In tough economic times like these, one of the first things to pop up in conversation is naturally, finances. Experts say save, pastors say give, and we can't help but wonder "where is my harvest?" We as the Body of Christ have heard many promises, many gimmicks, and many strategies...but what is the truth on the matter? Is it really "name it and claim it?" Or is it "sow it and reap it?" Or perhaps, the truth is something different altogether. In seeking the Lord on this matter, here is the reality of what I see, and what I have heard the Lord saying:
I have seen (and have sown) major "seeds" sown in faith, with no result in the natural. I have seen poor widows give their last, and still struggle financially. I have also seen faithful believers experience miraculous provisions - in fact, my own spiritual father, after hearing from the Lord and giving a specified amount to a specified place monthly, was blessed with a new car, totally paid for. So, then, what is the difference? I believe that the answer is multi-faceted, but primarily two-fold: First, obedience is better than sacrifice. If the Lord says to give $1.00, and you give that $1.00 as He has commanded you, your reward will be for obedience. On the other hand, giving $1,000 without being told to is commendable, but does not necessarily bring in a harvest.
Why? 1 Samuel 15:22 says, "But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."Obedience is the key here. Additionally, Ecclesiastes 5:1 warns us to "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil." WOW! So God's word warns us that simply offering sacrifices (offerings) vainly is not only foolish, but evil. The key is OBEDIENCE - and not to the man standing and collecting the offering, but to the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, what is the purpose? Is it for your own vainglory? James 4:2-3 says, "You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." My spiritual father asked for the purpose of being able to minister; not to puff himself up. I know this is a touchy subject, and one that has been abused and misused so badly that it has left many devastated and wounded within the church.
Today, let's establish balance on the giving and the prosperity message in two simple steps: (1) Obey the Lord out of love; and (2) Ask out of the motive of love. When we fully obey, we shall surely eat of the good of the land, and we will be blessed not just for our own divulgence, but far more importantly, we will be blessed TO BE A BLESSING!
I have seen (and have sown) major "seeds" sown in faith, with no result in the natural. I have seen poor widows give their last, and still struggle financially. I have also seen faithful believers experience miraculous provisions - in fact, my own spiritual father, after hearing from the Lord and giving a specified amount to a specified place monthly, was blessed with a new car, totally paid for. So, then, what is the difference? I believe that the answer is multi-faceted, but primarily two-fold: First, obedience is better than sacrifice. If the Lord says to give $1.00, and you give that $1.00 as He has commanded you, your reward will be for obedience. On the other hand, giving $1,000 without being told to is commendable, but does not necessarily bring in a harvest.
Why? 1 Samuel 15:22 says, "But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."Obedience is the key here. Additionally, Ecclesiastes 5:1 warns us to "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil." WOW! So God's word warns us that simply offering sacrifices (offerings) vainly is not only foolish, but evil. The key is OBEDIENCE - and not to the man standing and collecting the offering, but to the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, what is the purpose? Is it for your own vainglory? James 4:2-3 says, "You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." My spiritual father asked for the purpose of being able to minister; not to puff himself up. I know this is a touchy subject, and one that has been abused and misused so badly that it has left many devastated and wounded within the church.
Today, let's establish balance on the giving and the prosperity message in two simple steps: (1) Obey the Lord out of love; and (2) Ask out of the motive of love. When we fully obey, we shall surely eat of the good of the land, and we will be blessed not just for our own divulgence, but far more importantly, we will be blessed TO BE A BLESSING!
About the Author:
A deeper connection with the spiritual element of your nature is achievable through personal prophecy. If you need a prophetic word for counseling or comfort, check out the web pages at www.thesecondadam.com
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