Money From Heaven?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Money from Heaven?
Wouldn’t it be nice during these winter months to have a little change in the weather? I mean real change, like Gold coins and silver dollars? Per the latest statistics, The Economic Development Department has recorded unemployment rates in some Central Valley California Cities at around 29%!
Many churches simply have no more money to give to those in need. In addition there is a pervasive feeling of uneasiness about what looms ahead and the possibilities of the unemployed even getting a job, anywhere, at any wage! So what is a Christian who cares about their community to do? I think one answer is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8!
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 NKJV
Why this “Cheerful Giver” scripture? Because there is a river of despair that is dragging business men and woman downstream with an attitude of failure and hopelessness and leaving a pool of dead and dying dreams at its end. But this should not be the case for those who name Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The promise and action of the Cheerful Giver should be considered at a time like this.
First, this Divine exhortation warns about sowing sparingly and reaping sparingly. However, the implication is not about the quantity of what you sow but the percentage of what you have that you sow. If you are only willing to give 50% of your efforts then that’s all you’ll get in return. But give 100% even of the little that you have with all of your heart then it shall reap bountifully!
Second, give with a heart of thankfulness not grudging annoyance. Have you ever noticed that thankful people always seem to have more to be thankful for? It’s no coincidence it’s just a fact proven by the promise above. There is a capacity for a vessel of thankfulness to hold more than a stingy tiny vessel of selfishness.
Third, notice the liberal usage of the words of plenty; God states that you shall have, “All Sufficiency”, in “all things”, have an “abundance”, and have “All Sufficiency” in all things for “every” good work. I don’t see any shortage or recession with Gods promises…do you?
All that is left is our priorities to hear and do what Gods word says. Will we walk with a thankful heart? Will we believe for Gods complete provision? Will we do what God has inspired us to do to make that happen? Do we believe Gods Revelation will lead us to new Inovations?
This is why I believe our Community Outreach Idea of having the Fresno Indoor Flea Market every weekend starting on April 17th will give people a chance to bring items for sale that they no longer need and use the proceeds to pay the bills they currently have. Who knows? Maybe someone will create a new product that people will love and find a new way to support their families and in return bless the community with these fresh new ideas!
April 17th every Saturday and Sunday until the economy changes for the better. What a wonderful way to see Gods provision play out in a practical and powerful way. See you there!