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September 6, 2013

God-Followers Follow His Example

Lift up your foot and look at the bottom of your shoe. Is there a visible pattern? A Nike swoosh? A checkered-design? As you walk in those shoes, the pattern of your sole leaves a mark. You don’t have to be be walking down a sandy beach to leave an impression. I hope you aren’t “walking on” the people in your life, but your walk of life does impact those around you. What impression are you making upon the people in your life?

Scripture calls us to follow God’s example, to be imitators of the Lord. In two verses in Ephesians, Paul mentions three aspects of genuine God-followers.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)

#1 Followers of God’s example are dearly loved children.

God loves me – what-a-concept! “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” God-followers find security in relationship with Him. God changes lives. Even if you are from dysfunctional families or have experienced horrible abuse, God’s love within you can transform the way you view yourself and the way you live your life.

#2 Followers of God’s example are loving people.

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The only way we will ever be able to follow the Lord’s example is by allowing God’s love to fill our hearts. God does flood the hearts of His children. Paul stated, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5b NASB). D.L. Moody (19th-century evangelist and pastor) commented on this verse: “If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.”

#3 Followers of God’s example are generous givers.

Christ gave Himself as a fragrant offering – a scent pleasing to the Father’s nostrils. God is a giver, a generous giver, and we are to imitate His character. As Jesus willingly gave His life for this world, we must be willing to surrender our own self-interests and give. Are you prepared to sacrifice your comfort, your time, your agenda, and your expectations? Only by giving our time, talent, and treasure will we really be followers of God’s example.

What imprint are you making on the life of someone else? What do the footsteps of your life communicate? What impression is left as you walk away from a person? Are you following God’s example – living as a dearly loved child, walking in love, and practicing generosity?

“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5 NCV)

May 19, 2013

Make the Right Lasting Impression

Imagine the footprints you would leave behind from walking through a freshly poured concrete sidewalk. Now, imagine your children and grandchildren as wet cement; what footprints will you leave in their lives?

In the book Leaving a Godly Legacy (1999), Charles Stanley encourages his readers “to leave a weighty, permanent imprint of God’s love, goodness, and forgiveness wherever we walk, for as long as we walk on this earth … a weighty, permanent imprint of Christ Jesus.” Echoing the apostle Paul’s charge to “live a life worthy” of our calling, Stanley connects the call of God to the imprint we have on the people closest to us, particularly our children and grandchildren.

Here is a list of ten things I hope are a part of the lasting impression you make:

#1 FAITH IN LORD JESUS CHRIST

The best gift any grandparent can give to their grandchildren is not a big birthday present, the latest-greatest technological gizmo, a Disney vacation, nor even a college savings plan. The greatest gift is a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A living, real relationship with the Lord of the universe is number ONE.

Paul praised Timothy for his “genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5 NLT)

Dale Evans Rogers shares an excellent example of the importance of passing along faith in Christ:

An energetic, mischievous young boy, Billy Frank knew the stories about the heroism of his grandfather, Ben Coffey – a one-eyed, one-legged Civil War veteran, who worked harder than most men who had two legs and eyes. When he returned from the war and began raising a family, he made daily Bible reading and prayers a regular part of the family routine. His grandson, Billy Frank, benefited from the example set by Grandfather Coffey when his own mother and father followed that godly pattern. Billy became a Christian after hearing a sermon by a Southern evangelist, but the example his grandparents set had already prepared him by pointing him in the right direction. Maybe you’ve heard of Billy – his last name is Graham. (Grandparents Can, 1983)

#2 TESTIMONY

Share your story of what God has done for you. Your children and grandchildren need a sense of your spiritual roots. You are the family historian passing along the greatness of the Lord to another generation.

“I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.” (Psalm 45:17 NLT)
“Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.” (Psalm 79:13 NLT)

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#3 PRAY FOR and WITH (GRAND)CHILDREN

Model prayer in front of their eyes and consistently pray behind their backs. Paul’s prayers recorded in the New Testament may serve as excellent guides for your prayers. For example, Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-11; and Philippians 1:9-11).

