Not About Money

Not About Money

Philemon 1: ¹⁷ So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. ¹⁹ Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) ²⁰ So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!

 

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“We are going to cut many positions” were the words I did not like to hear. I questioned if it was about my performance and everyone around me said no. Finally I got down to the bottom of my investigation. “It is about the money.”

 

• I experienced a cut based on the bottom line
• I worked hard, but to no avail.
• I received an award for an outstanding team member as I left the company.

 

Paul tried to make it very clear that if Onesimus owed any money to Philemon, he would pay it back. He tried to implore on Philemon that it is not about the money rather about the relationship with CHRIST. If mistakes were made, or money owed, then Paul asked that it be charged to him.

 

My Observations

• Money should not be my motivation for serving GOD.
• Simply helping others should be the reason for when I am serving for the LORD.
• Grace is what JESUS showed as the ultimate example.

 

Money is a motivator in the wrong way at times. I mean, it breaks up relationships if sought after in the wrong way. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE wants you and me to place people above the problems loving money can bring.

 

GOD sees people and will repay to each of us how we treat them. HE wants a solid relationship with HIS creation and money should not be the barrier to that relationship, especially when he or she has professed the JESUS is LORD. I am glad to help those who call on the LORD as the Savior.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the empathy from the writer?
• Have you ever judged someone based on how much or how little he or she spent?
• Have you ever needed someone to speak on your behalf?
• Will you pursue helping people keep a solid relationship with those who believe in CHRIST today?

Ask For, Get or Provide

 

Ask For, Get or Provide

Romans 15: ²² And so I have been prevented many times from coming to you. ²³ But now that I have finished my work in these regions and since I have been wanting for so many years to come to see you, ²⁴ I hope to do so now. I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there, after I have enjoyed visiting you for a while. ²⁵ Right now, however, I am going to Jerusalem in the service of God's people there. ²⁶ For the churches in Macedonia and Achaia have freely decided to give an offering to help the poor among God's people in Jerusalem. ²⁷ That decision was their own; but, as a matter of fact, they have an obligation to help them. Since the Jews shared their spiritual blessings with the Gentiles, the Gentiles ought to use their material blessings to help the Jews.

 

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When I grew up, I was taught not to ask for help. Maybe not by words, but it seemed like everyone around me was basically on their own. One day, I asked for help with something. “Gladly” was the surprising response. On a number of occasions I did it again and people were willing to help. “Maybe I should ask for help more often” I thought to myself.

 

• Many times I was afraid to ask for help because I didn’t know what to ask.
• Many times I was too proud to ask for help because I had the money and I simply paid my way.
• Many times I was deeply in need and did not have the strength to even ask for help.

 

Paul wanted to go help, so he asked for help to help those in need. He also explained that other churches decided on their own, to give help to the poor in a certain area. He impressed on everyone that it was an “obligation” for those who have heard preaching to provide monetary support.

 

• GOD wants me to ask for help when I need help.
• GOD wants me to get help when I am going to help others.
• GOD wants me to look for people who need help, especially those who are too weak and decimated to ask.

 

Help is always a difficult topic. I mean, I usually need it at an inconvenient time, or people around me are not willing, possibly because I have not helped them. BUT GOD knows my needs and wants me to ask for anything. HE opens up HIS generosity and provides unimaginable help. I am grateful GOD sees me, hears me and loves me so much that HE will always provide help.

 

• Are you in need and it seems like there is no one available to help?
• Does it seem like you are alone in this journey?
• Will you rest your mind and know GOD will provide you with the help you need at the right time?

Simple Math

Simple Math

John 7: ⁴⁰ Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” ⁴¹ Others said, “This is the Christ.”

But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? ⁴² Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” ⁴³ So there was a division among the people because of Him. ⁴⁴ Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.

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“Multiplication is addition only quicker and division is subtraction that is just as quick” my math teacher said. I learned the principle and went home. Weekends later I went camping. In a playful way, one of the campers pulled a knife on another.

As the knifeless person pushed the blade away, his hand was cut deeply. Suddenly we were divided at the camp the entire weekend. It happened quickly.

