Beginning of the Change

Beginning of the Change

Genesis 28: ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” ¹⁷ And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”

 

¹⁸ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. ¹⁹ And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, ²¹ so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. ²² And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a ^]tenth to You.”

 

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GOD showed Jacob a gateway to heaven in a mysterious dream. Jacob got excited and wanted to mark the exact location that GOD showed him. He took the stone he used as a pillow and anointed it with oil so it would stand out, even if it rained.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob responded to the dream with excitement.
• Jacob must have realized that everything Isaac told him about GOD was true.
• Jacob vowed the the LORD shall be his GOD and that he would give a tenth back to HIM.

 

It is undetermined why Jacob chose to give a tenth of everything given to him from GOD. Perhaps he recalled what he was told about Abraham giving a tenth of all he recovered  of Sodom’s wealth, to Melchizedek. Or perhaps the HOLY SPIRIT led him to choose this number.

 

He did not say how he was going to give a tenth, only that he would do it. This was a change for Jacob. He was moving from scheming and sneaking around to being generous. GOD’s vision seemed to be the catalyst of change in Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s vow?
• Have you ever been excited about what GOD told you or showed you?
• Are you excited by what GOD is doing and will you show HIM your excitement by being generous to someone today?

Servant Leader’s Attitude

 

Servant Leader’s Attitude

Genesis 18: Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. ² So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, ³ and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. ⁴ Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.”

They said, “Do as you have said.”

 

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Some time after Abraham was circumcised and healed, the LORD appeared to him with two angels. Abraham asked them to stay so he could wash their feet to provide relief. He then wanted them to eat to “refresh your hearts.”

 

My Observations:

• Abraham was a wealthy powerful man who understood GOD’s true power.
• Abraham did not flaunt his power, rather he sprung into action by getting everyone together to serve GOD.
• Abraham did not ask for anything from GOD, rather he wanted to simply serve HIM.

 

The LORD appeared near the terebinth trees. There seems to be something special about these trees because GOD met Abraham there a couple of times. Abraham seemed excited to simply serve. Maybe he wanted to be known as one who is hospitable. He was willing to open his house up to strangers and to share the best food.

 

GOD said HE would stay while Abraham gathered water for HIS feet and food for them to eat. It seems like GOD does not mind being served. It shows the heart of the person who can give a being who has everything a little of what we have.

 

This type of generosity may have stood out to GOD because Abraham did not keep the swag he retrieved from rescuing Sodom. Abraham’s servanthood seemed to come from the heart. He immediately sprung into action looking for ways to make his guests comfortable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how hot it was?
• Have you checked your conversations with GOD to see if you are only asking for things?
• Are you willing to serve GOD simply to do it just for HIM versus getting something from HIM?

Gifts Were Given

Gifts Were Given

Genesis 14: ¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said:

 

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

 

And he gave him a tithe of all.

 

²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”

 

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— ²⁴ except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”

 

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Upon Abram’s successful return, he was met by the King of Sodom to be thanked for getting all the stuff back. Abram was then met by Melchizedek king of Salem. He was the priest of GOD MOST HIGH. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all that was taken from Sodom, Lot and all the people. He did this in front of the king of Sodom, who then asked for slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Abram chose to give a tenth of the “Plunder” to Melchizedek.
• Abram could have kept all the stuff for himself, but chose to give some of it away and the rest back to their owners.
• Abram then told the king of Sodom that he would not allow the thought of being made rich from a person who practiced evil against the LORD.

 

Gifts were given to Melchizedek; I believe because he followed GOD with all his heart. Melchizedek was a servant leader who GOD recognized as the first priest. He may have led the people through servant leadership and was therefore not invited to fight with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Melchizedek did not ask for anything, instead offered a blessing over Abram.

 

Meanwhile, the King of Sodom was worried about stuff and slaves. Abram, through this action, set a precedence for giving that would later become a law to support the Levitical priests. Abel sacrificed an animal to GOD showing belief in GOD’s mercy. Abram was the first to give to a priest, because of the priest’s relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD call Melchizedek a priest and mention him to Moses?
• Have you ever felt like you do not have enough?
• What is GOD asking you to do with your stuff?

