Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary said of this chapter;
Solomon presses the rich to do good to others. Give freely, though it may seem thrown away and lost. Give to many. Excuse not thyself with the good thou hast done, from the good thou hast further to do. It is not lost, but well laid out. We have reason to expect evil, for we are born to trouble; it is wisdom to do good in the day of prosperity. Riches cannot profit us, if we do not benefit others. Every man must labour to be a blessing to that place where the providence of God casts him.
The water imagery represents the multitudes that we sometimes feel our efforts go wasted on, but according to Isaiah 49:4;
I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing.Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God.
Something about what ANC is about….feels right. Though most of us are somewhat new to the experiences we are challenged with….we never leave empty.
Brandon and I were talking about this just the other day, with each new ministry opportunity, there is a certain sense of dread, worry, apprehension….but when you bust through and just do it….God blesses the doer and the giver.
So the challenge is to keep casting bread …… on what appears to be a hopeless sea.
Showing posts with label giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giving. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5 – Permission to Enjoy
Ecclesiastes 5 – Permission to Enjoy
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Guys, I know we are wealthy…some more than others, but all of us at more than 90+% of the worlds population. I don’t feel the need to beat myself about that. We were all fortunate that we were born in a capitalist society that values that, able to become educated, better ourselves and live in the manner we do.
I really do enjoy my ‘things’. They are still that….just things…I don’t dwell on them….none of them are the objects of my Godly affection....so I feel Solomon is saying, “It’s okay to have stuff.” Not that God blesses financially his children….but when it happens….he wants you to enjoy it. But what are you doing with it, and are you living within your means (and this includes giving back to God what is His).
I also believe that, to those who are given much….much is expected. We have talents, that God gave us…that we are to use to be a ‘part of the body’. We all have our thing but that comes with a financial tag as well.
I pray this for the offering every week…and I believe this….God doesn’t need our money, but the work the church is doing… isn’t possible without giving.
I think that the “gladness of heart” is achieved when we become content with what we have, the things we possess, and the money we use for ministry.
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Guys, I know we are wealthy…some more than others, but all of us at more than 90+% of the worlds population. I don’t feel the need to beat myself about that. We were all fortunate that we were born in a capitalist society that values that, able to become educated, better ourselves and live in the manner we do.
I really do enjoy my ‘things’. They are still that….just things…I don’t dwell on them….none of them are the objects of my Godly affection....so I feel Solomon is saying, “It’s okay to have stuff.” Not that God blesses financially his children….but when it happens….he wants you to enjoy it. But what are you doing with it, and are you living within your means (and this includes giving back to God what is His).
I also believe that, to those who are given much….much is expected. We have talents, that God gave us…that we are to use to be a ‘part of the body’. We all have our thing but that comes with a financial tag as well.
I pray this for the offering every week…and I believe this….God doesn’t need our money, but the work the church is doing… isn’t possible without giving.
I think that the “gladness of heart” is achieved when we become content with what we have, the things we possess, and the money we use for ministry.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Psalm 37 - Faithful Giving
Psalm 37 – Faithful Giving
21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously
There is no doubt the Psalmist is talking either about money or some sort of currency. And I’m sure we’ve all seen both sides of this….I know a LONG list of people that I would consider generous givers. I have seen people give way more than I thought they had to give….because they believed in the cause.
There are philanthropists all over the US who give millions and millions of dollars to research and projects and causes that are all good things.
But what the Psalmist is NOT saying is that generous givers are righteous people….he is saying that righteous people give generously.
In the mid to late 80’s my dad and uncle had been very successful in Real Estate speculation. What that means is that they had foresight and the “Midas Touch” when it came to finding a good deal…and making it happen.
That whole time….my dad modeled generous giving for me. We were wealthy and I might argue now, that we lived a little extravagantly….but he was a faithful tither….even on all the money he made.
I’ve often thought…..with what I make…I’ve never had a problem tithing….but what if I make 5 million dollars on a deal, could I write that $500,000 check. I hope I get the chance.