• I have noticed division happens quickly.
• I have been involved with dividing people against “those” people.
• I have warned others to stay away from “those” people.

The crowd tried to figure out who JESUS was. Some said HE is the CHRIST, while others said HE is the Prophet. But there was a group who refused to believe and they traced HIS roots back to where HE lived in Galilee. Arguments grew and division rose.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM in unity with others.
• GOD wants me to figure out what is important and unify rather than divide.
• GOD wants me to have grace for others so the unity can speak louder than being right.

Division amongst those who try to follow GOD is a serious problem with HIM. The words “They are doing it wrong” seems to be easy to say yet difficult to rectify. I have been guilty for packing up “my way of doing things” and leaving a church group, searching for a group who acts and sometimes looks like me.

BUT GOD wants different. HE wants me treat all sin the same. HE wants me to look at my sin as ghastly as someone else’s. After my confession that I need GOD as my savior, HE wants me to treat others with care so they will point their lives to HIM. I am glad HE forgives me.

• Are you part of dividing GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you look at what is causing the division and allow GOD to handle the outcome?
• Will you do your part to show unity so others can be healed by GOD?

Responsible

Luke 23: Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. ² And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.’

³ So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’

‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.

⁴ Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no basis for a charge against this man.’

⁵ But they insisted, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.’

⁶ On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

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Slight chuckles was what I heard as the group brought this person over to me and quickly left. This person could not stop talking and I felt stuck, wanting to get away. Not listening to a word, I thought of ways to escape. I searched the room and found my target. “Excuse me. Let me introduce you to someone I think you should meet” I said with excitement.

• There were people I passed onto others because they made me feel uncomfortable.
• There were people I did not help because I did not want to get involved.
• There were people I overlooked because there situation seemed too overwhelming for me.

The church leaders tried to lie to get someone else to prosecute JESUS. Pilate could not find anything wrong that JESUS did because he did not recognize or acknowledge the laws of GOD. “Are YOU king of the Jews?” was Pilates inquisition. Pilate did not want trouble so he sent JESUS to be tried in front of Herod.

• GOD wants me to help people when it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to speak with those HE delivers to me.
• GOD wants me to step in when others would leave.

Being responsible for others takes time. I usually have tons of things to do, BUT GOD wants me to focus on those HE delivers to me at inconvenient times. HE wants me to add to my responsibilities those in need. GOD takes care of me and HE wants me to care for others.

• Do people inconvenience you?
• Are you too busy for people?
• Will you step in and help the people GOD delivers to you today?

Harassed and Helpless

Matthew 9: ³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

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Walking down the hallway of my dorm, a guy stuck his head out of a room and screamed “Hey [racial name]!” and slammed the door giggling. Filled with rage, I went to the night clerk who was six feet, five inches and my friend. We banged on the door until they opened it, there were seven or eight guys in the room.

“Who is the guy who made slurs at my friend?” I pointed the guy out by hitting him on the back of his head. Nothing good came out of the situation. For the rest of the year, the floor had tension.

• There were times when I have been harassed.
• There were times when I have felt helpless.
• There have been times I have taken matters into my own hands and did not get very far.

Rage, anger and hatred are values that get me into trouble. When I feel like retaliating, but cannot, I feel helpless. When someone else attacks me I immediately go on the defense, ready to go to war with them. We will go blow for blow until everyone loses. BUT GOD wants me to behave differently.

• GOD wants me to see the sickness and disease of humanity.
• GOD wants me to have compassion on the crowd.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM “Please send out workers into YOUR field.”

Falling down the hole of rage blinds me to the ailment “we” all have, namely sin. I elevate “that” person’s sins over mine and blame them for all of the world’s problems. GOD wants me to calm down for a moment and pray to HIM so HIS Good News can be spread. The Good News is that JESUS has already won and there is no fight!

GOD wants my rage to be replaced with HIS compassion. HE took care of it all.

• Are you being harassed by life?
• Do you feel helpless?
• Can you stop focusing on the harassment and look at GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you ask GOD for more of HIS workers to help spread the Good News?

