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Counsels on Sabbath School Work
God’s Part and Ours
The only means which God has ordained to advance His cause
is to bless men with property. He gives them the sunshine and the
rain; He causes vegetation to flourish; He gives health, and ability to
acquire means. All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In
turn He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning
Him a portion in tithes and offerings,—in thank offerings, in freewill
offerings, in trespass offerings.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:150
.
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The Highest Efficiency of the Loving Gift
The offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor,
giving it highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our
hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and
silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and
spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and
gave Himself for us.—
The Desire of Ages, 65
.
A Condition of Prosperity
The contributions required of the Hebrews for religious and chari-
table purposes amounted to fully one fourth of their income. So heavy
a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce
them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these
regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity. On condition
of their obedience, God made them this promise, “I will rebuke the
devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your
ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the
field.... And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a de-
lightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.”—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
527
.
Every Offering With Its Motive Chronicled
I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record of
every offering dedicated to God, and put into the treasury, and also
of the final result of the means thus bestowed. The eye of God takes
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