Today I am continuing to go over some of the basic areas in our life that we should concentrate on sacrificing to Jesus, as He sacrificed Himself for us.
Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (ESV)
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Today I will meddle in a sensitive place for most people-- their wallets. Money is always a touchy subject for people. In this world, money is our means to any end. It takes money to do just about anything in this world (even run God's Kingdom *cough cough*). Therefore, a common error of many believers is to see (consciously or unconsciously) money as their provider.
Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (ESV)
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Most are extremely attached to their money because of their relationship to it. They put their trust in their money instead of their God to supply all their needs. It is a waste to do so, for money neither cares about you nor sticks around to provide for you; it is fleeting. Jesus knew the trouble money caused in the hearts of mankind and warned that wealth made it exceedingly difficult to enter heaven when one is rich before they meet Jesus. However, it is possible with God.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (NIV)
Matthew 19:23-24, 26 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (ESV)
Matthew 19:23-24, 26 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (ESV)
Most are far more willing to sacrifice other things rather than their precious money! "I worked hard for that!" But it is what we are called to do. Not only are we supposed to tithe out of obedience, but we are to be givers beyond that. The more we give, the more it frees God's hand to bless us. When we are stingy with our money, God is slow to give us too much because of the condition of our heart. He wants our hearts to always be fully engaged in Him. If we cannot handle more money without falling away from Him, he often doesn't let us have it. But if we are are giving and faithful with little, he will bless us with much (Luke 16:10).
The only reason God blesses us with wealth is so that we will be free to faithfully fund His Kingdom here on earth. God always provides, and His model is typically to provide through people - people like us! We have Jesus inside of us and all we have He has given to us. Why should we be slow to listen when the Holy Spirit prompts us to give financially or otherwise?
Lastly, I would like to mention that besides our money, our other resources ought to be readily available presented as sacrifice to our Lord as He leads us. Our connections through work or school, our homes, our supplies, etc. Whatever we have is His and should be used for His purposes.
Give Him all you have today. Use His blessings to bless others and fulfill the purposes of His Kingdom here on earth! You will be richly blessed for it.
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