Your Giving Matters: Trusting God’s Provision and Blessing Others

Devotional

Day 1: You Matter Deeply to God

Every person longs to know that they matter, especially in times when life feels overwhelming or when memories and experiences cast doubt on their worth. Yet, God, the Creator, affirms your value in the most personal way—He knows the very number of hairs on your head and enters into every circumstance of your life, both joyful and difficult. No matter what shadows may fall or what doubts may arise, you are not abandoned or forgotten. God’s love is steadfast, and He is present with you, declaring that you are His treasured creation. [04:02]

Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Reflection: When have you doubted your worth or felt unseen? How might you remind yourself today that God knows you intimately and treasures you?

Day 2: You Cannot Serve Both God and Money

Jesus teaches that it is impossible to serve both God and money, for each demands a different kind of loyalty and shapes the heart in different ways. Trying to divide your devotion will ultimately lead to conflict and emptiness, as one will always take precedence over the other. True fulfillment and security are found not in material wealth or divided affections, but in wholehearted service to the Lord who loves you and knows what you truly need. [07:16]

Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are trying to serve two masters? What would it look like to give God your undivided loyalty today?

Day 3: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also

What you value most—your treasure—shapes your thoughts, your fears, your hopes, and your daily choices. Jesus reminds us that our hearts naturally follow what we invest in, whether that is material possessions, relationships, or God Himself. If your treasure is something temporary or uncertain, your heart will be unsettled; but if your treasure is in Christ, you will find lasting joy and security. Jesus treasures you, and He calls you to treasure Him above all else. [11:32]

Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What do your recent choices and worries reveal about what you treasure most? How can you intentionally invest your heart in what truly matters?

Day 4: Put Your Hope in God, Not in Uncertain Wealth

Wealth and material security are fleeting and unpredictable, often changing in an instant and leaving us anxious or disappointed. Instead, God invites you to place your hope in Him—the faithful provider who knows your needs and delights to give you good things for your enjoyment. Trusting in God’s provision brings peace and freedom, allowing you to be generous and to experience the richness of His blessings, regardless of your circumstances. [14:47]

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to put your hope in wealth or possessions? What is one step you can take today to trust God as your provider?

Day 5: Generosity Blesses Others and Builds Community

Generosity is not measured by the size of the gift but by the heart that trusts God’s provision and seeks to bless others. Whether giving out of abundance or from limited means, acts of generosity create an environment where people experience the love and provision of Jesus in tangible ways. When you share what you have, you become part of God’s story of blessing, building up the community and bringing hope to others. [25:29]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV)
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Who is someone in your community you can bless with generosity this week—whether through time, encouragement, or resources? How will you take that step today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered in the presence of our living Lord Jesus, who is not only alive but actively working in our lives, binding us together through the Holy Spirit. Each of us comes with our own burdens and stories, some visible and some hidden, but the unchanging truth is that God’s love endures forever and that He has brought each of us here for a purpose. In the midst of life’s uncertainties and struggles, we are reminded that we matter deeply to God. He knows us intimately—down to the very hairs on our heads—and He enters into the messiness of our lives, never abandoning us, even when shadows fall.

We reflected on the reality that our giving matters—not just in a financial sense, but as an expression of our value and participation in the community. From childhood, I learned that even the smallest offering, encouraged by loving parents, made me feel part of something greater. Our giving is not about the amount, but about the heart behind it. It is a tangible way of affirming that we matter, that others matter, and that together we are building a community where the love and provision of Jesus are made known.

Jesus teaches us that we cannot serve both God and money. Our hearts inevitably follow our treasure, and what we invest in reveals what we truly value. The world tells us to put our hope in wealth, but wealth is uncertain and fleeting. Instead, we are called to put our hope in God, who richly provides for our enjoyment and well-being. Generosity is not just a duty; it is a response to God’s faithfulness and a means by which we participate in His ongoing work among us.

Stories from my own life and the lives of those who have gone before us—parents, relatives, faithful members—remind us that God provides in unexpected ways. Whether through sacrificial giving or simple acts of kindness, we see that those who trust in God’s provision and live generously are themselves blessed and become a blessing to others. Our community is sustained not by outside help, but by the faithfulness and generosity of those who call this place home. As we give, we create an environment where the good news of Jesus is proclaimed and experienced.