#4 FINANCIALLY SUPPORT GOD’S KINGDOM

As a young boy, I got to stay over with my grandparents several times. My grandmother Martin took my brother and I to all her church activities – Sunday school, morning and evening services. She expected us to bring our Bibles and giving in the offering. If we didn’t have money, she would give us some! Maybe she was making sure her grandkids got the offering box checked-off during the Sunday School assessment. Actually, she was impressing upon me the importance of giving.

Let the blessing of the tithe cover your “seed”, your children and grandchildren.

“See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the Lord of Hosts. “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of Hosts. (Malachi 3:10b-12 HCSB)

#5 GENEROSITY

Practice generosity with your children and grandchildren. Parents, please allow those gifts from grandparents. You and your children will be blessed.

#6 LOVING WORDS

Communicate just how special you believe your children or grandchildren are. Your words build self-esteem and as you speak the truth in love you will also build God-confidence. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.” (Proverbs 16:24 NCV)

#7 WISDOM

You have a lifetime of wisdom to share, just don’t try to let it all out at once. The next generation needs your wisdom, but often you will need to exercise patience for the right moment to impart it. Let your wise words build a bridge from your generation to another.

#8 PRESENCE

Be a REFUFE in times of trouble, a REJOICE-ER in times of achievement. Model Christ-like character. Jesus Christ lives in your life; you are a carrier of incarnational presence. Let His character and compassion be evident.

#9 TIME

Be accessible. Try to make time for your kids and grandkids. Create opportunities to read to them, talk with them, share life together with them. An eight-year-old eloquently communicated this aspect. She wrote:

A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own, so she likes other people’s boys and girls. Grandmas don’t have anything to do except be there. If they take us for walks, they slow down past pretty leaves and caterpillars. They never say ‘Hurry up.’ Usually they are fat but not too fat to tie shoes. They wear glasses, and sometimes they can take their teeth out. They can answer questions like why dogs hate cats and why God isn’t married. They don’t talk like visitors do which is hard to understand. When they read to us, they don’t skip words or mind if it is the same story again. Everybody should try to have a grandma, especially if you don’t have television, because grandmas are the only grownups who always have time. (Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes, p. 393)

#10 SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE

Don’t just leave money as an inheritance. Read the Bible with your grandkids. Pass along your Matthew 6:33 viewpoint. Make sure you to teach your children and grandchildren to love God more than things, to trust God’s sovereignty and power – nothing is too hard for the Lord – and to realize God’s love for them.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22 NASB)
It’s not too late. The concrete is still wet. Make sure you leave the right lasting impression.

April 28, 2013

Tithing still has a place in God’s Kingdom

Despite what you may have been told, tithing is mentioned in the New Testament. Yes, the New Testament standard for giving exceeds the legalistic limit of ten percent, but I think tithing is a place to start your life of generosity.

Jesus didn’t call for an end to tithing, but He did raise the bar. His followers cannot just check the tithing box and then go off and do whatever they want with the rest. Truly, God holds us responsible for all our income. Jesus challenged:

What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. (Matthew 23:23 NLT)

In a recent magazine interview, Pastor Jeff Manion references Jesus’ call for justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23) as “relational generosity”. I was intrigued by his comments:

A person can be a financial tither but not be gracious in spirit. A generous spirit is cultivated by acting magnanimously; allowing small, insignificant insults to evaporate rapidly; forgiving faster; being gracious with individuals, whether it’s the person in the checkout line or someone taking too much of our time. That generous spirit is called relational generosity—financial generosity is a subset of that. A person who is staggering financially can grow in multiple areas of generosity, knowing that the financial area will flow out of the others. (“Developing a Culture of Contentment”, Leadership Journal, Spring 2013, p. 26)

Do you have a generous spirit?

Patti preached a great sermon “Tithe Consistently” this morning at Valley Fellowship as we finished the God Owns ALL series. You can hear the message online when you visit the media button at www.valleyfellowship.com. Below are some of the highlights.

Tithing (giving the first 10% of income to God) demonstrated the core of the Mosaic law – love for God and love for your neighbor (Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:4–9; 26:10–15).