Words of Encouragement

Isaiah 35: ³ Strengthen the feeble hands,
    steady the knees that give way;
⁴ say to those with fearful hearts,
    “Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
    he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
    he will come to save you.”

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“Your tie is supposed to line up with your belt and zipper” was the great dressing lesson my uncle gave me. “Use fine sandpaper after the clear coat” was another lesson from another uncle. “Make a loop when stitching your pants” my aunt told me in yet another lesson.

• Sometimes I need help.
• Sometimes I need assistance.
• Sometimes I need someone to teach me.

Many times I really needed help. I mean I ran into situations where I felt lost and could not accomplish what I set out to do. I was faced with problems and sometimes had no way out. Fortunately I was blessed with people I could call.

• GOD says to me “Strengthen the feeble hands” meaning I need to help someone who cannot do for themselves.
• GOD says to me “Steady the knees that give way” meaning I need to support those who cannot stand for themselves.
• GOD says to me “Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong and do not fear, your GOD will come with vengeance; with divine retribution HE will come to save you.”

Many times I received help and now it is time to be the help. GOD calls me to speak words of encouragement into others so they will continue on HIS wonderful path. HE removes barriers and HE is the only one who can speak blessings into existence. HE shows the way and holds up the weak. GOD wants me to not just talk, HE wants me to “do” and to “be.” GOD wants me to help.

• Are you passing by the weak and feeble?
• Are you dodging those who need your help?
• Can you reach out and help someone in need today?
• Will you ask GOD for more strength to help others?

Climbing the Ladder to Profit

Isaiah 23: ¹⁸ Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes.

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Stock option discussions were plentiful. Chatter about the latest gadget or the latest house type came into view at every turn. “What type of phone do you have” was the question of the month as it seemed like we changed that often. I still have a box of old phones.

• There were times when I look at materialistic things as a show of success.
• There were times when I thought the latest and greatest was a show of success.
• There were times when I met “the right people” as a show of success.

When I rubbed elbows with these people I soon realized I was out of my league, but I was on my way. I mean, if I could only get that wine cellar and the humidor, even though I don’t drink or smoke, then things will be fine. The people who are connected would “keep” me in their circle. BUT GOD showed me different.

• GOD wants me to focus on people who HE send me.
• GOD wants me to give instead of store.
• GOD wants me to look for treasure in heaven rather than throwing away the next to latest phone.

Having material things is not bad; the problem comes when they have me. I mean when I cannot do without “that” thing or I depend on a bank account for my security or self-esteem then I have faltered. GOD wants me to focus my attention on pleasing HIM rather than running after those who could care less about HIM. GOD wants my generosity.

• Are you chasing the dream?
• Are you trying to make it big?
• Do you worry about money a lot?
• Can you put your trust in GOD long enough to quiet down and listen to HIM?
• Will you start storing up treasure in heaven today?

Stop Dodging

Psalm 109: ³⁰ With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord;
    in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him.
³¹ For he stands at the right hand of the needy,
    to save their lives from those who would condemn them.

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After a while my eyes would glance away unconsciously. I knew the route that would have the least amount of contact and still get me to my destination on time. Still, on this route there seemed to be more this day. It was inevitable. One got in front of me and there was no way around!

“Could you spare some change?” the seemingly homeless person asked me. “They probably will spend it on booze or drugs” I justified in my mind. And besides I read an article where some guy made more money begging than I did working hard every day! “No” I answered with coins jingling in my pocket.

• Sometimes I label the needy so I can avoid the needy.
• Sometimes I justify the act of not helping the needy.
• Sometimes I look at the needy as “them” and not us.

Terms like “you can’t save everyone” and “God helps those who help themselves” are not written anywhere in the Bible, yet they were guiding principles to my actions towards the homeless and destitute. BUT GOD wanted me to think about people differently.

• GOD wants me to empathize with the poor not just have pity on them.
• GOD wants me to have the mentality that all can be reached and it is up to me to be available.
• GOD wants me to seek those who are in need for HE said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Instead of dodging the homeless, GOD wanted me to be prepared to give to those HE put in my path, “for HE stands at the right hand of the needy to save their lives from those who would condemn them.”

