Prosperity, Patience, and Prayer
Scripture:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6: 19-21 (NIV)
Observation:
This past Sunday, Pastor Julius gave a great Word discussing generosity and how the people of God should be a reflection of this in all they do. One statement that really stood out to me was: “If you do not work towards generosity, then you will naturally encompass greed.” Being greedy will have you wronging people who have done right by you, and worse, you rob God of using you to your full potential. When our time has come and we leave this world, earthly possessions won’t matter. Your biggest currency won’t be what’s in your bank account, but rather the most important thing: what you did for His Kingdom and who you brought with you along the way.
God wants to see you blessed. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should also want to see this in one another. However, greed and selfishness can corrupt good character. Not only will God not be able to work with you, but you will also face the consequences of those negative actions if you do not choose to repent of them.
We really do have to work towards generosity. Once you make generosity a habit, it becomes easier. The more time you put into living a holy lifestyle, the closer you come to Christ, which inevitably makes generosity flow from you. If you ever question what is “most important” to you, check your bank statement. Bank statements are a great tool that can show what a person truly values. When was the last time you checked yours? What did your bank statement reveal? Does your generosity only reflect you and your wants and needs? Or… is there room for others? Is there room for God?
Application:
One of our core values here at Redemption Church is that generosity is our lifestyle. It says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV). God calls us to be generous people.
Pastor also shared how he and his wife often reflect on and evaluate their level of generosity. They ask themselves, how generous have we been? Who have we blessed lately? Can we push ourselves to do and give more? If we have excess, do we hoard it for ourselves, or do we look for ways to give it away to build up what God has planned for our finances and our future?
I urge us today to follow in the footsteps of our church leaders and reflect on these same questions. Whether our treasures are monetary, spiritual giftings, or our time and devotion, all of it can be used by God and for His glory! Remember, the more generous you are, the more God blesses you in ways that are beyond what you can imagine or think.
Prayer:
Father, You are so good! We thank You for who You are–although we are undeserving, You still chose us! We are grateful that You are a loving God who truly cares for Your children and longs to prosper them. Help us to trust You more in all things–especially with our time, talents, and treasures. I pray that we have an urgency to reflect Your light in all we do, specifically in our finances, which seem to have a stronghold on so many. We pray that financial strongholds are broken, in Jesus’ name! We pray for financial freedom and we come against the spirit of greed. May we be a people that continue to give radically to building your Church, as well as the building up your people. Let generosity be our lifestyle. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen!