Today, many Christians want everything for FREE just like the world. Yes, Grace is free to receive salvation but now it is YOUR turn to distribute some of that grace back out. Wolves have come into the ranks to tell the brethren they do not even have to tithe (10%) anymore. Yes, there are many other wolves out there trying to steal your money but that should not stop you from giving your first fruits to God. Will you stop going to church and will you stop worshiping God because some people have hurt you within the church? Do those people dictate your actions or does God? Are those people god that you should react based on what they have done to you?
Yes, Grace is free but what has it cost you to follow Jesus? What have you even given up? And we wonder why our walk is not spiritually materializing? Is it so hard to give up some of the things of the world? If you were backslidding and you have returned to the Lord, what has it cost you? What? Ask yourself. Have you given up the gambling? Have you given up the drinking? Have you given up spending all your time with sports instead of God and your family? Have you given up watching too much TV?
If you want prosperity or to be materially blessed, what is your motive? Do you want the prosperity so you can buy more and bigger things? Do you want to show off your wealth? Why? It is God who is the power to our prosperity and if we are prosperous then it was given to us for the purpose of HIS Kingdom! If we ask for prosperity, let us ask so that we may use it for His Kingdom.
When the tithe or offering plate is being passed around, are you frantically searching your purses or pockets attempting to determine whether to give $1, $5, or $10? Isn't that what most do when they give money to a begger on the street? Is God a begger that we should throw our chump change and coins at HIM!!! HE SAID, "UNACCPTABLE!!!!!!" This is what Jesus said to one of His servants of how His many of people give to HIM.
Whether one has been given more wisdom, talent, or wealth, it is for the Glory of the KING. And if you have been given more, you will be required more.
Luke 12:48 (AMP) But he who did not know and did things worthy of a beating shall be beaten with few [lashes]. For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more.
We are placed in different season to learn how to receive and how to give. Unless we obey, the Kingdom of God is hindered and those who do not obey will answer to the Lord. Be lead by the Spirit. If you have faith as you say, then live it as you believe it!
2 Corinthians 8:7 (AMP) Now as you abound and excel and are at the front in everything--in faith, in expressing yourselves, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in your love for us--[see to it that you come to the front now and] abound and excel in this gracious work [of almsgiving] also.
We have all been called to support one another as the Lord leads us and as we are able. If you saw one of your brethren hungry, did you feed them? If you saw one of your brethren cold who doesn't own a coat, did you give him your best coat or your worse coat? Or did you let him leave without a coat?
2 Corinthians 8:14-15(AMP) But to have equality [share and share alike], your surplus over necessity at the present time going to meet their want and to equalize the difference created by it, so that [at some other time] their surplus in turn may be given to supply your want. Thus there may be equality,15As it is written, He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little did not lack.
If we say we can die for the Lord, may we learn and know how to give our best to HIM while we are alive.
Fire of God
Steve Yong Kim
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