Value Proposition

Value Proposition

2 Corinthians 11: ⁷ I did not charge you a thing when I preached the Good News of God to you; I humbled myself in order to make you important. Was that wrong of me? ⁸ While I was working among you, I was paid by other churches. I was robbing them, so to speak, in order to help you. ⁹ And during the time I was with you I did not bother you for help when I needed money; the believers who came from Macedonia brought me everything I needed. As in the past, so in the future: I will never be a burden to you! ¹⁰ By Christ's truth in me, I promise that this boast of mine will not be silenced anywhere in all of Achaia. ¹¹ Do I say this because I don't love you? God knows I love you!

 

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“Would you like to buy some candy?’ were the dreaded words I heard from my boss. “It’s for a good cause” was the explanation. I dug into my pocket and bought a candy bar with the money I had planned for lunch. “I guess this is part of the game to get ahead” I thought to myself.

 

• I gave even though I did not value what I was giving to.
• I supported something because I valued my job and comfort.
• I added this cause to the list of many others I was being pulled into.

 

Paul speaks about this group not being charged for his services. He spoke to them, spent time with them and taught them something extremely valuable, namely the truth of CHRIST. But he did it for free. He brought this to their attention, not to guilt them, but to have them value what they got.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to value HIS servants.
• GOD wants me to support those who speak on HIS behalf.
• GOD wants me to understand the need to spread the Gospel everywhere.

 

Telling people about the Great news of JESUS is the most valuable thing a person can do. I mean, giving up the world’s pursuits to speak about JESUS is a huge step that the world’s structures fight against. Obstacles are placed in front of those who are determined to live for CHRIST.

 

“What will they eat?” or “Where will they stay?” are a couple of questions that come to mind. But in these days of many causes, supporting someone to speak about JESUS becomes noise. I have to make a choice at some point and support those who speak on HIS behalf or be the one who needs support to speak on HIS behalf. I am glad GOD has provided many people to support me as I was sent out to speak about JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What value proposition is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever gotten so overloaded with the world’s bills and structures that you could not see yourself giving money to those who speak on CHRIST’s behalf?
• Have you ever thought that maybe it’s you who need the support to speak on HIS behalf and need to pray about accepting HIS calling on your life today?

Monetary Blessings are Nice

Proverbs 10: ²² The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
    without painful toil for it.

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Cold had snuck up on me so I pulled out a jacket I hadn’t worn since the prior season. When I stuck my hand in the pocket I found a nice crisp five dollar bill. Another time I was walking to my car in the parking lot of my local grocery store when suddenly a wind blew several one dollar bills around. I looked for the person who lost them and there was no one in the parking lot. I picked them up and went on my merry way.

• Sometimes GOD has surprised me with money I didn’t expect.
• Sometimes GOD has given me money I was not looking for.
• Sometimes GOD has blessed me with wealth I did not imagine.

GOD is capable of blessing me with tremendous amounts of wealth, but am I ready for it? I mean HE said, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Should I “look” for monetary blessings?

• GOD says to me “Use your wealth to bless others and I will never leave you wanting.”
• GOD says to me “Bless others as I have blessed you.”
• GOD says to me “When I do bless you with wealth, do not hide where it came from.”

There is no such thing as a “self-made” person. GOD gives and HE takes away. HE isn’t a bookie who wants HIS cut. HE wants sacrifice to HIM and to others. GOD blesses me as HE wishes and I praise HIM for it.

• Are you asking GOD for money?
• Do you feel the squeeze of life on you?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to other blessings HE is doing for you in order to get your relationship with HIM straightened out first?

Ask with sincerity

1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

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Getting more stuff seems like such a greedy prayer to me, so I had to look at this prayer again and ponder it. Many people have told me “You have not because you ask not.” Others say “Just name it and claim it.” BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM.

• GOD was pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom.
• GOD was please when Moses asked for direction.
• GOD was pleased when the widow asked for her son to be brought back to life.

I have to ask myself “Why do I need more of what I’m asking for?” What will I do when I have an excess of whatever I get? I had a frank conversation with GOD to see if I could handle more money and the answer was “No” at the time.

I had a lot of it so I spent an exorbitant amount of time trying to protect it. In fact when someone asked for it I would quickly assess whether they “deserved” it or would they squander it on something pitiful.  My generosity diminished as fewer and fewer would meet my measure. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to be generous before I am wealthy so I can handle it when I am.
• GOD wants me to let HIM discern how someone will spend any money I give away.
• GOD wants me to be generous to those HE sends me and remove my worries about where money will come from.

When money is the focus of the prayer I am blinded to the greatness of GOD, but when GOD is the focus of prayer my eyes are opened to HIS power and wealth. HE is the one who gives in abundance as long as my motives are focused on HIM and my faith is not dependent on cash.

• Are you praying for more money?
• Have you ever wondered why you this prayer has not been answered?
• If you are praying for a larger title or more money, how will this benefit GOD’s kingdom?
• If you know how more stuff will benefit the kingdom can you start acting like it without the title or the cash?

Showing Praise

1 Kings 5: ² Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:

³ “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet. 

⁴ But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. ⁵ I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’

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“We are adding more stock options”, the person said to me in a meeting.  I began planning a lavish vacation for me and my family. I mean I worked hard and I deserved a little time off. Also, I didn’t buy much for myself but I could probably use some new gadgets. Oh, and while I thought about it, I could now fix this and that in the home.

Wow, this extra bonus sure didn’t go very far!

• Distractions in life sometimes blind me.
• Some of my choices place me in situations where I’m distracted into blindness.
• Sometimes what I raise up to importance is only a distraction which makes me blind.

There is nothing wrong with vacations and stuff but sometimes they distract me from interacting with GOD on a deeper level.  Just the thought of needing to rest to recharge my batteries for more work is a distraction from GOD. HE wants more.

• GOD desires some quality time to focus on HIM when HE gives me rest.
• GOD wants me to be at peace so I can spend more time with HIM rather than filling it up with distractions.
• GOD loves when I carve out special time for only HIM and me.

GOD doesn’t need my money, my buildings or special programs. HE can raise up people from the dead who don’t need food or shelter so HE really can do without me. BUT GOD chose to have a relationship with me and wants me to “want” to be with HIM. In times of peace, GOD wants me to commune with HIM and show my appreciation for HIM.

• During peaceful times, do you show GOD appreciation?
• When is the last time you made a pledge to HIM directly?
• Can you give GOD a gift today by helping someone?

Giving is an act of praise

Deuteronomy 26: ⁸ So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. ⁹ He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; ¹⁰ and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. 

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Spring was finally here! I wasn’t excited about the trees blooming or a warm breeze gently blowing on my face. It was bonus season!  This particular year I was going to take the vacation of a lifetime. I mean it was going to be first class all the way around! I think I watched my account daily to make sure I could pull the trigger on purchasing multiple tickets to some of the finest places!

• When I have plenty I sometimes forget to give first and plan later.
• When I have plenty I sometimes think it’s all mine.
• When I have plenty I sometimes believe I deserve a break from all of “my” hard work.

It’s amazing how easy it is to think my bank account is “mine.” When it has a lot, I start thinking about some great exotic places I haven’t been and some nice toys I can now afford. I then have more conversations about fine dining, entertainment, better schools and gadgets. But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants me to remember where my wealth comes from so I won’t become arrogant.
• GOD wants me to remember HE is in control of my bank account even when it is low.
• GOD wants me to remember to give when I have plenty and give when I little in order to break the grip of fear money can place me in.

GOD wants me to celebrate the fact that HE is the provider, not me!  HE wants laughter and smiles and celebration rather than giving out of obligation with a staunch, somber, teary eyed face. By taking the firstfruits off of what I make, I am showing GOD that I trust HIM to do what is necessary to provide for me. 

HE can give me plenty and HE can take riches away, but that shouldn’t change my celebration of HIS provision!

• Do you feel you can’t give right now because you don’t have much?
• Do you feel you can’t give right now because you have too much?
• Are you saving up for more stuff?
• Can you give and praise GOD about your giving?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD instead of your bank account?

Don’t ask “Where’s my money?”

Deuteronomy 24: ¹⁰ When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into their house to get what is offered to you as a pledge. ¹¹ Stay outside and let the neighbor to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. ¹² If the neighbor is poor, do not go to sleep with their pledge in your possession. 

¹³ Return their cloak by sunset so that your neighbor may sleep in it. Then they will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the Lord your God.

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“Can I borrow $20” were the strangest words I heard coming from a person I just met the day before. We were coworkers and this guy was older than me. I was fresh out of college and this guy is asking me for money!  “NO indeed” was my initial thought, but something nagged at me.

I wrestled with it and said “No” without asking many questions.

• At one point I kept my possessions a secret for fear someone would want to borrow from me.
• At one point I would stay away from the needy for fear that they may need something from me.
• At one point I would evaluate the need and automatically say “No” requiring the needy person to convince me of their need.

Loaning money is a very touchy subject because no one ever has enough. When someone asked me for money, it meant I had to sacrifice to accommodate the need which made me feel uncomfortable so I avoided like the plague. But what does GOD think.

• GOD wants me to be wise and generous.
• GOD wants me to find the poor and loan what I don’t expect to get back.
• GOD wants me to treat the person I loaned the money to with respect.

Loaning money is sometimes difficult because it seems like 12 others would come out the woodwork when they hear of this kind act. GOD provides me with wisdom to loan to the right people and is working on my generosity to not expect it back.

• Are you afraid of loaning money?
• Does pride make you give instead of loaning the money?
• Are you holding onto money so tightly that you cannot foresee loaning money to anyone?
• When you loan to the poor can you treat them with respect and “ask” for repayment instead of demanding it?

Plan for generosity

Deuteronomy 14: ²⁸ At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, ²⁹ so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

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Anticipation and exhilaration flowed through my veins as I waited on a statement from my investments. I was saving up for a cruise and I wanted to make sure I had enough money to go. I planned this trip for months. I booked the plane and excursions. Yes this was a well-deserved trip!

• When I want something I plan for it.
• When I desire something I save up for it.
• When I yearn for something I get excited over it and anticipate its arrival.

Giving is quite the opposite of my vacation planning.  Sometimes I grumble over giving and other times I look up and whatever money is left I give. I say to myself, I don’t have enough to give right now, yet I run out and buy new stuff because I “need” more stuff.

• GOD wants me to plan for giving.
• GOD says “prepare your tithes.”
• GOD says “pay attention to those in need.”

When I know I am going to give then I automatically deduct the amount I have in my hand by what I have already planned. I no longer say to myself I have $1000 rather the LORD has $100 and I have $900. But wait, what if my income doesn’t cover my bills. Well, that’s a longer discussion but I know GOD loves when I am cheerful in my giving.

Giving frees me from wanting more and more for myself because the focus is on others. Through GOD’s generosity, I can be generous.

• Are you planning to give?
• Are you planning to give in big way or have you squeezed GOD’s generosity into your tiny world?
• Has GOD given you a vision for generosity?

A “leftover” attitude

Numbers 18: ³² Bring the best part of what you receive. Then you will not be guilty of holding anything back. You will not make the holy offerings of the people of Israel “unclean.” You will not die.’”

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Wednesday had finally arrived! I got paid twice a month and it seemed like I would run out of money quicker than I wanted to. I could finally pick up the new suit I had put in layaway and I could buy some groceries. I could also pay rent but the car payment would have to wait until the following check.

On Sunday I had a couple of dollars to put in church. “There… I gave” I thought to myself. This was a sacrifice because I could have kept it to myself!

• When I give GOD the leftovers I sometimes run out.
• When I give GOD the leftovers I put HIM last.
• When I give GOD the leftovers I treat HIM with an “HE won’t mind” or “HE should be thankful” attitude.

My giving in church crept into other areas of my life. When it was time to clear the closet I would look at the worn items. When it was time to move I would give away the things I didn’t want or use. I would keep the best and give away the worst. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to give my best to HIM and others.
• GOD wants me to plan my giving just like planning my new clothes, vacations and gadgets.
• GOD wants me to not cringe when I get a large payment and have to give HIM my best.

I need to give without expectation that GOD will double or triple my gift here on Earth. GOD can do with my money and possessions as HE sees fit. HE wants me to not let things have a hold on me so giving helps this process. When I give my best GOD does the rest!

• Are you clinging onto your little change?
• Are you afraid to give your best?
• Can you recognize a part of you that is not giving GOD your best?
• Won’t you start out small and grow into excited giving?

Sometimes it stings to give!

Leviticus 27: ³⁰ “‘A tenth of everything the land produces belongs to me. That includes grain from the soil and fruit from the trees. It is holy. It is set apart for me.

