12/09/2015 - CHEAP PRAISE NEVER

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Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 2 Samuel 24:24

Due to the commercial competition promoted by the capitalist system, many people are led to seek advantages in all things. At God´s house, this also happens sometimes. When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus, the disciples complained and called that a waste, for, according to them, that liquid could have been sold and the money given to the poor (Mark 14:3-8). This excuse has filled the pockets of many and of Hell as well with those who have gone astray. 

David refused the offer from Araunah to give him the land, in order to build an altar to the Lord. He even offered oxen, but David was unwavering in not accepting such offer. The king explained that he would not give God something that did not cost him anything. The same way, you too must refuse giving the Most High something that does not cost you much, both in offer and in prayer. It is necessary to get involved more in all possible ways with the divine work, otherwise you don’t believe in Him. 

There are those that are lost that do more for their religions than we do for our God. Many have built sorcery houses and gave them to the spirits. However, few servants of the Lord have had the courage of buying land to build temples and donate these to the Celestial Father. How many businessmen do their annual balance and thank God for the profit they had, but do they give back the tithes and a good offering as well? 

There are people that spend more money with health products and beauty services – manicures, masseurs, hair stylists and other cares for the body and looks – than with offerings to the Lord. Haven’t these people learned that it is in Heaven that we store treasures, where there is no moth nor rust? (Matthew 6:20). Those that declare that they love the Most High must learn how lucrative it is to invest in God´s harvest. 

Christians must not be influenced by the demon of misery, because, at best, this evil being allows you to give alms in the Lord´s house. However, missions cannot wait. The more we delay to enter a pagan region, more lost people will die without knowing Jesus, and they will be sent to Hell. How can we put our heads on the pillow at night and sleep if these people are going to be lost?

Examine yourself and see if you have sought the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in first place (Matthew 6:33). The person who obeys the Lord´s guidance has his prayer answered. The faith that opens the hand also opens the heart. The same measure we use will be used on us. The command is: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap (Luke 6:38).

David´s example must be followed by those who love God. If we accomplish something for the Lord and His work, we must do our best. The person that can buy a good land must not buy an inferior land. When you give an offering, do it with all your heart, and not with the wisdom of this world. The Father´s house must be treated with love. 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares