Scripture:
“And it is impossible to please God without faith...” Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Observation:
This week, Pastor Julius discussed living a generous life. He went on to say that as followers of Christ, we bear the “Imago Dei” (the image of God) and, because of that, as God is generous, so His children should be. A lifestyle of giving requires a generous heart and, with a generous heart, comes a faithful heart. Money is a resource, but never our main source. If you don’t put money in its proper place, the enemy will use it as a tactic to keep you bound. The enemy wants to entrap people; God longs for His people to be set free.
Everything you have—your job, your home, your car, your clothes—all comes from the Lord. There is nothing that God asks from us that He, Himself, has not given us. Generosity is a test of your heart-posture and faithfulness to God and the building of His Kingdom. We are to remain obedient to God’s principles of tithing and giving, exuding a heart of generosity that impacts generations.
Application:
Every November, we come together as a church family to bring a sacrificial gift unto the Lord. For those who may not understand, the tithe is a biblical principle and a tenth of your earnings; an offering is a motion of generosity that has no specific amount attached to it, but is simply an act of the heart; and sacrificial giving is a monetary sowing of a seed now, in order to advance the Kingdom for the future.
I know for some, the gesture of tithing and sacrificial giving may be a stretch, and let’s be honest, a good portion of families and individuals are enduring financial struggles. Inflation is at an all-time high, the holidays are just around the corner, and we look at our bank accounts and reality tells us: tithing and sacrificial giving couldn’t come at a more inconvenient time.
I truly do believe that most want to do right by the Lord and be a generous people; however, when you look at your bank statements, receive the paycheck that seems to leave your hands faster than it comes in, and endure out-of-nowhere expenses you didn’t plan for, it can feel like a fight, sometimes. But we are not in this fight alone. The Bible is full of God revealing His awesome might through seemingly impossible situations. As humans, we can often become shallow and hard of heart when things get difficult for us.
If it isn’t impossible, how will we see the miracle?
If it isn’t a fight, how can we see the win?
It is through the impossible that God makes all things possible (Matthew 19:26). And this is the same God who spoke the world into existence, who split the seas, who makes the lame walk, the blind see, and the mute speak—The God who robbed the grave and defeated death on our behalf! That God! Your financial situation is not too big for Him.
Church, it is time to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. (James 1:22) This takes faith.
I challenge you to start praying, to activate your faith, not just with words, but with actions. God is calling His people and His church higher in this season; this is one of the many ways that challenges us to either “trust Him” in all things, or to continue to do the same things and expect different results. I pray that is not us. I pray our desire for Him is so strong that no circumstance will shake us. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:33-34, NIV).
Prayer:
Jehovah Jireh, our provider, thank you for being a constant in our lives and supplying all our needs. There is no one like you! We repent for the times our faith lacked; that we gave too much power to our financial circumstances instead of focusing on the promises of provision. Help us to boldly step out in faith over our finances, both in words and actions; that we would obey the principle of the tithe; that we are generous people in all things. We pray that November reflects abundance for the House of God and His people. Free us from bondage and let financial freedom come. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.