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Scouring the internet I pieced together the ideal vacation.  With hotel points and airline miles, we could go to one of the top resorts and live first class.  This was phenomenal! Since I saved so much, I decided to throw in a cruise! I mean I earned it!

• Sometimes I don’t think GOD owns “my” money.
• Sometimes I think I am doing GOD a favor by “giving.”
• Sometimes I think I deserve stuff and get mad when someone breaks, steals or loses “my” stuff.

It’s hard to believe that GOD owns all things. I say, “yeah, yeah HE owns everything” but I turn around and get highly upset when HE allows some of my stuff to be taken or destroyed. When I have an abundance of cash I conveniently forget to give and when I’m low on cash I use the excuse, “I don’t have it right now.”

• GOD says “give ME a tenth” which releases my greedy grip on stuff.
• GOD says “I expect everyone to give” which means I should give when it is difficult.
• GOD says “Do not be worried over the things of this world” simply because HE owns it all and knows what is best for me to have.

Wanting more stuff is sometimes a problem for me.  The more I have the more I try to protect what I have.  I want a lot of stuff so I won’t me worried but the stuff makes me worry! GOD wants me to release the tight grip “stuff” has on me by giving it away just like HE gives to me daily!

• Are you worried about cash?
• Do you think GOD is punishing you by not giving you a lot of cash?
• Can you give when you have plenty AND when you don’t have much?
• Won’t you face your fears of losing stuff by giving stuff away?

It takes sacrifice

Exodus 37: ¹⁵ The workers made the poles out of acacia wood. They covered them with gold.

¹⁶ They made plates, dishes and bowls out of pure gold for the table. They also made pure gold pitchers to pour out drink offerings.

The Gold Lampstand

¹⁷ The workers made the lampstand out of pure gold. They hammered out its base and stem. Its buds, blooms and cups branched out from it.

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Twinkies was my purchase as I wanted to get change for the next day. I had decided to limit how much I gave away to homeless people downtown. Each encounter would only get a dollar, until I ran out of what I put in that pocket that day.

Hard work and an extremely busy schedule caused me to forget to get change the night before and as I reached in my pocket I had nothing for this person and a ten in my wallet. I was on a tight budget and, if I remember correctly, I still had a couple of days to go. GOD said “give him the ten.” “What?” and go without lunch?

• Sometimes I make giving a habit.
• Sometimes I give out of surplus instead of giving all to GOD.
• Sometimes I hold back from giving because of fear of self-preservation.

Okay, call it selfishness! I mean I can’t miss a meal for a day right? Wrong. GOD calls me to fast from time to time so I can miss a meal here and there. So what does this have to do with the gold used by the Israelites? They had no income and used what they had to build the Holy tent of the LORD. They sacrificed.

• GOD wants me to not only give but sometimes sacrifice.
• GOD wants me to take giving seriously.
• GOD wants only a little of what HE already owns.

Sacrificial giving is rare for me. I give habitually and I am blessed but sacrificial giving means I can’t have “that thing” right now, if ever. GOD wants it all and this is not a problem, it’s a blessing!

• Are you holding onto your stuff?
• Are you afraid to let go of your stuff?
• Are you willing to give sacrificially once or twice in your life?

Can I pay for my sins?

Exodus 30: The rich are not to pay more nor the poor less than the half-shekel offering to God, the atonement-tax for your lives. Take the atonement-tax money from the Israelites and put it to the maintenance of the Tent of Meeting. It will be a memorial fund for the Israelites in honor of God, making atonement for your lives.”

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Tired of preachers “begging” for my cash and driving away in fancy cars wearing fancy suits I decided enough is enough. “I may as well keep my money instead of giving it to them!” I thought to myself.  BUT GOD says different.  HE does not want me to hold onto cash or be nervous about the lack of it. HE wants me to give freely to not fall in its deadly grip.

Do I really have to give?

Exodus 25: The Lord said to Moses, ² “Tell the people of Israel to bring me an offering. You must receive the offering for me from all whose hearts move them to give.

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“Snorkeling would be a great activity” I thought to myself as I planned our vacation. Let’s see… we’ll stay in one of the top hotels, spend days at a famous amusement park in Florida and really enjoy ourselves. Wait, that’s not enough. I know, I’ll throw in a cruise! Why not, I mean I worked hard so I needed a vacation!

