This past week the news reported that our economy grew by more than 5% over the last quarter of 2009. If you're like me, you're wondering where the growth happened. Everywhere I look I still see my friends and family members still struggling. I pray the economic growth reaches us soon!
During these times of recession, it's important to remember the promises of God. The Bible tells us... Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:32-33 (NLT)
Sometimes we may doubt that promise, especially when we're living in a state of lack. We get ourselves tied up in a wad of worry and fear, wondering how we're going to make it. But the truth of the matter is that God has promised to meet all your needs - financially and otherwise. But there are conditions. There is a premise to the promise. God will provide if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; (3) practice giving in faith; (4) maintain your integrity; and (5) trust him with your life --
Worry is really a form of atheism. Every time you worry, you're acting like an atheist. You're saying, "It all depends on me." But that's not the truth. That's not in the Bible.
Worry is a warning light that you doubt the love of God. The Bible tells us that God "provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever." (Psalm 111:5, NIV)
If God loves you enough to send his own son to die for you, don't you think he loves you enough to take care of your bills? Any other problem we may have is minor by comparison. He solved your biggest problem when He saved you. It all really boils down to this: Am I going to believe that God will do what he says he will do -- that he will provide for me? It's a choice you make. You must choose to do what God has clearly told you to do. He's laid it out. He said, "I will do this -- the promise -- if you will obey the premise." So, will you?
As I am writing this, I am faced with the fact that since today's services had to be cancelled, the church will be short on our finances this month. That shouldn't be the case, but it is. And as a result, the staff will be affected, the ministry will be affected, and all operations of the church will be affected unless we make up for our giving next week. Please trust God enough to give generously as we come together to worship next Sunday. Giving is an act of obedience and faith. Obey God's premise and receive the promise. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." I am not worried.
0 comments:
Post a Comment