DON'T COME TO GOD EMPTY-HANDED

Title: DON'T COME TO GOD EMPTY HANDED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 16:16-17
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:9-10, Psalm 96:8, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

INTRODUCTION:
As we gather for the annual Thanksgiving celebration, it is a time to reflect on God's faithfulness and generosity throughout the year. God has blessed us in countless ways, and in response, we are called to honour Him with our sacrifices. The principle of not coming to God empty-handed is rooted in Scripture and encourages us to show gratitude by offering meaningful gifts. Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity to give generously, demonstrating our love, faith, and trust in God.

1. WHY GOD EXPECTS OUR SACRIFICES

a) Recognising God's Blessings
God has been our source, provider, and protector. Our sacrifices acknowledge His hand in our lives.

b) Honouring God with What We Value
Giving costly sacrifices reflects the honour we have for God, demonstrating He is worthy of our best.

c) Showing Our Trust in God's Provision
Offering a sacrifice is an act of faith, showing that we trust God to continue to meet our needs.

d) Obedience to God's Word
The Scriptures command us not to come to God empty-handed but to give generously as He has blessed us.

e) Biblical Example: Abel’s Acceptable Sacrifice
Abel’s offering was pleasing to God because he gave from the best of his flock (Genesis 4:3-5).

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING A COSTLY SACRIFICE

a) Sacrifice as an Expression of Love
Just as we give generously to those we love, we show our love for God by giving Him our best.

b) Sacrifice Opens Doors to Greater Blessings
When we give costly sacrifices, we invite God’s favour and blessings to overflow in our lives (Proverbs 3:9-10).

c) Sacrifice Reflects Our Gratitude
True gratitude is expressed through action. Our giving shows our thankfulness for God’s goodness.

d) Costly Sacrifice is a Test of Faith
Giving something significant tests our faith, encouraging us to trust in God’s provision.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Sacrifice on the Threshing Floor
David insisted on paying for the land to build an altar, saying he would not give God a sacrifice that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24-25).

3. BENEFITS OF GIVING GENEROUSLY TO GOD

a) Increased Harvest and Overflow
God promises to bless those who give generously with an abundant return (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

b) Divine Protection and Favour
Sacrifice draws God’s protection, covering us and our families with His favour.

c) Joy and Fulfilment in Giving
There is a deep joy and fulfilment in giving to God, knowing it pleases Him.

d) Establishing a Legacy of Generosity
Our giving impacts future generations, leaving a legacy of faith and provision.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s Extravagant Offering and God’s Response
Solomon’s lavish sacrifice led to divine favour and wisdom beyond measure (1 Kings 3:4-13).

4. PRACTICAL WAYS TO GIVE A MEANINGFUL THANKSGIVING SACRIFICE

a) Reflect on God’s Blessings This Year
Take time to count God’s blessings, allowing gratitude to inspire your offering.

b) Give Thoughtfully and Prayerfully
Seek God’s guidance on what to give, and let your sacrifice reflect your heart of gratitude.

c) Prepare in Advance for the Celebration
Plan your gift in advance, considering what will truly honour God and reflect His blessings in your life.

d) Aim to Give Sacrificially
Your gift should be something that costs you, reflecting a true sacrifice to God.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow’s Sacrificial Offering
Despite her poverty, the widow gave all she had, and Jesus praised her sacrifice (Mark 12:41-44).

CONCLUSION:
God calls us not to come to Him empty-handed, especially during times of thanksgiving. When we give a costly sacrifice, we acknowledge His faithfulness and generosity. As we bring our thanksgiving offerings, may we remember that our gifts reflect our gratitude and devotion to the One who has blessed us abundantly. Let us come before God with willing hearts, joyful spirits, and sacrificial gifts, trusting that He will reward our faith and bless us beyond measure.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to give generously and cheerfully as a reflection of my gratitude.

2. Father, let my sacrifices bring honour to Your name.

3. Lord, guide me in offering a thanksgiving sacrifice that pleases You.

4. Father, bless my offering and multiply it for Your glory.

5. Lord, let my sacrifice open doors of favour and blessings in my life.

6. Father, give me a heart that honours You with my substance.

7. Lord, let my sacrifice be a testimony of Your goodness.

8. Father, bless all who give sacrificially during this Thanksgiving.

9. Lord, protect and preserve my family as I honour You with my offering.

10. Father, may my life continually reflect a spirit of generosity.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. May God honour your sacrifices and pour out blessings upon you.

2. As you come before God with thanksgiving, may He open doors of divine favour.

3. Your sacrifices will bring protection and preservation over you and your household.

4. May God multiply every gift you offer, meeting all your needs in abundance.

5. As you give in faith, may God establish you in prosperity.

6. May the Lord remember your sacrifices and bless you beyond measure.

7. May your heart of generosity inspire others to honour God.

8. May this Thanksgiving season mark the beginning of new blessings in your life.

9. Your offering will draw the attention of heaven and release divine provision.

10. May you live a life that overflows with God’s blessings as you give sacrificially.