• Vacations are nice but I wonder if I should give before I go.
• Buying nice things is okay but I wonder if I should give before I buy.
• Investing is nice but I wonder if I should give before I invest.

Somehow I think my money is mine. I dream of nice things for me and never once think about those who are hurting or without cash.  I work so hard to acquire my cash so I think I deserve new gadgets, clothes, cars and stuff. Throw in a lavish vacation here and there and I’m okay. BUT GOD has other plans for my cash.

• GOD wants me to take a portion of my wealth and give it to others.
• GOD wants my heart to be conditioned to give not just receive.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes and look for those in need rather than worrying about my cash.

GOD owns everything so HE isn’t looking for more stuff.  HE is looking to see if I can let go of things I consider precious and trust HIM to take care of me. Giving isn’t a cash matter it’s a heart matter. HE isn’t looking for me to be wealth with cash rather be wealthy with my heart.

• Are you looking to receive and are pouting about it?
• Can you give and not look to receive?
• Are you giving out of obligation when GOD wants you to give out of desire?
• Can you stop trying so hard to please GOD and start loving others knowing this pleases GOD?

Be compassionate with cash

Exodus 22: ²⁵ “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. ²⁶ If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, ²⁷ because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

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It seemed like there was an extra dose of homeless this particular day.  I thought about it and was convinced that maybe I should tell a person about CHRIST instead of giving them cash. I stepped up on my pedestal and began talking down to this lowly thing of a person. “Uh huh, yeah, um hmm” were the patronizing replies to my rants.

“There” I thought to myself. I had pushed on him the greatest gift he could ever accept. I’m sure both of us were rewarded that day and I didn’t have to give him money!

• The love of money causes me to treat people like business transactions.
• The love of money strikes fear in me that I will lose it or have it stolen.
• The love of money makes me decide to keep it rather than give it away.

Money matters make me miserly. In other words the more money I get the more I try to protect the wealth and I lose my compassion for people. I dream of reasons they are poor or homeless and chalk it up to some bad choice, or a mental disease or an addiction rationalizing why this person doesn’t need my cash. BUT GOD has compassion.

• GOD has given plenty to me so I may give to others.
• GOD wants me to get over my fear of losing stuff and be compassionate to HIS people.
• GOD desires me to see needy people instead of “hiding” from them in order to keep my stuff.

I keep imagining standing in front of GOD, having HIM display my gadgets, trinkets and bobbles, then showing me all the people I passed by who could have used a meal that day. Yes, GOD wants me to spread the gift of salvation but if love and compassion are not with the message I’m wasting my time.

• Is there someone you need to show compassion to?
• Is fear holding you back from giving to that person?
• Can you show compassion to someone today?
• Won’t you ask GOD who you are supposed to help and “how” HE wants you to help them?

Do I really “have” to give?

2 Corinthians 9: ⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ^7 8 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

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One dollar. What can anyone buy for a dollar? Yet this was my “offering” to my local church on a weekly basis. It’s not the dollar that’s the problem, it’s how much I earned that was the issue.  I was making a lot more than that dollar but my “lifestyle” had changed. I mean I wasn’t very extravagant and I had my needs.

• I needed the new watch that would go with the suit I had just purchased or so I thought.
• I needed some shoes to match the new suit I had just purchased or so I thought.
• I needed a lavish vacation to fit in on the conversations at work or so I thought.

GOD doesn’t need my money but HE wants me to not love is so much that I don’t want to share it.  HE wants me to give and be excited that I am able to give. HE provides me with people who are generous and they show me great examples of excited giving.

• GOD wants me to view my bills as the annoyance and my giving as excitement.
• GOD wants me to sometimes do without in order for someone to have their needs met.
• GOD wants me to surrender what I think is mine so HE can take care of me the way HE wants to.

At the end of my life the measure of success should not be my bank account rather it should be how much I have given. It actually is exciting to see someone receive a little relief from the debts that are sometimes hurled in our path. GOD loves when I am a part of helping someone.

• Are you a cheerful giver?
• Are you generous?
• Do you know generous people or are you the only one giving?
• Can you modify your thoughts on giving and remain cheerful?

Am I excited to help?

2 Corinthians 9: ² For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

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“What are you guys doing” my supervisor inquired. We had lost track of the time and didn’t realize and hour and a half had passed. “Have you unloaded the truck yet” were the next words out of his mouth. Our laughter and smiles were replaced with reluctance and remorse.

