Friday, 18th July 2025
By Pst Israel Olorunfemi
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:
“And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee” (1Kings 3:4-5)
PERSONAL PRAYER:
“Lord, open my heart to your word today. Teach me the true meaning of sacrificial giving. Let my love for you deepens as I read, in Jesus name – Amen.”
One of the ways people attracted God’s attention in the Bible was through sacrificial giving. Not just giving when it’s easy or when you have extra, but giving that truly costs something. Giving that comes from a heart of love, surrender, and faith. It is not about the amount, it’s about the heart behind the giving.
Let’s look at some biblical examples:
- When Solomon in today’s anchor scripture became king, he didn’t throw a party. Instead, he went to Gibeon and offered a thousand burnt offerings to God. That was a huge sacrifice, and it wasn’t because someone forced him. He did it out of love and honour for God who made him king in place of his father, David. That same night, God showed up in a dream and said, “Ask me for anything.” That one heartfelt sacrifice opened the door to wisdom, favour, and peace for the rest of his reign (1Kings 3:4-5).
- God asked Abraham to give up the son he loved so much, Isaac. Can you imagine that? Yet, Abraham obeyed. He trusted God, even when it hurt. And just before the act, God interrupted and provided a ram to replace his son. Then He declared a sworn blessing over Abraham that still speaks today (Gen 22:1-2,15-18). Beloved, our greatest blessings sometimes, come after our hardest acts of obedience.
- Another example is Cornelius. He wasn’t even a Jew, he was a Roman soldier. But he gave to the poor and prayed consistently, not for show, but from a sincere heart. Then, one day, an angel showed up and said, “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God” (Acts 10:1-4). For that reason, God sent Peter to his house, and his entire family was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Beloved, your quiet, faithful giving counts before God.
- The Shunammite Woman is another notable example. She noticed Elisha, the Prophet, passing by often. She didn’t wait for a need, she created an opportunity to honour him by building a small room in her home. No one asked her to. She just did it from her heart. Elisha, moved by her kindness, asked what she needed. Even though she hadn’t voiced it, she longed for a child. A year later, she was holding her miracle. Sometimes your giving speaks louder than your prayers.
All of these people gave from the heart. Their giving wasn’t casual, it was sacrificial. It moved them. And because it moved them, it moved God.
When you give out of love, obedience, and faith, especially when it’s not easy, you bring God into your situation. Sacrifice may cost you something, but it always releases something greater from heaven.
Ask God: “Where and how do you want me to give in this season of divine visitation?” He will tell you. Whether it’s your time, service, material resources, or finances, let your giving mean something. It could be the key that will launch you to the next level of your story.
PROPHETIC PRAYER:
May your seeds in the past and in the present speak for you this season, in Jesus name!
FEEDBACK CORNER:
Share your testimony with us at:
+2348028852390 (WhatsApp)
+2348051167845 (WhatsApp)
morningteaprayerline@gmail.com (Email)
DAILY DECLARATION:
“This year, 2025, I step into my New Era of Dominion by the Wisdom of God and I commit to serving God faithfully by the help of the Holy Spirit. As a result, my Rewards shall manifest quickly. Amen and amen.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
“Sometimes giving speaks louder than prayers.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
July 18 (Acts 21; Ps 19-22)
Kindly forward this message to your friends and loved ones!