• Are you in need and think GOD has forgotten you?
• Are you trying to avoid going out and helping the needy?
• If you are in need can you open your hand and let GOD stand with you?
• If you haven’t helped the needy in a while can you go out and have direct contact with them instead of anonymously giving?

Listening to the Cry for Help

Job 35: ⁹ “People cry out under a load of oppression;
    they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.

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Bonus this particular year was a little light. I had made plans for that money and it just didn’t materialize. Then I got a request from someone asking to borrow money. “Can’t they just get a job?” was my thought. I pouted and reluctantly handed over the funds. Within days, another person asked for money! “What am I… a bank?”

• Sometimes I blame the oppressed for being oppressed.
• Sometimes I look at the oppressed as the problem.
• Sometimes I think the oppressed could do more for themselves so I would not have to be bothered.

People cry out in different ways and I do understand that I have to be cautious about the schemer. But it seems like there were times where I put my plans over people. What does GOD want from me?

• GOD wants me to seek the lost rather than waiting for them to come to me.
• GOD wants me to be generous to those who HE delivers into my life.
• GOD wants me to add flexibility to my plans so that I can move in the direction HE leads me.

When people cry out for help, I still must use discernment, but have a heart that is willing to make sacrifices rather than stockpile riches. Money is not meant for total comfort, that breeds greed, fear and protection of wealth. Money meets needs and as my cup runs over so should those who are oppressed. I should always expect GOD to deliver people to me who are in need because HE said, “The poor you will always have.”

• Are you listening to the cry of people?
• Are your ears deafened by your own fears and debts?
• Are you busy looking at what others are doing and not being generous?
• Why are you waiting on giving?

Friendly Fear

Job 6: ¹⁴ “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend
    forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

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A few weeks ago I was in a hurry to get to an event. I parked downtown and exaggeratedly paid $2.5 Million for parking. While walking to the door a homeless person stuck her hand out asking for some cash. My excuse for not helping was “I’m in a hurry” so I stuck my hand up and said a small prayer and kept going. This bothered me all while I was at the event. I could not find her afterwards.

• Sometimes I have withheld my kindness for various reasons.
• Sometimes I have rationalized why I should not give to a particular person.
• Sometimes I have determined “this person is scamming me” when I really don’t have the full picture of their life.

I do understand that I cannot cure homelessness, but sometimes I have turned my eyes from them and I say to myself, “I have bills of my own I have to pay.” Then I poke my mouth out when no one turns to help me. How should I act

• GOD wants me to understand that sometimes I could be entertaining an angel and not be aware of it.
• GOD wants me to give sacrificially when HE delivers someone to me.
• GOD wants me to be honored to give when the SPIRIT leads me.

I actually should be seeking those in need but GOD delivers people to me when I don’t feel like being generous. HE wants me to fully understand HE owns everything and I should not get upset at how he distributes HIS wealth. My focus should be on the kingdom and that means helping out friends. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

• Are you judging that person and have determined they are not “worth” your help?
• Have you elevated their sin above yours?
• Can you take the beam out of your eye that may be blinding you and help people?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom out who are in need today?

Assuming they will be fine

Deuteronomy 22: ⁴ If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.

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Someone was on the side of the road a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t call anyone for help. In fact I can’t remember the last time I called for help for someone on the side of the road. The thought to help flashed in my mind but another thought popped in my head. “Everyone has a cell phone, they can call for help themselves.” I think I have even stopped noticing people on the side of the road.

• A busy mind can make my heart forgetful.
• When I assume the person is fine I think I don’t have to do any work.
• When I believe someone else will help that person I find myself helping no one.

There are all kinds of reasons for me not helping people and they are all good. I mean I don’t have the time or the money or fill in the blank, I just don’t have it. But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants me to be aware of my surroundings and help where I can.
• GOD wants my heart to be willing and HE wants some action from me.
• GOD wants me to see people in need rather than seeing them as an inconvenience.

Help is required all around me each day.  I don’t have to go very far to find a person in need.  GOD wants me to take a moment to help someone even when that deadline is approaching. This keeps my heart from being hard.