“Just watch yourselves; you know you can be replaced.” While these were not the most motivating words, they rang true. He wanted someone who wanted to be there to work.

• When I do things out of reluctance I don’t put my all to it.
• When I perform tasks I don’t want to do, I half do them without caring about the outcome.
• When I see a painful thing coming towards me, I calculate just how much pain I can tolerate and it usually isn’t much.

Being ambivalent or having animosity towards a task or situation leaves me in a state of low enthusiasm.  I find myself going through the motions rather than attacking it with power and excitement. Unfortunately I treat GOD this way. I mean when I’m not getting my way I find myself giving up on serving HIM or waiting on HIM.

• GOD wants me to be excited about HIS gift of salvation so HE wants me to be eager to help.
• GOD desires that I know HE already has a great outcome to the problem so HE wants me to be eager to help.
• GOD wishes that I understand HIS unconditional love and HE loves when I am eager to help.

My eagerness to show mercy, love, generosity and kindness draw people to GOD in ways I don’t understand. When I see people who are going through trouble, yet they are eager to serve I get inspired. I don’t mean to be phony, I mean they know they have issues and refuse to let them get them down.

• Are you eager to serve GOD?
• Are you excited to face whatever comes your way today?
• Are you enthusiastic about the outcome GOD has determined for you?
• Will you show someone your excitement today?

Got any spare change?

2 Corinthians: ¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

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My first assignment downtown was an eye-opener. As I stepped off the train I found myself marching to the rhythm of the massive crowd migrating toward my destination. Amongst the flurry of activity of taxis, coffee shops and traffic I heard a voice, “got any spare change?” Of course I do was my first response and I donated gladly.

Days, months and years into the routine my zeal for giving turned into a critical statement. “Look at them… I bet they are using the money for drugs or alcohol. I’m not giving my hard earned money to them.” Then it hit me, I forgot to make my reservations in the three star hotel for our vacation. Three stars instead of five kept me humble right?

• Many times I avoid people in need.
• Many times I avoid direct contact with someone who wants something because I think I don’t have enough to give.
• Many times I rationalize not giving and wind up using the money on myself.

It is extremely easy to avoid giving. In fact the more I had the easier it was to avoid seeing people who truly needed my help. I found myself in conversations with people discussing wine cellars and humidors when at one point I didn’t even know what those things were. Lavish vacations were quite enjoyable BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD says “The poor you will always have” and HE desires I seek to serve when I’m wealthy or be served when I’m poor.
• GOD says “When you serve someone a cup of water you have served ME” so HE wants me to seek other to serve.
• GOD says “Show and share your talents and I will give you more” which means HE will give as long as I’m willing to give.

GOD isn’t looking to make me wealthy just to be a snob, HE wants me to give when I have plenty and if HE takes my wealth away HE wants me to accept gifts from others. Humility in giving and accepting gifts is GOD’s balance.

• Are you nervous about giving?
• Do you think you don’t have enough to give?
• Are you hoarding money for yourself or are you purposefully seeking opportunities to give?
• Does GOD want you to give to “that” person today?

Utopia

Acts 4: ³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

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Green grass has been a pursuit of mine for the longest. What I mean by “green grass” is a society in which everyone respected, helped and especially loved one another.  No problem would be too great for my dream society. Unfortunately I had to wake up from the dream and I noticed many splotches in my “green grass.”

• The world is never going to be perfect.
• My dreams will always be challenged by an evil adversary.
• When I obtain a piece of my dream something else falls apart.

It seems like I can never achieve “heaven on earth.” People seem to act as individuals instead of banning together when the going gets tough. What should I do?

• GOD says continue to testify about JESUS being LORD!
• GOD says know the community exists and keep serving in spite of not seeing it.
• GOD says seek those in need and lay my treasures at HIS feet.

Utopia on earth does not exist or at least I don’t deserve to be in it. I am a sinner and if there is a Utopian society then my sin would mess it up. GOD says I sent my SON to die for the sins of mankind. Belief in HIM enables me to get a free pass into HIS perfect society!

• Are you frustrated because you don’t have your perfect job or home situation?
• Are you tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you focus your attention on the gift of peace from GOD?
• Are you willing to give up some of your possessions to help others?