others as well. 

In another incident, we see a little boy generously giving all that he had: two fishes and five barley loaves to share with everyone else: 

“After this, Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Sea of Tiberias). A large crowd was following Him because they had seen the signs (attesting miracles) which He continually performed on those who were sick. And Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down there with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was approaching. Jesus looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming toward Him, and He said to Philip, “Where will we buy bread for these people to eat?” But He said this to test Philip, because He knew what He was about to do. Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii (200 days’ wages) worth of bread is not enough for each one to receive even a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down [to eat].” Now [the ground] there was [covered with] an abundance of grass, so the men sat down, about 5,000 in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated; the same also with the fish, as much as they wanted. When they had eaten enough, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.” (JOHN 6:1-13 AMP)

Jesus didn’t say to the little boy “Give me your food! Go hungry because it’s a good chance to fast and learn some patience.”
Instead, Jesus blessed him right there with earthly blessings and not just heavenly rewards in the future. 

Not only was the boy’s stomach satisfied, but the multiplication of the food fed 5000 other men too. 
The boy was blessed to be a blessing to multitudes! 

Later on, Jesus also instructed His disciples to bless the households that received them with blessings of favor, wellbeing and prosperity:

“Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take gold, or silver, or [even] copper money in your money belt, or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support. Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy [who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave [that city]. As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.” (MATTHEW 10:5-13 AMP)

Their generosity towards God’s messengers resulted in both earthly and heavenly blessings to them. 

God is a God who rewards generosity with generosity: 

““He who receives and welcomes you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives and welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous (honorable) man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones [these who are humble in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.”” (MATTHEW 10:40-42 AMP)

Every act of generosity that we do results in a reward from God. ​

Sandcastles Don't Last Forever

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This is the eBook version.

If you prefer to get the Paperback version (physical copy), you can get it on Amazon here for US$15.

About the Book:

​

One day when I was singing praises to God, an image floated up in my spirit: a big and beautiful sandcastle being washed away by the waves from the sea. God was teaching me the futility of holding tightly onto worldly possessions because like the sandcastle, they won't last, and one day will cease to exist.

He taught me from His word to focus on Him and by doing so, I would reap great eternal rewards before Jesus' throne at the start of the Millennium. These rewards will last forever and can't be destroyed or stolen. 

It is my prayer that the revelations in this book will help you to live with a focus on the things above where God is, fulfill your God-given calling in life, be happier and to accumulate more eternal rewards to your account.

In this Book, you will learn about:​

- Heavenly investment advice and the futility of worldly pursuits from a trillionaire in the Bible

- Why God has to reward us in order to be righteous

- When and how God will destroy the current earth and sky to make way for new ones

- The types of fireproof works that earn eternal rewards at the end of time

- The abundant rewards of doing good works while abiding by the non-disclosure agreement between God and you

- The difference between the temporary places of torment: Sheol and Abaddon

- Who is the Antichrist and his name revealed in the Bible

- What is the Mark of the Beast and why it disqualifies its recipients from receiving salvation

- The different judgments at the throne of Jesus Christ and what it means for you as a believer

- How to fulfill your calling and maximize your gifts to receive the best eternal rewards 

Testimonials about the contents of this book:

"Sandcastles Don't Last Forever is very well written, its message loud and clear. Milton Goh gives common-sense insight on often confusing Scripture, which is much appreciated in these troubled times. My understanding of the Bible has definitely improved."

