Tuesday 30 September 2008

Dealing with financial storms

We all know that there is a financial storm raging in the world today, banks are going bust and the hearts of men are failing them. As Christians, let us draw our hope from the word of God because Jesus is in our boat and we shall not be ashamed. Regardless of what is going on around us or in our lives, don’t be discouraged and continue to pay your tithes and offerings. My favourite verses around this time are 2 Corinthian 9: 6-11 NLT

“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. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God”.

We can see from the verses above that a giver is like a farmer who sows. As you give, you are scattering your seeds and know that God will cause a harvest to come your way.

How should we give?

Give cheerfully
Give generously
Let your giving come from the heart, that is, purpose in your heart what you should give
Don’t give under pressure or compulsion; pressure means burden, load, weight, urge or force

Results of giving right: God will make every grace and favour abound towards you so that you can abound to every good work.

If you don’t have the seed, ask God. I always ask God for the seed and make a pledge in my heart that I will give to the ministry or individual that is in need at a later date. When there is a need, you have an opportunity to be blessed so let’s be givers. This is the word of God, it cannot be broken.

With love,

Dupe

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