Giving

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse comes from a passage that deals with a special offering for those who were suffering a famine in Jerusalem. However, its principles can be applied to our regular giving at church; our spontaneous giving outside of church; our commitments to causes; our giving to special offerings at church, in fact all giving.

Regular giving at church makes ministry possible. We cannot feed at a particular place and hold back our giving. We are a part of the body of Christ. Scripture tells us tor not muzzle the ox that is treading out the grain. The ox could not do the work without being fed. Neither can our church leaders. When giving regularly we look to scripture for guidance. Even before the Law patriarchs are noted as giving 10%. Abraham was the first.

We know Jesus have as He had a treasurer, Judas who held the purse and would go and buy food or give to the poor. He paid temple tax. Half a shekel of silver (around two days wages) was to be paid to the temple for people’s sins. Jesus did not sin but rather to not cause offence paid His tax (Matt 17).

Modern day Christians need to support their churches by paying their tithes. Some may argue that the tithe is not mentioned in the New Testament, however blessing is folded into the giving, and 10% is a good place to start. Many give way beyond this amount. 

Jesus said: ‘give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, running over shall be poured into your lap’. Who would not do that? Who would not want that? (Luke 6:38)

Do not neglect to give and miss all God’s blessing available for you.

Abandon

“Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When I make decisions outside of the Holy Spirit I am buffered by doubt, fear and anxiety. Recently a friend was telling me of a financial problem and I knew I could help, however I knew more about why this need had arisen. I allowed shame to motivate me rather than the Holy Spirit and offered to help, later I regretted my offer. On Sunday I prayed for guidance as now fear was my portion. The Lord, instead prompted me to buy a pair of shoes for a woman in meed and I knew the difference, a release in my spirit. There was no shame or fear here.

When I am caught in the flesh I know I am there as I tend to complain. I hate complaining people and despise it in myself. However, when I act in the Spirit I am free from all the ugly trappings of the flesh.

Currently, my study load is heavy and as I told my tutor she railed against the school, but that was a trap, another complaining trap. What has faith to say about this? Faith says: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! ( Philippians 4:13). It will require study at home , but I can do it. I love my college instructor and fellow students and so I will prevail. Last night I spoke to a senior student as she said she studied several hours a day, there is the answer.

There is always a ‘life filled’ answer. I must seek it first before acting on issues that the Lord wants to be involved in. I am sure He is not concerned about the brand of coffee I use.

There is a kingdom priority . In fact Jesus said: ‘seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added into you’(Matt 6:33).amen!

Abandon

“Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When I make decisions outside of the Holy Spirit I am buffered by doubt, fear and anxiety. Recently a friend was telling me of a financial problem and I knew I could help, however I knew more about why this need had arisen. I allowed shame to motivate me rather than the Holy Spirit and offered to help, later I regretted my offer. On Sunday I prayed for guidance as now fear was my portion. The Lord, instead prompted me to buy a pair of shoes for a woman in meed and I knew the difference, a release in my spirit. There was no shame or fear here.

When I am caught in the flesh I know I am there as I tend to complain. I hate complaining people and despise it in myself. However, when I act in the Spirit I am free from all the ugly trappings of the flesh.

Currently, my study load is heavy and as I told my tutor she railed against the school, but that was a trap, another complaining trap. What has faith to say about this? Faith says: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! ( Philippians 4:13). It will require study at home , but I can do it. I love my college instructor and fellow students and so I will prevail. Last night I spoke to a senior student as she said she studied several hours a day, there is the answer.

There is always a ‘life filled’ answer. I must seek it first before acting on issues that the Lord wants to be involved in. I am sure He is not concerned about the brand of coffee I use.

There is a kingdom priority . In fact Jesus said: ‘seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added into you’(Matt 6:33).amen!

What steps

“Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.”Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

The steps are important. The steps are full of experience. Psalm 23 depicts steps and relationship. 

The Lord is my shepherd- relationship

I shall not want - provider

He leads me beside still waters- shepherd

He restores my soul- doctor

He makes me lie down in green pasture- provider and shepherd

He leads me in the paths of righteousness- shepherd

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - shepherd

Your rod and staff protect me- shepherd

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies- training in fear management

You anoint my head with oil- appointed

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me- although I now walk ahead He has goodness and mercy following me.

There is the path! That is the journey! Amen!

Prepare

“Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there.”Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

This is so true! So many times I have been filled with a vision that was not for now but one that would come to pass in time.  There was a time of preparation to endure first, and sometimes it was conditional on my faith or a current work I needed to attend to. 

When in a frustrating time of preparation we can chafe at the bit eager to start, however, if a barn needs building first then that is what the farmer must do, we must also prepare for the task and make sure we understand all that will be involved; how will this project tax me?

I am compelled to learn the Nepali language before going out of Kathmandu. I do not like this concrete jungle however, it is where I must train. In the process I am making many friends and enjoying practising my language skills on the locals.

The Lord has all timing, He is master. Amen!

Past fear

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.”

‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Today my faith was tested. I was unsure if it was foohardy on my account, or, just what the Lord had in mind.

I caught a motorbike taxi to college. This in itself is a dangerous endeavour, the splint on my arm complicated it somewhat. My bike taxi drives lives in the apartment next door to us here in Kathmandu. I mounted his bike here in the quiet back blocks and we navigated towards the maniac stream of buses, bikes, scooties, men on foot, tuk tuks, dogs and ever honking horns.

Our initial foray was a tad hair-raising, drivers who want to enter the manic flow just do so with little regard for what is approaching. In the melee we wound around the mess of vehicles etc towards the Ring Road, the arterial line that winds around Kathmandu .

By the return trip I was again enjoying myself. My flatmate had secured an agreement from my driver that he would be available to escort me on the return trip. He is a good rider and that helps.

By this time I knew I had needed to face my fear of being re-injured. Praise God He was with me and whispered His assurance. Now I am on my way past the enclosure the enemy had planned for me!

Enduring

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.”

‭‭James (Jacob)‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Last week was one of those weeks. I had two physical injuries and a financial concern. Yesterday the Lord solved the financial concern by giving me a project, someone needed shoes, I stepped up and provided. That gave me great joy! I rejoice that He is in control.

My physical problems He is also solving. The fall I had resulting in a cracked bone I am believing for a complete recovery, the broken tooth, well I know someone who knows someone. In Nepal a referral is always the best path.

Today I anticipate a return to college, to continue my language studies, my Nepali friends are keen to speak to me. One lady who had come running when she heard me scream in my fall, saw me with a splint and sling and wanted to ask questions. I did not understand her words and longed to. Soon!

Endurance in faith is important. Endurance on the path given creates good character, impacts my world and brings Jesus to the fore. I am keen for Jesus to be front and centre. Amen!