The two of them were in a business venture called Tristar Development….and if you are thinking….”Tri” means 3….so who is the third. Well there was a man who at the time was the money man. His name was Mr. Hafez and he was from Lybia. Supposedly at the time, he was on Muammar Gaddafi’s hit list. He fled Lybia with his family and millions of dollars. He provided backing in the form of cash…and deep pockets, which the banks loved to see when lending money to Tri-star.
Well in the oil and real estate bust of the late 80’s Mr. Hafez decided he’d had enough, and he bailed, leaving my dad and uncle in multi-million dollars worth of debt…with really no means to pay it back.
It was here that I may have gained the most respect and admiration for both my dad and uncle. They decided that they would repay it all. They sold what they had to, went to the lenders, worked out deals and paid for years….to repay every penny, without ever considering bankruptcy. Well I’m sure it crossed their minds….but my dad always told me that, real men….repay their debts. It’s a biblical concept…and a lasting legacy that my father has instilled in me.
And last on a lighter note….although it was common practice to leverage what you had to buy more….and to an extent we do this when purchasing a home.…I also learned you don’t buy stuff you can’t afford. I’m pretty sure it’s biblical too….at least Dave Ramsey would agree….the borrower is slave to the lender….and you cannot serve two masters.
21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously
There is no doubt the Psalmist is talking either about money or some sort of currency. And I’m sure we’ve all seen both sides of this….I know a LONG list of people that I would consider generous givers. I have seen people give way more than I thought they had to give….because they believed in the cause.
There are philanthropists all over the US who give millions and millions of dollars to research and projects and causes that are all good things.
But what the Psalmist is NOT saying is that generous givers are righteous people….he is saying that righteous people give generously.
In the mid to late 80’s my dad and uncle had been very successful in Real Estate speculation. What that means is that they had foresight and the “Midas Touch” when it came to finding a good deal…and making it happen.
That whole time….my dad modeled generous giving for me. We were wealthy and I might argue now, that we lived a little extravagantly….but he was a faithful tither….even on all the money he made.
I’ve often thought…..with what I make…I’ve never had a problem tithing….but what if I make 5 million dollars on a deal, could I write that $500,000 check. I hope I get the chance.
The two of them were in a business venture called Tristar Development….and if you are thinking….”Tri” means 3….so who is the third. Well there was a man who at the time was the money man. His name was Mr. Hafez and he was from Lybia. Supposedly at the time, he was on Muammar Gaddafi’s hit list. He fled Lybia with his family and millions of dollars. He provided backing in the form of cash…and deep pockets, which the banks loved to see when lending money to Tri-star.
Well in the oil and real estate bust of the late 80’s Mr. Hafez decided he’d had enough, and he bailed, leaving my dad and uncle in multi-million dollars worth of debt…with really no means to pay it back.
It was here that I may have gained the most respect and admiration for both my dad and uncle. They decided that they would repay it all. They sold what they had to, went to the lenders, worked out deals and paid for years….to repay every penny, without ever considering bankruptcy. Well I’m sure it crossed their minds….but my dad always told me that, real men….repay their debts. It’s a biblical concept…and a lasting legacy that my father has instilled in me.
And last on a lighter note….although it was common practice to leverage what you had to buy more….and to an extent we do this when purchasing a home.…I also learned you don’t buy stuff you can’t afford. I’m pretty sure it’s biblical too….at least Dave Ramsey would agree….the borrower is slave to the lender….and you cannot serve two masters.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Feed Your Soul - Nehemiah 10
Matthew Henry’s Commentary says it all about Nehemiah 10;
When every one helps, and every one gives, though but little, toward a good work, the whole will come to be a large sum. We must do what we can in works of piety and charity; and whatever state we are placed in, cheerfully perform our duty to God, which will be the surest way to ease and liberty. As the ordinances of God are the appointed means of support to our souls, the believer will not grudge the expense; yet most people leave their souls to starve.
“yet most people leave their souls to starve.”
