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Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus, part of the growing repentance remnant, cleansing as His Bride, getting ready for His soon return as our Bridegroom-----
Galatians 6:6-10
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Our motivation to GIVE must always flow from God's Heart - which is a Heart of Love and Thankfulness - you can read my previous article HERE if you perhaps missed it last time.
Today I want to look at WHY does God want us to give to others - without holding back - without fearing, or being anxious, etc.
And this doesn't just include tithes, offerings and first-fruits. Yes, these 3 are still important - even today - and yes, we can argue that it was part of the Law - but that it has been dealt with by Jesus / Yeshua on the Cross, and thus isn't a law for us as the church anymore.
And yes, I agree - for today it isn't about "sitting and calculate every cent, and work out how much I should give, and if I don't do it 100% correct, there rests a curse upon my life" !!! For the word tells us the CURSE-part is from the LAW - and it was to deal with that "curse" that Jesus / Yeshua died on the cross - and in so doing - He redeemed us from the Curse of the LAW. (Gal 3:10-14)
BUT: That does not remove the obligation from us today, so not to give towards the growing of the Kingdom of God, and instead just keep our finances and possessions for ourselves - and live a rich selfish life only for ourselves!
Instead, as Born Again, Holy Spirit Filled Believers and Children of God and citizens of His Kingdom - Giving should be so dripping out of our being, that we can't hold it back, but instead we should be looking for, and even create opportunities to give unto others. For in giving, it is where our Blessings are, and if we stay "tight-fisted" - and refuse to give towards God's Kingdom, then we are also binding God's Hand to allow blessings to flow into our lives.
God's will and desire is to Bless His Children - but as you know, earthly possessions, is on earth, not in Heaven - and thus the only way to get anything on earth through to someone, God needs us to be "willing instruments" in His Hand, led through His Spirit, so that when He wants to bless someone, He will be able to do it through us.
But if we are selfishly holding back - then He can't work through us, and He needs to look for someone else that is willing to do as He desires, and is able to hear His voice...
And likewise, in return if He wants to bless you specifically, He needs to find "someone out there somewhere" in order to find a way to get the blessing to you which He desires for you to have. And yes, He is able to work through anyone - even if it is someone halfway around the world. Nothing is impossible for Him - He knows us all - even almost 8bil people on the earth. He knows us all by name, address, history, family connections, everything. Whether a person is a believer or not - He knows us all. And His eyes are going over the earth always seeking for those that are willing to say "Here I am Lord, use / send me" - and He sure will do just that for anyone that puts their hand up - even if it means that He just might have to send that willing person halfway across the globe to get that blessing to you - if need be.
Thus, never give up believing that He doesn't want you blessed, or that He doesn't want to get that "item" to you, that you are trusting Him for. It just might be that He is still trying to find the right person to bring it to you.
But now - just think about it for a minute - if we were all willing to bless and give towards others and sowing into His Kingdom at every opportunity we get, and are ready and willing to say "Here I am Lord, use/send me", then we actually make His life so much easier too !! As He won't have to go and look for someone on the other side of the world then, but He could possibly just speak to your neighbor, who just might be living across the road, instead of having to bring someone from the other side of the world...
So now you might be saying, what should I be giving - and how much...etc..? Should I only give to a church, or a ministry, or who must I give to - the poor, the hungry, for every one asking for money - and is there a "limit" to my giving...or must I give myself into bankruptcy, and just let everyone come and take what they want from me - or do I at least have a say in all this ??
I used to wrestle with all these questions, and I'm going to share with you some of the wisdoms the Lord shared with me over the years, and also sharing a testimony as how the Lord worked through me a couple of times already, all because of just being willing to give towards His Kingdom...