May we remember that we are God’s treasure, and He withholds nothing that we truly need. Let us trust His provision, invest our hearts where they matter most, and live generously, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the heart of our Savior.

Key Takeaways

1. You Matter Deeply to God God’s love is not abstract or distant; it is personal and attentive. He knows every detail of your life and values you beyond measure. Even when life feels uncertain or you question your worth, remember that the Creator of the universe declares you are His treasure and will never abandon you. [04:02]
2. Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be What we value most shapes our thoughts, fears, and joys. Jesus teaches that our investments—of time, resources, and affection—reveal the true orientation of our hearts. If we place our hope in fleeting things, our hearts will be restless; but if we treasure God and His purposes, we find lasting fulfillment and peace. [11:32]
3. Generosity Flows from Trust in God’s Provision True generosity is not about abundance but about trust. When we believe that God is the ultimate provider, we are freed to give sacrificially and joyfully, knowing He will meet our needs. This trust transforms our giving from obligation to participation in God’s ongoing work of blessing others. [14:47]
4. Community is Built Through Shared Sacrifice The church is sustained by the faithful giving and service of its members, not by outside sources. Each act of generosity, no matter how small, weaves us together and creates a space where the love and provision of Jesus are made real. Our shared sacrifices become the foundation for a community where all can experience God’s grace. [18:08]
5. Blessing Others Leaves a Lasting Legacy The stories of those who have given faithfully—whether through financial gifts, acts of service, or simple hospitality—remind us that our generosity can have ripple effects for generations. When we invest in others, we participate in God’s story of redemption and become part of a legacy that outlasts us.

** [24:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Blessing of Being Here
[01:58] - Blessed in Your Giving
[02:19] - Childhood Lessons in Giving
[03:18] - Do You Matter?
[04:02] - God’s Deep Care for You
[05:11] - The Loving Warnings of Jesus
[06:35] - You Cannot Serve Two Masters
[07:39] - Divided Loyalties in Life
[09:15] - What Truly Matters Most
[10:01] - Jesus, Our Rescuer and Guide
[11:32] - Where Your Treasure Is
[13:21] - The Uncertainty of Wealth
[15:23] - God Provides for Our Enjoyment
[16:12] - Generosity in Family and Community
[18:08] - Trusting God’s Provision
[19:08] - Stories of Faithful Givers
[20:05] - Family Legacy of Generosity
[22:32] - Gratitude for Kindness Received
[24:40] - The Blessing of Generational Giving
[26:18] - Living as God’s Treasured People
[26:48] - Benediction and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) — > “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

2. Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)
> “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

3. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
> “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus, what does it mean that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”? (Matthew 6:21; [11:32])
In the sermon, what examples were given to show that giving is not just about money, but about being part of something greater? ([02:19])
How does the sermon describe God’s knowledge and care for each of us? ([04:02])
What does the pastor say about the uncertainty of wealth and where we should place our hope? ([13:21])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus warn us that we cannot serve both God and money? What does this look like in everyday life? ([06:35])
The pastor shared stories about his parents and relatives giving sacrificially. What does this reveal about the connection between trust in God and generosity? ([16:12])
How does knowing that God values us deeply (even knowing the number of hairs on our head) change the way we see ourselves and others? ([04:02])
The sermon says that the church is sustained by the faithful giving and service of its members, not by outside sources. Why is this important for building a strong community? ([18:08])

Application Questions

The pastor said, “You matter. Do you matter? I mean, really.” When in your life have you doubted your value to God? How does hearing that you are God’s treasure affect you today? ([03:18])
Think about your own giving—whether time, money, or kindness. What motivates you to give? Is it obligation, habit, or something deeper? ([02:19])
Jesus says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Are there areas in your life where you feel torn between trusting God and trusting in material things? What would it look like to shift your trust? ([06:35])
The pastor shared about his parents’ and relatives’ generosity, even when they didn’t have much. Is there a story from your own life or family where you saw God provide through someone’s generosity? ([16:12])
The sermon talked about how each act of generosity, no matter how small, weaves us together as a community. What is one small act of generosity you could do this week to bless someone in our church or neighborhood? ([18:08])
The pastor mentioned that blessing others leaves a legacy. Who has left a legacy of generosity in your life? How might you want to be remembered in this way? ([24:40])
If you struggle to trust God’s provision, what is one step you could take this week to practice trusting Him more—whether in your finances, your time, or your relationships? ([14:47])

