GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO GIVE
Sometimes we are so afraid of seeming like we believe the prosperity gospel that we neglect the truth of God’s Word which says He does bless them who bless Him (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). When I look at our small income over the years, and what God has blessed us with in our retirement, I am amazed. We are not rich, but have enough to meet our needs and those of others with whom He wants us to share. Only God could have done such a thing. We have tried to be faithful in giving back to Him, and He has more than blessed us in return.
We are not under the law, but the principle of tithing is still a good way to start giving. We can, and should, give beyond 10% (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) but do it because we want to, not because we have to. We aren’t earning anything from God by giving to Him. Like a parents wants to give to a child who lovingly shares what little they have with the parent, so our Heavenly Father wants to give His blessings to us.
In the closing days of the Old Testament, the people had stopped giving to God and were using their money for themselves. God accused them of robbing from Him and gave promises of blessings that would follow if they put Him first and gave as He requested. Read Malachi 3:8-12. Basically, He is saying, “You can’t outgive Me. Try it and see what happens!” He wanted to bless them in many ways, but their selfishness and disobedience stood in the way.
The same is true today. We can’t outgive God. When we share what we have with Him, He blesses us in many ways, now and in eternity. The prosperity gospel is wrong when it says the only reason we aren’t healed and healthy is because of our lack of faith, so if we claim it God will have to deliver. That’s not what I’m talking about. When we give to God just to get from Him, we are missing the whole point. Giving must be done from a willing, loving heart that doesn’t expect anything in return. God is a gracious giver and it is true that when we follow and serve, He blesses us in many ways. Sometimes this includes financial blessings as well.
Having said that, I must acknowledge that some times it doesn’t seem that God prospers us. That seemed to be true in the early years of my life and ministry. Now I can see God was using finances to stretch us and teach us to trust Him. It was a tool He used to help us grow. He now uses other tools to do the same thing, but in some people lielong financial struggles are His means of teaching faithfulness and dependence on Him. If that is your case, keep giving. It might be tough, but think of where you’d be without Him and you’ll better appreciate what He has given you. And remember, God promises His greatest blessing to come to us in eternity, not in this life.
I have found that true in life in many ways and I’m sure you have as well. Give cheerfully, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Do you recognize that all you have comes from God, or are you taking credit for it and thinking it is all yours and yours alone?
Are you faithfully giving back to God by supporting His servants and ministries on earth? Pray and ask God to show you how much He wants you to give and where He wants you to give it. Then make sure you give it BEFORE paying any of your other bills. God gives us the best, lets not give Him our leftovers!
INDIA UPDATE & PRAYER REQUEST: Here is an email I received from a pastor who lives and works among the tribal slum people: “Dear Respected Brother in Christ Jesus ! Warmest love and Greetings to you in the mighty name of our LORD, soon coming savior Jesus Christ ! I am living in _____ town along with my family and doing the service of our LORD in surrounding villages. There are about 465,307 people in this Town and surroundings most of the people are Hindus and Muslims. Our Christian people are at 2% only. Now I am serving among the poor people living in slum areas. God also gave me 7 villages where most people are Hindus and these people are worshiping Moon, Sun, water, Trees , Earth, Stars, Men, Air, like 330 millions of god’s. And These people are day wage earners and struggling hard to eke out their daily bread. They are in dire need of food and clothing. Till today these people they don’t know about the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior at least once in their lives. In India millions and millions and billions and billions and multitude of people believes are clouded in spiritual darkness only. In India Each day 40,000 people are dying without salvation. So, it is very sad thing, hence I kindly request you please pray for India salvation.”
PRAY for the thousands of Christians in India who are spreading the good news of Jesus t5o those
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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