October 20

"Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper." 1 Corinthians 16:2

The first day of the week spoken here is different from the Sabbath of the Old Testament. It is not a day of assessment nor is it merely a day for physical rest. It directs us rather to two things we especially ought to do. One is to come together to the Lord God in order to receive grace from him, and the other is to offer to him our gifts. It is a day for us to rejoice in the Lord.

Is it not surprising to find that our gifts are to be made weekly and not monthly? Many wait until the end of the month, and some may even wait until year's end, to give their gifts to God, but Paul tells us we must balance our accounts before him on the first day of each week. Let us note too that each one is free to decide on his own percentage. Give more if you can give more, less if you have less. The important thing is that you should give your portion joyfully.