What I've learned was - The best place to start - is with your Tithes, Offerings and First-fruits - bringing it to the "storehouse" (Mal 3:10-11)
Now you might also wonder - what is this "Storehouse" Malachi is talking about ? To understand what God was referring to, we have to go back and look first at Nehemiah and also at King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31 - where both Nehemiah and later King Hezekiah commanded that they build a Storehouse (in Nehemiah it is referenced as Chambers) next to the temple, and then they placed some of the Levites and priests in charge over it, to manage it. And from there, they fed the poor, and used all the offerings that the people brought to the Temple to look after the people as well as the Levites and the priests, and ensured they had everything they needed to fulfill their duties within the Temple.
That was why God "implemented the system" of tithes & offerings - as the Levites did not receive any land, and thus weren't able to provide for themselves. The other 11 tribes were supposed to look after them, through their giving - which clearly involved more than just money - it also involved food, clothing, and furniture and ways to build themselves places to stay for themselves and their families. So that they did not have to worry about where their next meal would come from, but instead would be able to fulfill their positions in the temple, and be able to fully commit to the work of the Lord, and not be distracted about worries over debts, or going hungry, not having enough to feed their families, etc..
And in following this "tradition" of giving, God also blessed Israel in their harvests, in that they received more than enough, so that it wasn't a struggle for them to bring their Tithes & offerings and even their First Fruits.
And so the "storehouse" was serving that very purpose. But, then God was disappointed with Israel in the time of Malachi, for not following this "tradition" anymore - as the "storehouse" was standing empty, and His priests and Levites and workers in the Temple weren't being provided for anymore, and there was lack in the Temple.
Now yes, that "storehouse" was still under the Law - and no - we don't have a "Temple" anymore where we all need to go to, etc.
BUT: For each community that has a church,that church needs to be provided for by that community - which includes everything needed by the Pastor and the Church itself - so that the church will not be lacking. And today this includes covering everything for the pastor and the church building, which even includes sound equipment, chairs, carpets, you name it - as every church today needs these things to have a successful church - and not look like a church lacking and stuck in poverty.
But that does not mean that a church absolutely must have the absolute best equipment, and if it doesn't, it isn't a church, or that we must compare one church with another.....and even say one is blessed by God, and the other not...
No, all I'm saying is, if every member in a particular church, brings their Tithes, Offerings and First Fruits to that church they belong to, and where they worship, that specific church will grow and increase and improve little by little over time, and God will bless the hands of their works, and when the pastor and his family is cared for, then he will be able to give his best time and attention in that community, and be able to seek God's face in intercession for that congregation, and for the community, and be able to bring power-filled sermons!!
But if the belief in the community is "keep the church poor, and the pastor poorer" - then the church won't grow, as the pastor will have to find other ways and means to provide for his/her family, and it stays a constant struggle for that church to grow, or to even see God move in that community, as prayers will definitely be limited.
And please don't compare one church with another - Church is not about being "in competition with each other" - it only means that we all serve a purpose, and we all should be working towards bringing in the lost !! Church is there to equip, and uplift, and bring healing and preach the Gospel - the GOOD NEWS - and to train and equip the saints - so we all grow and Mature towards the image of Christ - See Ephesians 4.
And thus, our giving should always be towards those churches, and ministries that prove that they aren't just full of themselves, and don't work towards the salvation of lost souls - but instead, are always working towards improving communities, seeking those that are lost, and bring them unto salvation, and also train and equip the saints to grow and mature, and become workers in the harvest themselves..!!
Going to Church should never be just to sit a seat warm every Sunday, or even fight with someone else sitting on your seat. Going to Church means, we are going to Worship God, learn and grow in our faith through hearing His Word, and also support the Church with our offerings so that the church can maintain its bills, and provide a better service for everyone, and also have money for missions and Evangelism outreaches, etc.
And that is why we must give - it isn't just about giving to anyone that tries to steal our hard earned money, and rob us through deceptive lies and all kinds of stories. Always check a ministry and church - that is asking for money - as to why don't they have their members supporting them, and also are they doing Kingdom work.
