God is the source

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it, for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." Psalm 24:1-2 This verse makes it clear that everything, not some things, belong to the Lord. He is our source, our provider. God is the One who causes wealth or takes it away. The God of the universe that created it all, holds everything together. What does this mean for you and me as a believer? First of all, we need to hold in our hearts the fact that everything good comes from above. Your job or your spouse is not where the provision comes from, it is the Lord. He is the One who gives you the job that you have. He is your supplier. With that being said, how do you handle the money God has entrusted to you? Do you hoard it selfishly? or do you give to the church and to others as God blesses you? Are you putting your faith in your money or in the God who supplies? Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34 The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. If we are not careful, money can become an idol in our lives. If you view money this way, friend, you will never have enough. You will keep wanting more and more-a bigger house, nicer car, more clothes-you fill in the blank. The world screams to buy the next newest thing....it screams more! Jesus spoke of money more than He spoke of hell. He knew the temptation we  would have. I heard a man once say, show me your checkbook and I can tell you where your heart is. We are by nature selfish. We worry that if we give to the church or to the needy, we won't have enough for ourselves. This is the wrong way of thinking. Jesus promises to us, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure  you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 We can never out give God. When you give, God promises to meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Read that again, not according to what you have, but according to His glorious riches. Do you believe that God will meet your needs? I am not talking about "wants" rather your needs-food, clothing and shelter. Put your faith in God, not in your job. A steward is defined as one who manages another person's property, finances or other affairs. A steward is what you and me are. We are simply managing what belongs to God. Tithing is vital in the life of a Christian. It is not an option for us. God even asks us to test Him in this area. "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test Me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10 God will always provide and He will do it at the perfect time. He also loves a cheerful giver, not one who feels like they have to do it, rather desire to give out of their love for their Father. Remember, God looks at our hearts and sees our motive. Are you giving because you want to truly bless others for His kingdom or because you just want God to give you stuff? "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward Him for what He has done." Proverbs 19:17 God will provide. He loves giving gifts to His children. However, we need to be careful to seek His face, not His hand. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 God knows what you have need of. He does not want us to worry about anything and this includes worrying about money. We are to cast all of our cares and anxieties on Him for He cares for us. If you don't already tithe, start now. All God asks is ten percent. He does not need our money, but as we tithe, we are showing Him that we believe He is our source and provider for everything. It is trusting that He will meet our needs. Remember, He asks us to test Him in this area. His word is true. God cannot lie. Be a blessing to someone today!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Live for God, not man

Paul wrote these words in Galations, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." 1:10 Which one are you doing? Who do you place your confidence in? It is so easy to get caught up in pleasing other people, but we can never please everyone no matter how hard we try. We need to look to the One who is the author and finisher of our faith. Do everything that you do for the glory of God. He is the One you will stand before one day, not your spouse, your parents your children or your friends. We are called to be set apart. This means that sometimes we are to take a stand even when it is difficult and may (probably will) cause division. When Christ comes in and takes over, He begins to change you from the inside out. This is not something you can do on your own. Things you once did, you no longer have the desire to do and when you are tempted, God will show you the way ...
Read more

Hold on!

"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 We serve a God who is so faithful. He is faithful to us even when we are not. He has an appointed time for everything. And friend, His purpose will prevail. This is not in our time...we must remember, that it is in His perfect timing. He knows what is best for us and He will work ALL things for our good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. He uses all of our circumstances to conform us to the likeness of His Son Jesus. Romans 8:28-29 My friend, I don't know what you are going through or how long you have been waiting for the answer from God, but please do not give up. Don't lose hope in the fact that your God is mighty and powerful. Don't stop short of the answer. He tells us in His word to not get weary in well-doing, for in due season, if you faint not, you will receive your reward.Galatians 6:9 This is a promise from God Almighty. He cannot lie. But we have t...
Read more

Satan Is Your Enemy, Not People

I know there are times when it feels like others are truly your enemy, by the things they say or how they treat you, however, they are not your real enemy-satan is. While he does use people as part of his strategy, he is always the one behind the warfare. You must remember this at all times. Don't let satan catch you off guard. He will come at you especially during times you are tired both physically and emotionally. He comes only to kill, steal and destroy-your family, your testimony, your finances, your relationships and your health. satan is the father of lies, he was a murderer from the beginning and there is no truth found in him (John 8:44).      Satan has been deceiving people since the Garden of Eden where he first deceived Eve. He appeared to her and asked "Did God really say, you must not eat from any tree in the garden?" which caused her to question God (Genesis 3:1). Make no mistake, satan knows the word of God and he will distort it for his evil schemes. He...
Read more