In Crisis Counsels this week we are considering a section of verses in the center of Proverbs chapter 3. Verses 5 through 8 read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge God, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; revere the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.” (Proverbs 3:5-8) The next verses continue:

Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce;then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10

A feature of the current pandemic is its negative economic impact on many businesses and institutions and individuals. Our “barns” are less full! This is true for the church as well. Contributions to the church have declined since the onset of the pandemic, and some sources of church income have disappeared altogether (fundraisers such as meals or sales, or the loose offering that used to be dropped in the offering plate, or the income from some outside groups that used to meet in the building). In times of economic uncertainty, people are inclined to be less generous. But these verses from Proverbs call upon believers to prioritize their giving to God (this is what it means to give God the “first fruits”). In the church, we are maintaining our full commitments to our mission giving, because the mission work of the church is even more critical in these days! Many of our members are upholding their commitments to the church by utilizing online giving or the mail. The Scripture says that as we honor God with our giving, we ourselves will experience abundance. This does not mean that our giving is motivated by an idea that “we give in order to get.” It means rather that we give generously with a trust that in all times God will provide; for we know that God is good, all the time!

Prayer – Inspire us, O God, as we participate in the ways that You are at work for blessing. Share on X

If you missed Sunday worship, you can join with the recorded service of either the 9:30 or 10:30 worship hours at live.kentmethodist.org

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.