• Are you too busy to help someone?
• Do you think you don’t have the resources to help that person?
• Can you change your thought about the “helpless” person and provide some help?
• Won’t you begin with prayer for the person and see how GOD wants you to help?

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?

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?

But “they” are wrong!

Galatians 6: ¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

³ If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. ⁴ Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, ⁵ for each one should carry their own load.

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Peering in his eye and listening to his words, I sensed inconsistencies that just didn’t add up. There was a hint of sincerity but the actions just weren’t there. His cry for help fell on deaf ears and I gave up on this so called transformed alcoholic. I mean he brought it on himself right? Hmm… it’s complicated!

• I spend way too much time assessing if someone needs my help instead of giving help.
• I spend way too much time thinking how to get out of helping people instead of asking the LORD for more strength.
• I spend way too much time judging if people “deserve” my help instead of just helping.

Passing the usual homeless person or avoiding the new business owner or speaking harshly to the person who obviously messed up became habits I could easily justify. I mean they brought it on themselves right? Yeah… maybe BUT GOD wants me to view things differently.

• GOD’s job is to save or punish as HE pleases, my job is to restore.
• GOD’s job is to take vengeance if necessary, my job is to pray for my enemy.
• GOD’s job is to penetrate the heart, mind and soul, my job is to take care of those HE delivers to me.

I have to tell the truth, when someone does some low down stuff, “on purpose” I get pretty angry and I’m ready to fly off the handle. GOD wants me to think “full restoration” for that person and HE will handle the rest. In fact the more harshly I want their punishment the harsher HE will be on me “when” I commit the same sin. HE is teaching me to restore others and carry my own load.

• Has someone obviously messed up?
• Can you get beyond what they have done and move on the way GOD will have you move on?
• Do you realize the incident has stolen your peace?
• Can you restore them so you can get your peace back?
• Are you on guard not to fall to the same sin?

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?

Don’t just say it, do it!

1 John 3: ¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

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“Wow, I look pretty good” I thought to myself as I strutted down the street in my new suit headed to work. “I bet everyone in the office will notice since they are very fashion conscience.” Then a homeless person approached me. I looked at him, smelled the wine extruding from his pores and thought “No Way!”

I quickly bypassed the guy only to run into a homeless woman. My wallet was all the way in my briefcase and I only carried twenties so I quickly passed her as well because I have to eat lunch later. Would you believe I saw four or five more homeless people on the way to work that day. “What’s going on, a hobo convention?”

• My heart on material possessions can quickly blind me to others needs.
• My heart on material possessions makes me fight to keep them instead of thinking about serving people.
• My heart on material possessions helps me justify getting in debt to get "what I want", "when I want it" thus never being in the position to share my wealth with the poor.

I used to see the donation commercial with the baby with flies crawling on its face as being a sad situation. “Aw, someone should do something about that” I would think to myself as I turned away to search for something better on my “cable TV.”  GOD wants much more out of me.

• The love of GOD in my heart enables me to have compassion on the poor, helpless and homeless.
• The love of GOD in my heart makes me notice people in need.
• The love of GOD in my heart helps me do without that gadget, suit or even a meal or two so I can serve others.
• The love of GOD in my heart “is” GOD helping HIS people and doing something about it through me but only if I am willing to serve.

It’s amazing what I can do without and it’s even more amazing how many people are in need right up under my nose. I never noticed people in need until I started serving them. If you think being homeless is bad, try seeing a homeless person in a country where there is NO FOOD or shelter for miles. GOD loves these people and wants me to serve them.

• Have you thought about buying the next thing?
• Are you scared of running out of money if you give to someone?
• Can you buy that thing later and give to someone in need right now?
• Do you know it’s alright to have material possessions as long as you have a heart of sharing?
• Can you share your wealth, no matter how small, with someone in need today?

The best counsel I’ve heard in years!

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

 

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

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Sitting in the counselor’s office felt very strange for me. It was time to apply for colleges and I had not built any rapport with this person in the three years of my attendance. “What college do you want to go to?” my counselor asked. “Uh…” was my reply.