And Tithes is a great system which only God could think of - as it is "an equal system for everyone". Although it isn't necessarily equal in amount - but it is equal in that each person should give only 1 tenth from their own income, and thus not having to carry a burden and someone else can go scot-free. But it is just enough not to lay a burden on any person, but it can still be a great blessing to the church, when each member just faithfully brings their tithe. And when God blesses the people, then the church also get blessed in the process.
And thus, as for ministries, always check their feedback - and ask for testimonies, verify that everything is true. And then pray towards God, asking Him, does He want you to sow towards that ministry, and also how much does He want you to give. In so-doing, He will bless the work of your hands, and you will see the fruits of your giving being returned unto you...
BUT IF you do not see blessings returning, start asking questions - and ask God why you don't see any blessings from your giving? He will show you, where the problems are, and if He want you to stop your finances from one ministry, and move to another...or to just stay faithful, as the blessings will come...
Keeping in mind the purpose and the promised Blessings that come with each type of Giving God implemented:
1) Tithes: For God's Hand to be upon your finances, your life, security, etc
2) First Fruits: This is to Secure your "Future Harvest" - meaning God will protect your harvest still on the field and will even bless it in the last stages of the harvest - when you give your First Fruits, you secure it - like taking out insurance - but instead of claiming when it fails, this is to ensure that nothing will go wrong, but that the harvest will be successful !!
3) Offerings: This is over and above your Tithes and first fruits - this is anything extra you want to bring - to assist in whatever is needed, like food, clothing, etc...
4) Sowing and Reaping: This is when you plant a specific Seed - to receive a Specific Harvest - in other words - when you give towards a specific project - so that you will receive the harvest from that project or Purpose - givig your seed a Name or an assignment: Like if you sow/give towards for example the Pastor's vehicle, as you are trusting God to also bless you with your own vehicle...etc. This is where your increase comes - your growth, and your abundant blessings. That which you sow, you will reap, and if you sow sparingly, you will also reap sparingly. But just know - whatever you sow, will come back with interest. Sparingly might mean smaller quantities, but the harvest you will reap will always be greater than what you've sowed. Thus, when you sow, be specific - pray over your seed - and be purposeful. Don't just sow blindly, not knowing the soil you sow into, or what harvest you will receive. You just might receive something you did not want, and that what you are trusting God for, never comes.
Testimony time:
And this now brings me to a testimony I want to share with you as an example of everything I wrote above: When my husband and I were engaged in 2007, we didn't know how we were going to pay for our wedding, as we wanted to have a Godly wedding, and not just have a small wedding with just close family. We wanted to have something decent, but the finances were just waaay too little to do that. And besides that, we didn't know much about planning a wedding either. It was a real daunting task for us.
So we started praying about it, and one day, when I was about to receive my yearly bonus at work, God said to me I must sow my full tithe of my bonus to the Discipleship Camps we were regularly attending - not the tithe of my salary - as that was supposed to go to the church we attended at the time, but to sow my tithe of my bonus only. Which I then did - not realizing that the leader of the camp, was in a desperate situation trusting God for 15 people that wanted to attend the camp, but couldn't, and he had to find a way to pay their camp fees. Well, in my sowing, it paid for 11 of these 15 people, and God made a way that he could find a way to pay for the other 4 himself. And so we had an awesome weekend in the presence of God.
BUT: The story doesn't end there - that same week-end God gave my husband and me the go-ahead through powerful prophetic ministry from some of the speakers on the camp (who knew nothing about our giving towards the camp, or our wedding plans, nor our financial situation, etc) that weekend to plan our wedding. Although we had no idea yet where the finances were coming from - but we took the word by faith, and started searching for a venue, and we put the word out that we are going to start making the plans etc.
Well, people came from all directions within the next 5 months, contributing, assisting us, offering to help, without us asking anyone. One offered to pay for the flowers, another offered to pay for the photos, my mom in law made my dress, and so it went on...in the end it only cost me the material for my dress, and some gifts for some of the people - but other than that, the whole wedding was covered for 80 people..!!
