Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘Giving’
A Gift for Giving Tuesday
Yesterday was the day that Americans spent all of their money online and today is the day they are encouraged to give whatever they have left over to worthy causes! All joking aside, I think Giving Tuesday is a good thing. God’s people are taught the principles of giving throughout the Word of God and, for believers, they are in effect every day. It has always been my conviction that no charitable giving should take away from the tithe and offering that believers should give through their local churches. The work of the Lord through your church needs your faithful involvement more now than ever. As I have read the life and ministry of D.L. Moody it has been encouraging…
Read MoreThis Is Not The Time To Rob God
First let me say that I am not a pastor. I do not have the responsibility of shepherding one flock and overseeing the needs of a local church. As an evangelist I spend much of my time trying to encourage pastors and help churches advance the gospel in many places. I love pastors and local churches. Most of all, I love the Lord. Our generation of Christians has never seen anything like the current state of emergency in our world. Many people are frightened and all of us are unsure of some things. Yet as a Christian there is one thing I know: God is with us and we must continue to obey His Word. Truth always endures. In times…
Read MoreGivers And Takers
As a boy my dad told me, “Son, there are two kinds of people in the world – givers and takers – and you’re going to have to decide which one you want to be.” I have lived long enough to know that there are more takers than givers. Which are you? Giving Living In Matthew 26 we find quite a contrast between givers and takers. On one hand there is the woman who broke her alabaster box to give worship to Christ and on the other Judas who took thirty pieces of silver to betray Him. Read the passage for yourself and you will discover lasting principles. One unnamed woman gives a pattern for us all: Givers are consumed…
Read MoreGiving Tuesday
Across the U.S. the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has come to be known as “giving Tuesday,” an opportunity to help the needy and invest in charitable causes. There are many ministries that are being used of God to reach and teach people for Christ. Tammy and I are very happy to have a part in supporting others who are making an eternal difference. It is my conviction that Christian giving should begin with paying the tithe and bringing offerings through your local, New Testament church. This is God’s way (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8). Believers should not take money from the place where God has placed them in order to give somewhere else. At the same time, the Lord prospers…
Read MoreAn Opportunity to Invest in the Gospel
Not all investments are good ones! Investing in the gospel is always a wise investment. Today I am traveling to preach the Word of God. Continually I am reminded that many people who I will not see (some who I do not even know) are investing in the work God has called us to do through their prayers and support. How wonderful to labor together in the gospel! We are all called to participate in the work of Christ. It is every believer’s privilege to invest in the salvation of souls and the glory of God. There are specific things that we may give: We are to give the truth. People are only born again through the life-giving power of the…
Read MoreA Faithful Man
On this Father’s Day my heart is full of gratitude for my dad. He has always been my best friend, but he is also the best man I know. He has been a faithful man – faithful to God, faithful to my mother, faithful to his friends, and faithful to his life’s work. Dad has taught me more than I could ever express. Here are a few of the things my father has taught me. 1. Dad taught me the meaning of true friendship. He has as many friends as anyone I know. More than that, he has been a friend. I have watched him be a friend to hurting people, to those who had failed and others shunned. He has…
Read MoreMaking Christmas Gifts More Meaningful
Shiny packages and suspense are part of the excitement at Christmas. Fascinating, isn’t it? We spend weeks buying the gifts (or one crazy day if you are like me) and in about 30 minutes it is all over! My grandma used to say, “It is just a big build up for a big let down.” Perhaps a little pessimistic, but very close to the truth. Things change as we get older, but the fun of gift giving (and receiving) continues. Yesterday we celebrated with our family at home and on Christmas day we will do it all over again at my mom and dad’s house. Gift exchange has become more like a progressive dinner than an event! To be sure,…
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