When I’m publically speaking it’s readily obvious when I say something that does not resonate all that well with members of the audience. Recently at my Success Seminar I talked about “giving back” and several people in the audience had anguished painful expressions on their faces akin to having just stepped in a fresh cow patty while wearing their favorite white tennis shoes.
Well please don’t shoot the messenger, the Bible commands that we give back and that we do so generously and cheerfully. It is a command with a promise, in that God has instructed us to “test” Him on this and see if He does not give us more than we give Him. I can personally attest to the fact that one cannot out-give God.
Recently I heard the following story about a lawyer’s idea of giving:
One afternoon a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men
eating grass on the roadside. Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he promptly got out to investigate. He asked one man, “Why are you eating grass?”
“We don’t have any money for food,” the poor man replied. “We have to eat
grass.”
“Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I’ll feed you,” the
lawyer said.
“But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They’re over there,
under that tree.”
“Bring them along,” the lawyer replied.
Turning to the other poor man he stated, “You may come with us, also.”
The second man, in a pitiful voice said, “But sir, I also have a
wife and SIX children with me!”
“Bring them all as well,” the lawyer answered.
They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large
as the lawyer’s limousine.
Once under way, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said,
“Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you”.
The lawyer replied, “Glad to do it. You’ll really love my place. The grass is almost a foot high.”
I don’t think that is what God has in mind for giving.
We live in tough economic times. A pastor friend of mine told me that a married couple in his church had recently reduced their tithe, (10% of their income), to just $6.00 for one full week. This couple’s income had at one time been in six figures; he was in construction and she was in real estate sales. They are mightily struggling, but are still obedient to their Lord and Savior when it comes to their tithe.
Keep in mind that God owns everything in this world and all of creation. In other words God doesn’t care about the amount of our tithe; He wants our obedience in giving ten per cent of what we earn and above that, offerings as we are led. Someone who cheerfully and freely gives to the Lord that otherwise could not have a nickel pried from their tightly clenched fingers is a poster child of giving.
In ancient times which were mainly agricultural, everything from sheep, grain, and fruits were given as an offering to the Lord. It was called “first fruits”, and that expression meant just that, we should set aside and give the first and best portion to the Lord who gives us so much.
This is something to think about as we celebrate Thanksgiving. This special day was dedicated by our forefathers to giving thanks to the Lord to commemorate all that the Lord has given us that our (once) great country enjoys.
I read on the Internet that this year President Obama has ordained that the Whitehouse Christmas tree be called a “Holiday” tree. GR-R-r-r-r-r-r-r!!!! I can’t imagine what name he will ordain to Thanksgiving Day, perhaps “Obama Day”, or “Turkey Day”if you will,.
Everyone can give to the Lord. If you are a business owner and losing instead of making money and it’s impossible to give monetarily; you can still give of your time. I urge you to do so. We cannot make it alone in this tough world, and if we want God’s help, it begins with obedience. Anyone who has read the Bible understands that giving is not an option; it is a direct command.
Don’t be insubordinate. In times of war; insubordination can be a crime punishable by death to a soldier in the United States military. We are soldiers in God’s army and we are at war with satan and his horde. Follow the commands of our Supreme Leader.
As an aside, my father is doing much better, and it appears as though he just may have dodged yet another bullet. He is still very weak but he is growing stronger and his appetite is back and he is improving daily. The antibiotics seem to have the infection and abscess of his liver under control. THANK YOU for all the prayers. The Bible states that the prayers of righteous people “availeth much” and his ordeal is proof positive of that. It is further evidence that we should trust in the Lord and all of His promises!
Proverbs 11:24
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.