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November 2007
Insight is a monthly contribution on remarkable topics dedicated for thoughts, reflection and prayers. Please feel free to contribute to this page what you would like to share with others.
Sunday 4th November
St Matthew's Stewardship/Gift Sunday.
I would like you to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I tithe?
- If not, have I ever thought of doing so?
- What is my attitude toward money?
- Do I view it as evil?
- Can I honestly say I understand that everything I have belongs to God?
In the last four Sundays, we have been reflecting on the themes: God and the gift of money, God and the value of money, God and the purpose of money, and God and money for mission.
This Sunday 4th November - our Gift Sunday, we would like to focus our thoughts on God and your Money.
It may be difficult to understand that every part of our lives belongs to God and that includes our money. Perhaps you were brought up to work hard to be financially secure. However, this could mean that you're focusing your attention on the getting - money - rather than getting close to God. As aresult you are turning and running in a direction that takes you farther and farther away from Him.
Do I tithe?
It is wise to rmember that the Bible says you cannot serve both God and money. By running after money you're making it your idol. Ask yourself what you spend your money on each month. Take a close look at where your financial priorities lie and you may find that you need to adjust your outgoings to reflect your spiritual values. If you discover that a big chunk of your income goes on entertainment and "extras" - anything that you really don't need while giving to the church is one of your lowest priorities, try reversing this order. God wants to see that you're willing to give your life first to Him. Then everything can follow . There is a saying which afirms that, "where your heart is, is where your money goes." This is the principle of "tithing'.
"Tithing is the act of giving your first fruits to God. In biblical times this was ten percent of an income, and many churches encourage this amonut as a starting point when giving. We would like to refresh our minds here at St. Matthew's that giving our gift of talents and money for God's mission is a wise thing to do.
The money you give isn't fixed - for some, ten percent would be a struggle while for others that is nowhere near enough. The Bible says that: "If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he/she does not have," 2 Corinthians 8:12.
The principle of tithing is helpful because it ensures, once again, that you are putting God first. It also demonstrates the fundamental belief that everything you have belongs to God. How do you get this right ? The best way to do this is to talk to our church treasurer and he will make an appointment to talk things through with you either about the weekly giving by envelops, or about gift aided scheme.
You may say; I don't have much money, how can I give away the small amount that I have only for my bills, food and other necessities?
Giving out of a grateful heart produces blessings from God and that's a promise! "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what he/she 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." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
Giving reveals your faith in God for His provision. It shows Him that you believe and trust God will look after your needs when you put Him first.
Have I ever thought of Tithing?
God and your money. Is having money wrong? Christian are often taught that money is evil, and the Bible is sometimes used to back this teaching up. In fact, the verse that is normally misquoted says that: "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." 1 Timothy 6:10. This text does not say that money is evil in itself.
It simply says: "It's true that, it is very easy to become greedy and want more and more and this can have disastrous effects on all other areas of your life. Honesty assess what you would be willing to do to get more money. What does this say about your character and relationships with other people?
It is imperative to realise that riches are only temporary and that God wants to teach you to be content with what you have. There are rich Christians in the world and there is nothing wrong with that.
However, the principle: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, in other words much will be demanded...." Luke 12:48, rings true in the area of finances, also with money comes added responsibility. It can do a great deal of good, but only if you're willing to use it to help others. Just as you should be seeking God's will in every other area of your life, ask God what He wants you to do with your money.
Modicum
Running Away!
In 1 Kings 19:3-5 we read that the prophet Elijah was afraid and ran away for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. Very serious matter. " have had enough Lord, he said. "Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors". The he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
Have you ever felt like running away from home, your family, your marriage, your work, or school? That life is just too much to cope with?
If so, you are not alone. Elijah, one of the greatest prophets in the Bible, also had times of deep despair and wanted to give up. What had he been doing to merit such depression?
Well, surprisingly he'd just won a magnificent victory on Mount Carmel against the evil Queen Jezebel and her prophets of Baal. Baal was one of the many pagan gods worshiped at that time, and in an impressive display of divine power, Elijah and God had shown them who was boss - the real Lord of Lords! But in defeat, Jezebel was so angry she vowed to kill Elijah.
Now you'd think that Elijah, having just experienced the guidance, protection and power of God, might have had more confidence. But no! His fallible humanity got the better of him and he fled.
However, God knew all about Elijah's despair. And he knew just how to handle him, how to shake him out of his depression. He knew because he loved him and understood him - like he does you and me.
First, God sent an angel to provide food and drink for Elijah, giving him time to rest. Sometimes we just need to regroup emotionally, spiritually and physically - God knows that.
Then having journeyed some 500 Kilometres to the Mount of Horeb - probably the same mountain where Moses received the ten Commandments, Elijah laid down to sleep in a cave.
Despite seeing God's work of first hand, he'd apparently forgotten how much God had done for him, and through him with the Israelite. Yet with loving patience, God chose to show himself to Elijah in the calm following a wind, an earthquake and fire.
Using different ways from the dramas of previous encounters, God spoke in a gentle whisper, challenging Elijah to return and fulfil his work. A wise and gentle God even when humouring a rebellious prophet!
We all have highs and lows in life, we all have our Mount Carmels of success and Mount Horebs of despair, where God can and will use us, loving us through each one of those times - if we let him. We just have to listen to that still small voice of calm.
© The plain truth ministries
Our Young People Are Saying
Some Of Us Are
Preparing for Denary Confirmation
Sunday 11th November at 6.30 pm at St John's Church Stratford.
Please Pray for:
- Jonathan Otim Ochola
- Sandra Achan Ochola
- Geoffrey Ocure Adoko
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