After prayer and asking God to reveal His word, read the following passages one at a time and pull out the words and phrases from each verse that either describes a Christian or secular believer’s viewpoint. In many passages just write the opposite meaning of the word. Example: life/death, faithfulness/adultery, giving/selfishness. From the passages below you should be able to make a list of at least twenty differences to help you to see and understand the spiritual battle we all experience daily between viewpoints. (more…)
Why do you believe that God’s word says it is more blessed to give than receive?
When we are giving, who are we most like?
The last few weeks we have discussed “why” we give, which I hope has challenged you both spiritually and emotionally. In Acts 20:35 Jesus is quoted as saying “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. God did not put us here just to take and consume. Giving leads to a victorious, abundant life of joy and peace because it is hard to be selfish when you’re giving.
Last week I began a new series on Creative Giving and covered Part 1 of “Why do we give?” In this series I really want to challenge you to think differently about giving. Everything we have accumulated over the course of our lives can be used strategically for a positive impact now and after we’re gone.
“Your” money is the Lord’s. You are its manager.
We are here to manage everything to glorify the OWNER.
NET worth should NOT determine YOUR worth.
There is a story I love where a country boy says to farmer, who has some of the most beautiful land and crops he’s ever seen, “Look how God has blessed you with such a wonderful crop and beautiful land.” The farmer replies, “Yes, the Lord has blessed me indeed, but you should have seen the place before God and I were partners.”
Allow these verses and tidbits to remind you of how even your day-to-day expenses can glorify God. What do you think of these situations? Our treasure is in heaven, and an example should be made through honesty in all our finances.
Wealth comes from God, belongs to God, and honors God.