Sermon Clips

Your giving matters. It matters in this community called Mount Olive. It matters in your life. Your giving matters in the lives of people. People that invest in you emotionally and people in whom you have invested emotionally. And why does your giving matter? Well, it's because you matter. That's even more to the point to some degree. You matter. Do you matter? I mean, really. You know, one of the big questions in life that people struggle with and in different ways try to get an answer that's affirmative. At times, people, they. They yearn for that affirmation that I matter. I matter. [00:02:51] (45 seconds) #GivingMatters

A loving parent says things to the child whom he loves or she loves that they need to hear. You know, don't run into the street. We have one little sweet little one-year-old granddaughter. Who just heads. For the edge. All right. Every child is unique. But my Melissa and I, but my wife's Melissa said, you know what, this one, we're going to have to keep an eye on. I mean, not in terms of brutal, but hey, if the door opens, she's out. All right. If the, if the front yard beckons, she's at the curb. All right. I mean, all right. Some of you know what I'm talking about. I mean, so there's going to, all right. You need to hear some things, sweetie. Don't run into the street. Jesus says this because of his love. And if you think it's not loving, you don't know the father. [00:05:26] (63 seconds) #LovingGuidance

You can't serve your wife and a mistress. You can't serve your husband and the guy in your head that you wish you'd married. You can't serve a child that needs some special attention when you prefer to spend your money on a bass boat and a lot of time with the guys. I mean, sooner or later, one takes precedent. [00:09:08] (37 seconds) #FaithOverMammon

This is Jesus. Yeshua, Joshua, Jesus, which means the savior, translated the rescuer, the one who knows how to get us out of the mess. The one who knows where the landmines are, the one who has walked the walk that you and I are walking in life and eventually if Jesus doesn't come back first in death and shows us how to make that journey in a way that is fulfilled and secure, you cannot serve God in mammon. That's just the words of this man who has done this for us and will continue to be with us. [00:10:07] (59 seconds) #HeartOfTreasure

If your treasure is something you can hold on to materially, I'm not talking someone you can hug, although at times someone you can hug can leave. Right. And even there, there better be something to hug or someone that you know, is hugging you when that's not no longer possible on a human level. Your treasure, where your treasure is, that's where you're going to live. That's going to motivate you. Your treasure, that's where your heart is. This is just so true. And Jesus says, trust me, you are my treasure. [00:12:03] (36 seconds) #InvestInWhatLasts

Jesus would say to you, I'm looking, OK, I'm looking, I'm scanning, I'm scanning. All right. Now that I have my cataract surgery done, I told you that in the last month, I couldn't see the back of the wall. Now I can see all of you. Your treasures. I don't know you. Well, I know some of you has been around a while, but I just trust the Lord says you're a treasure. So my goodness, I should treat you like a treasure. Jesus does. [00:12:39] (32 seconds) #TrustGodsProvision

Be generous here for one another to create an environment where people hear that the good news of Jesus and his provision, it's up to you all. Another church doesn't do this for you all. And they do it when I say do it, that they have their own. [00:18:33] (22 seconds) #RichInGoodDeeds

I give thanks for that little lady. I'm not going to tell your name, but I can tell you where she lived over there. Took her Social Security check and moved the decimal point. And that was it. That was her over. Moved the decimal point. And it wasn't it wasn't like a big deal, but she said, oh, this is easy. I just moved the decimal point. [00:19:08] (23 seconds) #PeaceBeWithYou

I give thanks for all of them and everybody in between that trusted that the Lord would provide for them as they use their resources in a way that brings blessings to others, brings Jesus to others in community. [00:19:42] (22 seconds)

May his peace rest upon you, as indeed you are his treasure. And he was not about to keep from giving you everything. Amen. That you truly need Lord's peace be with you. Amen. [00:26:31] (18 seconds)

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