Does Giving = Sweet Living? (2)

Just HOW MUCH do you think you will take with you when you leave this world? I have performed many funerals over the years in ministry and never once have I buried a person who had a U-Haul behind the hearse in the procession. Why does God say; “He loves a Cheerful giver?"

Jesus reminds us; “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)  God wants our heart in the right place.

Have you ever bought a stock before? If you have, you will watch that stock like a hawk to see if the value goes up or down. Jesus is saying, “Wherever you have placed your money, that is where your heart will be.” My question is not have you purchased any Apple stock lately, (there’s nothing wrong with that,) but have you invested stock in the Kingdom of Heaven? When you do, that’s where your heart will be. You will be passionate about seeing people come to Christ.

I believe there are REASONS Why People don’t GIVE their Tithe and Offerings to The Lord.

FEAR Years ago I took my kids snow skiing for the first time. My son Daniel got stuck up on a hill because FEAR gripped his heart. At least 20 frightening minutes went by and he said; “I can’t do this.” It took a lot of persuasion and encouragement to get him to take that first step towards his fear. Once he did, he became incredibly better than me.

That first step toward the hill is always the toughest part. When you take it, you can’t believe the joy, thrill and excitement that come from making that step in Giving to God.

“It’s Mine Syndrome”    Nobody has to teach a child to say; “Mine.” Joshua was leading Israel into the Promised Land and God told him; “I want the silver and gold from the FIRST CITY, Jericho to go into the treasury of the Lord.” One man named Achan decided after their victory, to take the gold and silver and hide it in his tent. The next battle with Ai, Israel lost 36 men in the fight. God quickly tells Joshua, “There is sin in the camp!” It wasn’t until Achan's sin was made known that God gave Israel favor to move ahead conquering the next 9 cities. God is saying; “He wants the first part.” HE wants to be first in your life. When Joshua gave God the first part, they moved ahead in winning over the next cites in the Promised Land.

A Lack of Understanding!    God says’ “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6) It would be wrong for me not to teach the entire message of God’s Word. The reason I can boldly proclaim His Word to be true is because I have experienced it firsthand. Mark Batterson explains, When The Lord said; “Cast your nets on the other side,” the disciples boat was 7 ½ feet wide. They were only 90 inches from their miracle. Do you know how close you are to your own miracle? Start now; give the tithe now. Don’t put it off! You’re close to your miracle right NOW. Take a step. Be decisive, and watch what the Lord will do for you!