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)

1. Tithing consistently helps me put God first. When God is first, He’ll take care of everything else.

“The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” (Deuteronomy 14:23 LIVING)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

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2. Tithing consistently helps me learn contentment.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV)
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:5-6 NLT)

3. Tithing consistently increases my faith in God. Some think of tithing as a duty, but really tithing is an act of faith.

4. Tithing consistently releases God’s blessings into my life.

“No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who do what is right.” (Psalms 84:11 NLT)
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:10-11 NASB)

March 26, 2013

4 REASONS TO RESPECT EVERYONE

A hallmark of Jesus’ teaching is His command that the respectful behavior of His followers must transcend that of non-believers. Our respect is first and foremost directed to the Lord, as John Chrysostom reminds, “We must not mind insulting men, if by respecting them we offend God.” (Archbishop of Constantinople who lived 349–407 AD) Love and respect the Lord FIRST, but the second of the great commandments is “love your neighbor” (Mark 12:29-31).

I want to fulfill His command, loving God and people, but I have figured out that some people are easier to love than others. Honestly, isn’t it that way for you? God blessed me with a great wife and great daughters, so it’s not hard to love and to respect them. Both of my daughters are awesome! What’s not to love and respect? For example, Rozy is completing masters classes during her junior year, representing the ORU School of Education, serving as a chaplain this year – head chaplain next year, leading worship, loving missions. Yes, it’s easy to respect her.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to go far beyond what common people would expect. Jesus commands, “Love your family.” Okay, a little effort, I can do that. “Love your neighbors.” Hmm, a little harder, but I don’t have to see them everyday. “Love those who treat you well.” Alright, now You’re talking, Jesus – I will do that! “Love your enemies.” Do what? Are you serious, Jesus? I mean . . . come on!

You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-48 CEV)

If anyone should show proper respect in our modern society, it should be Christ-followers. The scope of a disciple’s respect is quite large. We must respect EVERYONE! That’s exactly what God’s Word commands.

“Show proper respect to everyone.” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV)

Unfortunately, rude behavior by church-going folk is too often exhibited on Sunday afternoons at local restaurants. Several restaurant servers have expressed to me their displeasure of working Sunday after church because the church crowd tips so poorly. “Christians” can be loud, demanding, disrespectful, impatient, and stingy with tips. Could the stinginess be a carry-over attitude from the morning offering?

To live in fear of God means that we live before God and the rest of reality in such a way that there is never contempt within us. We take nothing for granted, everything as a gift. We have respect. We are always poised for surprise before the mystery of God, others, and ourselves. All boredom and contempt is an infallible sign that we have fallen out of a healthy fear of God. (Ronald Rolheiser, The Shattered Lantern, 2004, p. 117)

Why should you show respect? I bet you could identify thousands of reasons, but here are four excellent reasons for showing respect to every person.

#1 God created people.

Humans beings are created by God. The Book of Genesis is clear that out of all of creation only humanity is made in the image of God. The psalmist praised the Lord, “You (God) made man inferior only to yourself; you crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5)

Sometimes it’s hard for us to look beyond the fallen part of humanity – carnal, sinful, selfish, rude individuals – to see the image of God in people. There are people who do worthless things, but there are no worthless people. There are people who do wrong actions but they are all of value to God. Even the most unlovable person is loved by God.

#2 Jesus Christ died for people.
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The cross shows how much people matter to God. God made them, Christ died for them. No matter what you think; whether you like them or not; that individual is someone for whom Christ died. John 3:16 expresses God’s heart, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).” With His precious blood Christ paid the price to save humans. You may not think much about somebody, but God does. He considers people worth the price of His sacrifice. “Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8 PHILLIPS)

He thinks you were worth the effort. “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7b NIV) Jesus Christ died for you, but He also rose again. His resurrected life is now available to empower you to live in Him. Everyday, we can celebrate the Festival (Passover) when we live Christlike lives (1 Corinthians 5:8).

#3 Respect shows you really know God.

Respect for people is proof that you know God. “God is love, and anyone who doesn’t love others has never known him.” (1 John 4:8 CEV) God is love and if you know God then you’re going to fill your life with love. “It isn’t rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:5a GW) Love treats people with respect.

If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. (1 John 4:20-21 MSG)

#4 You get back what you give out.

