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These are tough times! There is no doubt about it—Americans are facing economic hardships that are approaching the magnitude not seen since the 1930’s! It is definitely time to examine our own financial pictures and look for ways to tighten our budgets. Many things can be done in this situation. First, we can look for areas of wasteful spending. While “times of plenty” can lead to splurging and the days of “instant credit” can bring our wants into reality, the facts are that Americans spend a large portion of their income on WANTS. “Wants” are not items of necessity but items of desire. During times like these, we have to be able to distinguish what our wants are and start cutting back and focusing on the needs. “Want” items include vacations, bigger TVs, SUPER DUPER EXPANDED PLATINUM Cable TV packages, Loaded down luxury cars, eating out at fine restaurants 2 or 3 times per week, designer cell phones, name brand clothes by the closet full… I am sure you get the idea… |
We also have to look at conserving energy — smart driving in the car to accomplish more at once, avoiding a lot of unnecessary trips, and not being wasteful in home energy costs. We need to look at the possibility of downsizing costs so we are smart with our money. I know this is on everyone’s mind these days… Look at your budget and trim where you can, However, there are places that we should not cut and that is in our giving to the Lord! We know that God blesses a cheerful giver and he requires that from us. His word does not mention cutting back on giving to His kingdom when times are tough—no, instead, He says to exercise faith and trust that God is the owner of it all—he owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the hills too AND He takes care of His children. Do you remember when the church in Jerusalem was struggling financially and Paul went around asking that the other churches help out the mother church? The poorest church helped the most and gave generously and God blessed them (2 Corinthians 8:1-15) They had little but still gave for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. They could have said—”we are in tough economic times and we just can’t give right now…”, but they gave anyway. The bible tells us that we should give. It tells us in Malachi that we should not ROB God by not giving. |
Again, it doesn't specify in good times only but at all times. Why? 2 Cor. 8:13 tells us that we should give for the purpose of equality in the kingdom. God doesn't want some living in luxury while others are hard pressed, but that we should help in our times of abundance because we might need help also in our time of need. Secondly, we give to get to give again! Luke 6:38 says Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (NIV) So, what do we do in hard times (and good times)? GIVE so that God’s kingdom can move forward. Give generously… Give cheerfully… Give… After all it all belongs to God—He just gives us some to manage. Did you know we are being tested? Be faithful with the little and He will give you more. Be faithful with the more and He’ll give you even more… Give to get, to give again… During my most recent trip to the Philippines, I saw many opportunities for giving. Take a look as I share their needs and give you an opportunity to make a positive difference in God’s kingdom! God bless, |
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