- Mike Garrett, first Editor/ Publisher for Stephen King and Author of Christian Novel "Innocence Denied", from USA

"This book is absolutely breathtaking. We don't work to be saved but were created to do good works. I am so energized and excited to know God values our works and we will be rewarded. This is all Glory to Jesus... I cant wait to throw my crowns at his feet and thank him for saving my life!" - Evangelist Michael Clark from USA

"Dear Milton Goh, I truly thank our Abba, Father for the revelations in this book. It is so amazing how I begin to discover important verses in the Bible that I have never read. That instead of following riches, with sleepless nights, and actually shortening our lives, we are just to 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ', and 'Love one another'. How beautiful to find out that actually in the Bible there is both 'Earthly or Worldly Investment Wisdom' and 'Eternal Investment Wisdom' according to the revelations here from Ecclesiastes 5:14-17 WEB)!; “It seems like Solomon was not only wise at earning material riches but also at earning eternal riches.” All the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you Milton Goh for such a wonderful book!" - Nitta Nierra from Belgium

“Thank you Milton. I have just finished reading “Sandcastles Don’t Last Forever”. It’s such a good book that's filled with God's word. I love it very much. Might read again if I have the time. Thanks so much!” - Mally Chai from Singapore

"I'm reading this book and loving it! The revelations of the Gospel truth shared and it's life applications are absolutely amazing! I give glory to the Lord Jesus for my dear brother Milton for this exceptional resource. I'm gonna keep feeding on its contents and believe God for supernatural breakthroughs as my mind is renewed in Christ!" - Terence from Tombel, Cameroon 

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“Excellent book!! I enjoyed reading it so much and definitely recommend it! Milton is so gifted and all his teachings have blessed me tremendously! I thank God for people like him. Get this book, it will be worth it!” - Madeleine from SA, “Unmerited Favor” tier patron

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God will liberally supply you so that you can keep being generous 

When the Philippian church sponsored the Apostle Paul’s ministry, not only did they receive profits to their heavenly account, they also received the assurance from Paul that God would liberally supply their every need (on earth) according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus:

“Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties. And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (PHILIPPIANS 4:14-19 AMP)

When they gave, they were not shortchanged - God gave them both earthly and heavenly blessings as a reward for their generosity. 

The following is probably my favorite piece of Scripture about giving and receiving: 

“That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you [before I come] and make arrangements in advance for this generous, previously promised gift of yours, so that it would be ready, not as something extorted [or wrung out of you], but as a [voluntary and] generous gift. Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. As it is written and forever remains written, “HE [the benevolent and generous person] SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER!” Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit]. For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need], and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you. Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!” (2 CORINTHIANS 9:5-15 AMP)

The lessons about giving and receiving from the passage above:

1. We reap financial blessings according to the measure in which we sow. 
2. We should give cheerfully, the amount in which we are happy to give in our heart, which is led by the Holy Spirit.
3. Believers are enriched by God so that we can do good works, charity and be generous.
4. Our acts of generosity indirectly produces thanksgivings to God.
5. We receive prayers from the beneficiaries of our financial gift. 
6. Our giving supplies the need of the saints. 

We shouldn’t give reluctantly or grudgingly because it is a sin to do that. Yes even if you give $1,000,000 unwillingly, it’s still sinning because whatever is not from faith is sin: 

“But he who is uncertain [about eating a particular thing] is condemned if he eats, because he is not acting from faith. Whatever is not from faith is sin [whatever is done with doubt is sinful].” (ROMANS 14:23 AMP)

In the passage of the day we read about the rich people who were putting large amounts of money into the temple treasury. We don't know whether they were giving reluctantly or not, and we don't know the motive behind their giving. 
After all, they gave out of their surplus, whereas the poor widow gave everything that she had. 

Before giving, always examine the state of your heart - are you happy to give this amount? Good if the answer is yes. If not, perhaps reduce the amount to what you are comfortable with - be a cheerful giver! 

Who will God bless more? The stingy believer or the generous believer? The generous one of course: 

“There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty. The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]. The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it], But a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it.” (PROVERBS 11:24-26 AMP)

God wants to bless others through you - the blessing is supposed to flow through you, not just stop at you. 
If someone else is willing to be obedient to allow God’s blessings to reach those whom He intends to reach, won’t He bless that obedient believer more instead? 

The selfish believer won't starve, but he or she probably won't be entrusted with great riches like the generous believer. 

