He That Gives to the Poor Shall Not Lack
When we give to the poor without expecting anything in return, we experience the joy of giving and the presence of God in our lives.
Rees Howells shares a powerful testimony of a transformative experience where he was moved by the Lord to help a man in dire need. Initially offering only half of what was required, he felt convicted to give all he had, leading to a profound change in his heart and attitude towards giving. This encounter marked a pivotal moment in his life, shifting his focus towards generosity and compassion for those in need, ultimately leading him to live a life dedicated to giving.
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The first big test on giving came with a man in very poor circumstances, the lowest of the low before he was converted. One morning the Lord laid a burden on me for him and told me to pray for him because he was in difficulties. The devil was attacking him and I saw that a contest was going on for his soul. It was a very keen spiritual fight.
I told the Lord, "I will give all I have to save him." That evening the man came to see me, and when I asked if he was in trouble he said that he was two years behind with his rent. "Oh," I said, "I will help you with half of what you need and I am sure my friend will give you the other half." On my way upstairs to fetch the money the Lord spoke to me, "What did you say to him?
I thought you said this morning that you would give all you had." I turned back and told the man I would give him all he needed. Then I walked back with him to his home. When I left him it seemed that all the joy of heaven came down on me. It came over in waves, and I could not contain it. That night I changed in the root of my nature. I changed towards the world, towards lost souls and towards giving.
From that time I could not help but give to everyone in need. I lived to give.
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Giving
- The Power of Total Surrender
- The Transformation of the Heart
- Changing towards the world and lost souls
- Living to give and serving others
Key Quotes
“I turned back and told the man I would give him all he needed.” — Rees Howells
“That night I changed in the root of my nature.” — Rees Howells
“I lived to give.” — Rees Howells
Application Points
- We should be willing to give to the poor without expecting anything in return, and instead look for opportunities to serve others.
- Giving to the poor can bring us closer to God and experience the joy of giving.
- We should be generous with our time, talents, and resources, and look for ways to serve others.