And I could even have the whole venue for the week-end - God so arranged it - that no one else booked that venue for that week-end, and thus I could even chose which chapel and which hall we wanted to use - which wouldn't have been the case if there was another couple for that weekend..!!
It was such a blessed time we had - and it was all because of sowing faithfully and being obedient towards God's direction!!
And I can tell you about it worked the same way when we got our house - but this time God asked me to sow my whole bonus - pre-tax - not jut a tithe - and through that He organized for us to buy our house - and we are still staying in this house. And He has provided for us to cover the bond fees every month since we moved in, in 2009 !!
And as for First Fruits - God also showed me - that by giving a First Fruit - He will protect my harvest, and bring it through.. One time I was "obedient" - and the finances came through so quickly I was so surprised...
But then one time I was "disobedient" - and the finances took forever to come through - until I eventually got up, and went to our pastor - and said - this is a seed towards the First Fruits of the harvest coming - and within a month after that - everything worked out - after we waited almost 6 months for things to happen.
THUS: I can tell you out of my own experiences - Malachi 3 is true - and the blessings of God are real. When you Apply God's Principles - which are the KEYS of the Kingdom - then the results will follow. God is true and faithful to His Word - and His promises are real.
But sometimes, we have to learn to "wait patiently" - that even after we sowed - things might not always happen "quickly" - because there is "someone else out there" that God wants to work through to bring our blessings - and they are sometimes "stubbornly refusing to listen and obey Him at His request" to send the blessings to whomever He wants to bless. And that isn't always easy to wait...it causes doubt and unbelief in our own hearts - as we often go through tough times because of it...and it may feel like the blessings will never come.
But we need to learn to stay patient, and trust our Lord, no matter what !!
So I hope this message today will bless you all, and strengthen you in your faith, just knowing the Word of God is TRUE - and His Principles stay the same - yesterday, today and forever - just like He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And He is no respecter of persons - what He did for me, He will also do for you.
Just believe, and learn to apply the principles - in other words - make use of the KEYS of the Kingdom, to receive the promised blessings...!!
May you all have a blessed weekend
Your sister in Christ
Susan Hammer
South Africa
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Our next National / Global Day of Repentance on September 6 again will build UNITY. Why September 6? It's a key date in USA Christian history where UNITY was achieved, under Almighty God!
Please sign up for the zoom: www.globalrepent.com
OR: You can also register via our Constant Contact Event Below - and immediately receive the Zoom details...
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And it's time to support NDR's one key volunteer: Susan Hammer. For six years, for over 20,000 emails and zooms, Susan has worked tirelessly WITHOUT PAY for you and me. Now, understandably, she needs basic support. Galatians 6:7-10 in the Message version speaks to this:
"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. So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."
NEW PROGRAM!! There is now a new program to support Susan, our amazing volunteer in South Africa. Out of our NDR database of 4,000 in 49 nations, we are seeking 50 saints who will commit to
1) pray regularly for Susan and her husband Deon, and
2) donate to NDR through Cornerstone or by mail, thirty dollars per month towards her work for NDR.
With the equivalent of $1,500 per month Susan can continue to volunteer dozens-- dozens---up to one hundred--- hours per month towards NDR's expanding reach in many nations.
Five have already made the commitment. We need 45 more saints to help. Would you please pray to the LORD to see if you're called to be a member on this unique team?
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The single goal of National Day of Repentance is to encourage God's GIFT of repentance, personally and nationally. Please continue to sow into this mighty move of God - and do not get weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not... (Gal 6:6-9).
Thank you for listening to the LORD and for your obedience.
May God Bless you in abundance as you sow towards His Kingdom!
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff
Pastor Jeffrey Daly
National Day of Repentance
www.globalrepent.com
pastorjeff@repentday.com
Box 246 Middletown CA USA. 95461
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