Seedtime and harvest, the law of reciprocity, seedfaith living – you reap what you plant. “A man’s harvest in life will depend entirely on what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7 PHILLIPS) The old proverb is true: “Whatever goes around comes around.” For every kick there is a kick back.

Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8 MSG)

The Bible clearly sets you up – whatever you want in life, you give out and you’ll get back. If you want people to smile at you, you smile at them. If you want to be respected, treat other people with respect. If you want to be treated and valued with dignity, treat other people with value and dignity.

“You do yourself a favor when you are kind.” (Proverbs 11:17a GNT) Rudeness is expensive. “Cruel people will be rewarded with trouble.” (Proverbs 11:17b ERV) Do want respect? Give respect. Show respect and receive respect. Respect the people around you, the people over you, EVERYONE!

March 16, 2013

Tithing Releases Blessing

A “tithe” is giving the first tenth of your income. An “offering” is anything you give in addition to your tithe. Based on those definitions, you aren’t giving an offering until after you have reached the ten percent minimum.

I give my tithe to the awesome local congregation of which I am a member – Valley Fellowship Church. My tithe is changing lives for God’s glory. I am thankful so many VFC members understand the importance of putting God first in financial decisions.

“Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10 NASB)

The tithe is the FIRST part of what I earn – not the leftovers. Patti and I live out this principle by writing the check for giving our tithe before we pay the rest of our bills. We also give offerings in addition to our tithe. We give above the tithe to change lives, to support missionaries and mission efforts, to sponsor building improvements at Valley, to care for widows, orphans, and poor, and to other Christ-honoring projects. We give in expectant faith, knowing that God wants to bless us. Regularly, we use the back of the offering envelope to write down the things for which we are believing God. We have learned that as we seek God first, the things we need seek us out.

One way in which Patti and I stretch our faith is to give NOW at the level we want to be the tithe the following year. The Holy Spirit just might inspire you to try that – give at a higher rate and watch what happens. Year after year, God has meet our needs. I am so thankful for the blessings connected with tithing. Patti, Rozy, Kimberlyn, and I have been amazingly – HAIR-RAISINGLY – blessed by God!

Tithing is a minimum and shouldn’t limit your giving, but should open the door to a genuine stewardship lifestyle. An offering is an unlimited amount given as a free-will love gift unto the Lord. Tithe remains the tithe, 10%, but offerings are unlimited giving.

You will never be able to out-give your loving Heavenly Father. You need to practice both forms of giving:

Tithe – always releases God’s blessing; will never hurt you!
Offerings – giving over and above the tithe; plants good seed for an abundant harvest.

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“I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 3:10-12 NLT)

Do what God wants you to do, and He will take care of the rest. Your part is to tithe; God’s part is to bless! Malachi 3:10-12 lists numerous blessings. Meditate the multifaceted blessings resulting from your tithing!

#1 The Lord opens the windows of heaven (the blessing of His provision and His presence).

#2 The Lord pours out personalized, custom-made blessing upon you.

#3 The Lord enlarges the blessing beyond your capacity to receive. It spills out on others.

#4 The Lord blesses your work – gives you success in whatever your hands find to do.

#5 The Lord protects the fruit of your life (including your children).

#6 The Lord makes your life a testimony to the world of God’s incredible goodness.

#7 You confidently stand in the assurance of the Lord’s continued blessings.

If you have never tithed before, why not take God at His Word and test His promise for ninety days? Commit to give at the 10% level and watch the blessings that result from tithing.

“Once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 23:23 NLT)

If you are currently tithing, are you utilizing God’s prosperity for His purposes? Are you seeking the Lord for how much to raise your level of giving? Don’t settle for the tithe minimum; give offerings to allow lives to be changed. God wants you to be generous and wants you to help fund the expansion of His kingdom on earth.

January 24, 2013

My Name is “Fool” (Luke 12:16-21)

Prosperity is either a mirror in which we see ourselves or a window through which we see God. Consider how God has blessed your life and then ask yourself, “Do I see God or myself?” Many want Jesus to solve their problem but not to change their heart. Interrupted by a brother with an inheritance dispute (Luke 12:13), Jesus sidestepped the request and told a story illustrating a healthy perspective toward prosperity.

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest” Luke 12:16 NIV

In agribusiness circles, this man would be envied for his abundant harvest and might even be regarded as expressly blessed by God. The crop was exceptional, leaving him with more than enough. The farmers I knew when I was in high school would have described the situation as, “He had a good year!” Fertile fields produced a bumper crop; additional wealth fell into his lap; he had more than enough. Jesus does not condemn his success. Apparently, he came by his fortune honestly but such prosperity presented a problem.

“He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’” Luke 12:17 NIV

The man was faced with a completely natural dilemma, a storage problem. A fruitful harvest left him with an overflow. What do I do with the extra income? The man’s quandary is founded upon too much prosperity, too much wealth, too much harvest. Some of you are probably wishing, “Give me that problem!” The man wanted his wealth to last, but where to keep it?

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.” Luke 12:18 NIV

Surplus grain equates to extra income. He doesn’t want to waste this new found surplus. Pragmatically, he decides to enlarge his storage capacity. Bigger buildings are needed for the extra harvest. Jesus isn’t making an indictment against wealth, but this man talked of his own personal potential – he would demolish old barns, he would build the barns, he would store the grain.

“And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” Luke 12:19 NIV

The man possessed much wealth, but he also possessed:

a false sense of success (I regulate the seasons and cause fertile soil!),
a false sense of security (I’ve got plenty of years!), and
a false sense of satisfaction (I’ll enjoy an epicurean easy-road!).

Self-absorbed, he repeatedly speaks of what “I” will do, “my” crops, “my” barns, “my” surplus, and “myself”. Sensual self-indulgence was his hedonistic retirement goal. He selfishly wanted to enjoy his riches without thought for others’ needs or concern about God. His mistake was in how he viewed his prosperity.

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” Luke 12:20 NIV

The rich man of the story is representative of any person who misplaces the priority of prosperity. The man did not use his wealth wisely and God Himself called him “fool”. The Old Testament regularly uses the word “fool” for one who rejects God’s wisdom as the basis for life, but I think verse twenty is the only time in the Bible where God directly calls a person “fool”.

“Fool” underscored the man’s faulty logic and far-too-short-sided planning. The man stupidly assumed the future was in his control. The man was focused on temporal without dealing with eternity. He failed to recognize the temporary nature of prosperity. He would leave his riches behind. The crux of the parable was not prosperity, but the attitude toward prosperity.

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 NIV

To be rich toward God, we must contribute to God’s Kingdom. As we tithe into a local congregation and invest in the lives of his people, our heavenly bank account grows. As we sacrificially sponsor (beyond just the tithe) Great Commission mission on the earth, the spiritual balance swells. With gifts to the poor, orphans, and widows, the interest increases.

We can enjoy and employ prosperity if we remember God’s purpose – He wants to bless us and He wants His Kingdom expanded. We are the Father’s children and He cares for us very much! Paul proclaims, “My God will meet all your needs!” (Philippians 4:19 NIV) God wants to prosper His kids, but He doesn’t want material possessions to distract us.

Warnings of Perils:

“The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Mattthew13:22b NIV
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

Too many folks make a living instead of making a life. Are you rich toward God? How are handling the prosperity God has given? Where are your investments? What is your heavenly portfolio? Where is your treasure? Is your prosperity a mirror in which you see yourself or a window through which you see God?

January 23, 2013

5 Reasons God Wants Us To Be Generous

I love my church family! I am so proud to be associated with Valley Fellowship! Valley’s expression of love isn’t just in words, but in actions! I am always so impressed by the generous response of our congregation as we partner in ministry to the world. The Valley Fellowship family really loves God and really loves people.