We pray at ANC to be generous….as a church we have set the tone for those who have been around even a little while. We don’t give crazily…we are good stewards to what God entrusts to ….but we give liberally.
As a recovering materialist, I have to admit, I am selfish. An area in my life I had to give God, is our finances…and to bring Him first fruit. Tithing isn’t as much about the money as it is…..OUR SOULS. Yet so many folks never feed their soul through this ordinance, this act of obedience and worship.
One of the coolest things about bringing ‘first fruit’ is you come to recognize that fruit as NOT YOURS. You learn to do without it. You manage your life around what’s left.
This is indicting…but oh well….I caught a little bit of Dr. Phil the other day (the whole show)…..and he had on one of these crazy families that were supporting their kids well into there 20’s. The kids had no responsibilities or jobs…and mom and dad were footing the bill. Mom and dad were in debt over $100,000 while the kids were driving around in cars, talking on cell phones and partying with friends.
They had to teach these 20 somethings that, if you don’t earn, you don’t need a car or a cell phone…you cant afford it. It’s a basic principle….but we fall victim to the same line of thinking. This is why people run up so much debt. They buy stuff they don’t need and can’t afford.
The last thing they showed them was a piggy bank. It wasn’t a normal piggy bank, it was divided into 4 sections. There are 4 things we can do with our money. Spend, Save, Invest and Donate. Most of us, and I’ll admit we don’t plan as well as we should….we just spend. We say we try to save…but this all takes planning and living within the money we make. We would also like to donate….it sounds good….but again takes planning, and a change in our hearts and minds.
Like these folks in Jerusalem, they all gave their portion…a relatively small amount…but when combined with others….the whole will become a large sum. At ANC, we celebrate the things we are doing in the community and the world, we bless people, we take care of needs, we do larger things as a whole…than any of us could do individually…..and that feeds our souls.
When every one helps, and every one gives, though but little, toward a good work, the whole will come to be a large sum. We must do what we can in works of piety and charity; and whatever state we are placed in, cheerfully perform our duty to God, which will be the surest way to ease and liberty. As the ordinances of God are the appointed means of support to our souls, the believer will not grudge the expense; yet most people leave their souls to starve.
“yet most people leave their souls to starve.”
We pray at ANC to be generous….as a church we have set the tone for those who have been around even a little while. We don’t give crazily…we are good stewards to what God entrusts to ….but we give liberally.
As a recovering materialist, I have to admit, I am selfish. An area in my life I had to give God, is our finances…and to bring Him first fruit. Tithing isn’t as much about the money as it is…..OUR SOULS. Yet so many folks never feed their soul through this ordinance, this act of obedience and worship.
One of the coolest things about bringing ‘first fruit’ is you come to recognize that fruit as NOT YOURS. You learn to do without it. You manage your life around what’s left.
This is indicting…but oh well….I caught a little bit of Dr. Phil the other day (the whole show)…..and he had on one of these crazy families that were supporting their kids well into there 20’s. The kids had no responsibilities or jobs…and mom and dad were footing the bill. Mom and dad were in debt over $100,000 while the kids were driving around in cars, talking on cell phones and partying with friends.
They had to teach these 20 somethings that, if you don’t earn, you don’t need a car or a cell phone…you cant afford it. It’s a basic principle….but we fall victim to the same line of thinking. This is why people run up so much debt. They buy stuff they don’t need and can’t afford.
The last thing they showed them was a piggy bank. It wasn’t a normal piggy bank, it was divided into 4 sections. There are 4 things we can do with our money. Spend, Save, Invest and Donate. Most of us, and I’ll admit we don’t plan as well as we should….we just spend. We say we try to save…but this all takes planning and living within the money we make. We would also like to donate….it sounds good….but again takes planning, and a change in our hearts and minds.
Like these folks in Jerusalem, they all gave their portion…a relatively small amount…but when combined with others….the whole will become a large sum. At ANC, we celebrate the things we are doing in the community and the world, we bless people, we take care of needs, we do larger things as a whole…than any of us could do individually…..and that feeds our souls.
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