David the Psalmist said, “May He remember all your meal offerings; And find your burnt offering acceptable!” Psalm 20:3. This is a prayer Psalm about seeking and finding help from the LORD in times of trouble. I gather that God is especially mindful, attentive, or amenable to the prayers of those who have lived a life of sacrificial service to Him. They didn’t live this way to “earn” anything except for a great reward in heaven, which showed in they way they lived in faith.
I have known Christians who give more than they get. They do not love their money. It’s just a tool which they put to work for God’s purposes of advancing righteousness in the world. And for their faith, their reward in heaven is what far surpasses all they could ever give. Theirs was a sacrificial life where money, time, and talents were given to the LORD without any expectation of being repaid.
Give more than you expect to receive. I have also known Christians, and it pains me to say this, but who expect more than they would ever give. The hand is always out and they know they will receive help from the church. But when the contribution plate goes by, they put in a pittance. When times are good they have money for buying new electronics, for vacations, for cigarettes and expensive eating out. But they gave little during these times. Perhaps they misapplied the story by Jesus of the widow’s mite and thought that’s all they had to give. But the widow didn’t have a big double car garage with costly toys and vacations and the niceties of life. The widow gave sacrificially, giving all she had. But there are many Christians, and I know this is true, whose sacrifice is the bare minimum they can muster up the nerve to take from their wallet and put in the plate. It’s sad because it’s a materialism thing.
I have seen a problem and it’s probably one that’s as old as man where people spend their resources on their wants and then they must beg for their needs. We should not be the kind of Christians who pay for our wants (God sees the flat screen TV and the new cars in the driveway) and then beg for the things we need. Pay for your food first and clothe your children first because those are needs, and then if there is money left after you have give to God, then purchase your wants. But to do it the other way is unspiritual.
I don’t see evidence in Scripture that those who love their money can expect to find God’s help in the day of trouble. Isaiah 55:6 says to “seek the Lord while He may be found.” I suppose it all boils down to what or Who we really trust. I offer this out of love with humility, looking unto myself first. God bless. Dan
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A Conquering Faith 
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