Why is it when a preacher gives a sermon on money or a Bible teacher on TV or radio mentions donating to their ministry it does not set well with people? We know there have been a few "bad apples" who have led others astray and misused money but frankly that is between them and God.
All we have is from God. We are only to be good stewards of it. It is God who gives us the power to get wealth. If you do not have a heart to give and just grudgingly put a dollar or two in the offering plate as it passes by, then God would rather you keep your money as your heart is not in it.
Money is indeed a reflection of where our heart is. If you were to die and someone saw your checkbook ledgers what would they "say" about your life ? Where did your money primarily go? Would it show you had a heart for helping others or only helping yourself? The Bible says "Give and it shall be given to you, reap and you will sow".
The following are all verses on money. Read them all and then search your heart and if you do not have a giving spirit ask God to change that. Do not give to show off as that displeases The Lord. Give even if no one ever knows and try your best not to "toot your own horn" and point out what you have done. Ask the Lord to keep you humble.
So here are your money verses:
Psalm 112:5 'It is well with the man who gives generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.'
Proverbs 10:4 'Poor is he who works with a negligent hand , but the hand of the diligent makes rich.'
Proverbs 13:11 'Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles but the one who gathers by labor increases it.'
Psalm 23:1 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.'
Philippians 4:11-13 ' For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry of facing either plenty of poverty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within.'
Hebrews 13:5 'Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have.'
Psalm 37:21 'The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.'
Proverbs 22:7 'The rich rule over the poor and the borrower becomes the lenders slave.'
Luke 6:38 'Give and it shall be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use it will be measured to you.'
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 'Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.'
Matthew 6:21 'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'
2 Thessalonians 3:10 '...If a man is unwilling to work then neither should he eat.'
There are many, many more verses dealing with money. This gives you some to read and ponder and decide perhaps that you need to maybe make some changes when it comes to "God's money".
Go now and share what God has blessed you with. Make a budget even if you do not need to and put Jesus first. Next set aside savings for your emergencies as we should not live like the government needs to help us. Share with others. For instance, right now there are many opportunities to help Oklahoma tornado victims. And finally take care of your bills and
then go do something fun. God will bless you for helping others before always thinking of yourself. Try it and see! It kind of makes you feel good to be unselfish with the treasures God has given to you.
PRAYER: It is is easy and human nature to want to hoard, be stingy, and be selfish with my monetary assets. I know all I have was given to me by God. He is the one who gives the power to get wealth in the first place. Satan is selfish and wants me to follow suit. Help me Lord remember that it is you who have poured blessings upon me. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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