Have you ever had to say no to someone? Was that no because you couldn’t or because you didn’t want to? Well, I have and later I heard the message years later.
I just had a conversation with our oldest child. She has been though a lot financially, emotionally and spiritually. I didn’t realize that I said no to her about a need and then she saw me give what she asked for and more to the church or in our tithes. I do remember that I’ve said no to giving of resources but I not sure if was because we didn’t have it or that we wanted her to figure it out on her own. I do know throughout the years we have given so much out of our lack to our children so it could have been a purpose of a lesson.
My husband and I have provide a pretty good life for our children, I would say. We moved in neighborhoods that may have been out of our financial budget but we sacrificed because we wanted them to have more than we have. In this sacrifice we may have accumulated unnecessary bills but we have been blessed to have careers to pay them off.
My husband and I believe in tithing even when it means we are left with little. We understand the the tithes do not belong to us and that we are blessed with our career because of our sacrifices.
Anyway, we didn’t give our daughter any money at that time. Granted we have given countless others times in many different ways but it bothered her. She didn’t necessarily express it then but just recently she did.
Our daughter doesn’t see paying tithes or to the church the way we do. She like many see many churches or leaders abusing the resources or tithes and offering via news, social and local churches. Often we see pastors driving high in cars, planes and large homes. Many times that small amount of leaders who have and are abusing the resources makes it difficult for those who are living with integrity and morals.
I heard it said by many including our daughter that “God knows my heart,” but my question do you know God’s heart? What would we do if He based his blessings only on our sacrifice. What would happen if he thought of our needs based on how we responded to his word?
I thank God that He does treat me or you according to how we treat Him. I don’t know what I would do if I only receive as I’ve given or not given. This is in reference to service, tithes and offerings, prayer and time in His word. Many times we want to make a withdrawal from the bank without making a deposit.
If we look at God’s rate of return compared to our financial institutions we would be appalled. Appalled at how little the rate of return from our financial investment are compared to how we have been blessed by God. I don’t know a bank yet that keep a car that my mom has going for almost 20 years. I believe she’s blessed from her sacrifice to the church and her family. I believe my children’s are blessed because of generations of giving and serving. This is an example of God’s rate of return. Getting approved for a house or car that you don’t qualify for and then receiving resources to pay it off sooner. Funds being released when you’ve been told “no” countless times.
God has a way of show us how we can live better in the 90% than we would on the 100%.
So, I would say to you and my daughter, give God the benefit of His word and let Him take care of those leaders who abuse the church.
Heavenly Father, thanks for all the ways you have given us love, resources and peace even when we don’t deserve it. Father we ask that you will make sure that your word is clear to those who don’t know your heart and words of giving and sacrifice. We should seek you when it comes to our silence in regards to a “no” and a offense. Give us wisdom to judge our intentions and responsible to make sure our silence doesn’t separate us from your love and blessings but help us to develop a better relationship with you. Help us to decrease our want and understand your message. Father I believe your words about tithes and I seen your increase in my life in many ways. Give me the wisdom and guidance to show your light in me to lead my family and those you’ve assigned to me. This will be done in Jesus name Amen.
Speaking Life 