• Life can be overwhelming for me when I focus on problems.
• Negative thinking can bring on greater despair.
• Even small tasks become unmanageable when I’m in a funky mood.

 

Many people are “dear in headlights” when it comes to life and I am no exception. When a task is too great then I stop and stare at it for a while and hope that GOD fixes the situation. I do the same with my spiritual life.

I hope that GOD fixes all the evil around me and in me while I sit back and reap the benefits. BUT GOD hasn’t and doesn’t work that way in my life.

 

• I have to warn the complainers who sit around crabby about life that this behavior displeases GOD.
• I have to encourage those who have lost jobs, health, homes, or loved ones to the best of my ability.
• I have to be patient with people who are “deer in headlights” because life can be overwhelming.
• I have to make sure that I am a “referee” instead of joining one team or another when my friends or family argues.
• I must strive to do good even when people all around me are falling to things not pleasing to GOD.
• I must rejoice “always” even when life seems to be crumbling at my knees.
• I have to pray about every decision to make sure I am in alignment with GOD.
• I have to give GOD thanks in “all” circumstances to keep from blaming HIM for my trials.

 

Paul gives the best counsel about life and how I am supposed to live until CHRIST returns!

 

• Is life overwhelming you right now?
• Can you hear GOD telling you to make a change in your life?
• Can you try a couple of changes to focus more of your life on GOD’s will?

How would "you" like to be treated?

Luke 10:25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

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I used to think this story was an example to show how to be good to strangers. Two religious types pass by a person in need and one stops and truly helps. End of story. But later I realized there is much more to this story.

The priest and Levite not only represent religious types, they represent me and my actions toward my family and friends and acquaintances. JESUS knew the Sadducee, or teacher of the Law, was trying to test HIM. This is a rare discussion that shows JESUS had compassion on even those who opposed HIM.

HE illustrates how people who have been in church a long time forget why they are learning the Bible. The Bible is meant to be a guide book rather than a rule book. The words of grace and mercy should guide humans away from the path of rejecting CHRIST.

The illustration shows us how to apply this guide book to our lives. JESUS uses an extreme example of a person coming from a group who hated the Jews for their prejudice. The Samaritan helped a Jew. GOD says at the end, "Go and do likewise."

Go and help someone you don't care for? Yes. What about repayment for my actions? GOD says "Your repayment will be in heaven where moths and rust cannot get to it." Flip the script, how would you like to be the person in need? Help someone in need, don't look at the pay, don't judge the person in need.

• Is there someone in your family who is in need?
• Are you too concerned with how you look to other people to help someone who is different than you?
• Is there anyone around you in pain that you are passing by because you are judging them?

When we serve each other, we serve GOD.

Mathew 25:31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'


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I find there are many opportunities to serve people. It takes time and effort, but there are a ton of opportunities to serve. There have been times that I have been to busy to serve.

I used to jump in my car and do voice mail all the way to work. At work I attended meetings and conference calls and then I would repeat the voice mail process on the way home. The garage door would close and the process would repeat five days a week.

On weekends I had to spend "time" with the family. We would squeeze in errands mixed in with a little fun. I would attend church and that was my thought of giving. Meanwhile, I never got to know my neighbors. I would live next to people for years and never know what they were going through.

Yesterday I told you that I clear my neighbors snow. This small act of serving them turned into conversations about their situations. When I mentioned I was praying for them, they opened the flood gates of their problems. Job, loss, health issues and other problems were told to me. I had no idea my neighbors were going through all of that!

I read this scripture and thought I had to search to find hurting people in need. I didn't have to go far to find hurting people.

• GOD wants us to serve each other.
• GOD does remember the good things we do for each other.
• GOD blesses those who serve people and don't expect anything in return.
  
  

I now know my neighbors and sometimes it is difficult to serve them. I do understand that GOD is pleased with my actions so I continue the best that I can.

• Are you serving people?
• Are there people in your family who you could be serving?
• Do you pass the same homeless person everyday without helping them once?
• Have you served anyone who has less than you?
• Are your actions bringing comfort to someone?