One practical way we demonstrate love is our connection with the awesome kids at the Casa Angelina Orphanage in Teluche, Guatemala. We are so thankful to work with Ivan Tait (http://www.whatmattersmm.org/), the Tait family, and the team on the ground in Guatemala. Every time I look at the picture below (from one of our visits to Casa Angelina), I am reminded of Jesus’ words, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward. “ (Matthew 10:42 NIV84)

There is joy in giving and Jesus promises a sure reward. Commenting on 2 Corinthians 9, The Bible Knowledge Commentary points out “Christians are rewarded in three ways for their generosity:

the givers are enriched (vv. 6-10);
the receivers’ needs are met (vv. 11-12); and
God, the Source of all blessing, is praised (vv. 13-15).”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV

Prosperity is an instrument to be used, not an idol to be worshiped. The financial blessings God bestows have a kingdom purpose. We imitate the generous heart of God when we give. Why does God want us to be generous? Here are five big reasons God wants us to be generous:

#1 God wants to show us His love. (Matthew 7:11; Luke 15:17-31)

#2 God wants to bless us. (James 1:17; Proverbs 22:9)

#3 God wants us free from worry. (Luke 12:22-31)

#4 God wants to prosper us. (Proverbs 11:24-25; 3 John 2)

#5 God wants the Gospel preached and His Kingdom advanced. (Matthew 24:14)

January 3, 2013

5 Reasons to Give Like God Gives

We act like our loving Heavenly Father when we give. In fact, that is exactly what He wants. As we begin to understand the generous heart of Heavenly Father and His character develops within us, we are motivated to generosity. The Apostle Peter encourages, “You are royal priest, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).” We, like our Heavenly Father, should have a generous heart. Consider these five reasons to give like God.

#1 – God gave His Son.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

#2 – God graciously and freely gives.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 NIV

“Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” James 1:17 MSG

#3 – God’s goodness and kindness is attractive.

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4 NLT

#4 – God gives to everyone – even folks who don’t deserve anything.

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Matthew 5:43-48 MSG

#5 – God gently invites His kids to imitate Him.

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love.” Ephesians 5:1 MSG

Give like God and discover JOY! “You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”(Acts 20:35 NLT) Are you ready to give of yourself to the world around you?

Jim Grassi (Wading Through the Chaos: Seeking God’s Perspective on Life’s Journey (Hayden, ID: Men’s Ministry Catalyst, 2010), p. 121-122.) shares a heart-touching story illustrating the joy we receive when we act like our Father and show others His goodness.

I was doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in a toy store and decided to look at Barbie dolls for my nieces. I noticed a nicely dressed little girl enthusiastically browsing—a roll of money clamped tightly in her little hand. Whenever she spied a Barbie she liked, she’d turn and ask her father if she had enough money to buy it. He usually said “yes”, but she kept looking, repeating the ritual over and over, searching for the perfect treasure.

A little boy wandered in across the aisle and started sorting through the Pokémon toys. He was dressed neatly, but wore a jacket that looked to be a couple of sizes too small and well worn. He, too, had money in his hand, but it looked to be no more than five dollars or so. He and his father had a similar ritual, his father faintly shaking his head as the young lad touched various video games and searched his father’s eyes.

The little girl chose a beautifully dressed, glamorous doll—sure to be the envy of every little girl on the block. She suddenly stopped, watching the interchange between the little boy and his father. The boy reluctantly gave up on the video games and chose a book of stickers instead. He and his father started walking through another aisle and disappeared. The little girl paused, smiled and put her Barbie back on the shelf. She spoke with her father and dashed over to the Pokémon games, picking up one lying on top and raced toward the registers. I picked out my own purchases and got in line behind them. Then, much to the little girl’s obvious delight, the little boy and his father got in line behind me. After the toy was paid for and bagged, the little girl handed it back to the cashier and whispered something in her ear. The cashier smiled, putting the package under the counter.

I paid for my purchases and lingered, watching the little boy come up to the cashier. She rang up his purchases and then exclaimed, “Congratulations, you are my hundredth customer today, and you win a prize!” With that, she handed the little boy the Pokémon game. He stared in disbelief—just what he’d wanted.

The little girl and her father were standing at the doorway watching. I saw the biggest, prettiest grin on that little girl that I’ve ever seen in my life. As she walked out the door, I followed close enough behind to hear her talk to her father. Amazed and delighted at what I’d just witnessed, I heard the father ask his daughter why she had done that. I’ll never forget what she said to him. “Nana and Paw Paw wanted me to buy something that would make me happy … and I just did.” Then she giggled and skipped off toward their car … and I smiled deep inside.