Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.  Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.  For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.

 
 
 

Going to Jesus

Daily Thoughts

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Thought for the Evening
10-21

MONEY MATTERS, PART NINE:
So That You Can Give

From a sermon on “Money Matters” by Pastor John in a prayer meeting on January 2, 1991

Jesus once said, “Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Lk. 6:38).

Now I know that this verse is often abused by ministers to persuade people into giving them their money. But the often overlooked point in that statement concerning giving is simply the blessing of being able to give to fellow believers who are truly in need. “He who gives to the poor”, said Solomon, “lends unto the LORD”. The neglect of the need of God’s poor saints is sin. And because His desire is to bless us more, our heavenly Father shows us how to maneuver ourselves into such a financial position that we are able to help a brother if he falls into need.

YOU CAN LIVE SO THAT YOU CAN GIVE! God’s truth about how to handle money wisely will make that statement a reality in your life, no matter what your financial status is at the present time. I am not talking about giving to begging preachers. If there is anyone you should not give your money to, it is to a religious man who asks for it. Jesus never “took up a collection.” Instead, I am referring to being financially able to aid a brother or a sister who needs a hand in order to get out of a financial ditch. To be able to help someone is in itself a blessing, but there is an additional and greater blessing from God upon those who are able to help a needy brother and then, actually do it. We should all remember that what makes the Dead Sea dead is that it always receives water and never releases it.

It will certainly not be the will of God for us to give to every saint who is in need (not to mention poverty-stricken sinners). In many cases, such a person is in need because of stubborn rebellion against God and refuses to repent. In that case, you would be throwing your money away if you gave it to that fool. But there are times when help from you, monetary or otherwise, is in order, and those times are a very great opportunity not to be neglected.

If you truly love your brothers and sisters in Christ, you will live in such a way that you have enough money to be able to help, at least in some small way, those who find themselves overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. God’s way of managing your money will result in your having the wherewithal to help when help is truly needed. YOU CAN LIVE SO THAT YOU CAN GIVE! If you are not there yet, trust God and obey Him, for you really do want to live in that state Jesus spoke of when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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