Remember that we are enriched so that we can be generous. 
Someone who is stingy to others and only generous to himself will find that he will become poor:

“He who loves [only selfish] pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves and is devoted to wine and [olive] oil will not become rich.” (PROVERBS 21:17 AMP)

Is this a punishment for selfishness? No it is a circumstance that is allowed to happen to lead a believer back to God. 
Just like how the prodigal son was allowed to lose everything when he wasted his entire inheritance on sinful pursuits:

“Then He said, “A certain man had two sons. The younger of them [inappropriately] said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided the estate between them. A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything [that he had] and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need. So he went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He would have gladly eaten the [carob] pods that the pigs were eating [but they could not satisfy his hunger], and no one was giving anything to him. But when he [finally] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger! ~‘I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] treat me like one of your hired men.”’ So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe [for the guest of honor] and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand, and sandals for his feet. ~‘And bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let us [invite everyone and] feast and celebrate; for this son of mine was [as good as] dead and is alive again; he was lost and has been found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (LUKE 15:11-24 AMP)

After the son learnt his lesson, he was restored and was well-provided for. 
God’s heart is for us to enjoy His abundance, but He values the growth of our character more than our material comfort.
If there is a lesson to be taught, He won’t hesitate to let us be uncomfortable for a season, until we learn the lesson. 

So back to our main story. Did the widow who gave the two copper coins go broke from being generous? 

I don’t think she did. Maybe she had no money for a short while, but God definitely blessed her with provision, just like how He blessed the widow in the following story through the prophet Elisha (who represents Jesus):

“Now one of the wives of a man of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha [for help], saying “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant [reverently] feared the LORD; but the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves [in payment for a loan].” Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have [of value] in the house?” She said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house except a [small] jar of [olive] oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow containers from all your neighbors, empty containers--and not just a few. Then you shall go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour out [the oil you have] into all these containers, and you shall set aside each one when it is full.” So she left him and shut the door behind her and her sons; they were bringing her the containers as she poured [the oil]. When the containers were all full, she said to her son, “Bring me another container.” And he said to her, “There is not a one left.” Then the oil stopped [multiplying]. Then she came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”” (2 KINGS 4:1-7 AMP)

You see, the widow probably thought that no one saw her put everything that she had into the temple treasury. 

But guess what? Jesus was watching, just like how God in heaven keeps an account of every act of generosity that we do:

““Be [very] careful not to do your good deeds publicly, to be seen by men; otherwise you will have no reward [prepared and awaiting you] with your Father who is in heaven. “So whenever you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not blow a trumpet before you [to advertise it], as the hypocrites do [like actors acting out a role] in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored and recognized and praised by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy], so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.” (MATTHEW 6:1-4 AMP)

You can be sure that He sees every gift that you have given with a cheerful and sincere heart, and you will receive both earthly and heavenly blessings for you as a result. 

Therefore like Jesus says, stop being worried:

““Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right--the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (MATTHEW 6:25-34 AMP)

Open up your heart and feel free to be generous. 
You will not go broke, and you will not starve. The One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills is your financial backer! 

““For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. “I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, For the world and all it contains are Mine.” (PSALM 50:10-12 AMP)

He will continue to pour out the resources from heaven’s treasury on you so that you can keep doing generous, charitable deeds which are adding both earthly and heavenly rewards to your account. Hallelujah!

There are many more ways to earn eternal rewards that will never spoil or be stolen. You can learn how to fire-proof your good works and more in my new eBook: "Sandcastles Don't Last Forever". ​

Pinterest Pinnable Image. Can a person go broke from being generous? In this Christian devotional, you will learn godly principles about giving and receiving. The revelations within will stir up your faith to be supernaturally generous for the glory of God!

I hope that you have been blessed by reading this post on "Will I Go Broke from Being Generous? A Christian Devotional about Giving and Receiving".

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