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The Way Ahead - THE GRACE OF GIVING

tmw@twamin.com (DrWilliams12) — Tue, 01 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The Grace of Giving
Guest Blogger - Minister Timothy M. Williams Sr.
Founder of Word of Life Teaching Ministry, Danbury, CT

CURRENT ISSUE: I give and give and give but yet I am not seeing financial increase in my life. It's seems the more I give the less I have to pay my bills. I know God is not a liar, so what's the problem?

FOUNDATIONAL TEXT: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 KJV)

THE WAY AHEAD: I have met so many Christians who don’t have their basic needs met, or they struggle in the area of provision and finances. This is the kicker though, they are consistent givers. Meaning they tithe and give offerings, and value what the word says; “what so ever we sow we will reap”, “give and it shall be given unto you”, “God shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. I’m sure these all sound familiar! However, these Christians struggle with seeing these scriptures become a reality in their life. Why?

Well, I want to suggest that the issue with these Christians is not with obeying the word. They are obedient to the word consistently; however, obeying the word is not the only thing you have to do to be successful in the things of God. Many Christians believe all they have to do is obey, and this is where they fail. Oh, I know this is a shock for many of you, but it is true. Look at your situation if you are one of the Christians I’m referencing. You are consistently obeying the word with your finances but with little to no success. God is not the problem, so there has to be something you are not doing, or it would be working (The word does work!). I tell Christians the word of God works if you work it right or the way God intended for it to be worked. The key is the attitude of the heart. In the Old Testament God told the Israelites they had to do two things to eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19-20). He said they had to be “willing and obedient” not obedient only.

Obedient deals with the doing or carrying out the word; however, being willing has to do with the attitude you have when you obey the word or the mindset or heart motive you have when obeying the word. When God ask us to obey him he has a will or intent he wants to accomplish by asking you to obey. To be willing you have to share the same will as God when you obey Him, and this is where most Christians fail. Typically, when the word is not working for you, it is because you are not doing it right, or you have the wrong heart motive or a different intent or will than God’s. This is typically the case in the area of finances. Look at Romans 8:6 where it states that if you are carnally minded you will have death but if you are spiritually minded you will have life and peace. The “minded” reference has to do with our attitude of our heart or how we think about a thing. If we are thinking about a thing spiritually or with the right heart motive, then we can expect life and peace; however, if we are thinking about a thing carnally or with carnal motive we can expect the symptoms of death. This is simple and is seen throughout the New Testament.

The motive most Christians have in the area of giving is not “giving” but “paying”. Now, I know this is what we have been taught, but this is not consistent with the covenant we now live under. In the Old Testament (under the law) they “paid” because they were not spiritually alive and could not reap the benefits of being spiritual; however, in the New Testament (under grace) we can activate the spiritual aspect of the word (2 Corinthians 3:6). In the old covenant, the people were spiritually dead on the inside (Christ had not died so that we could be born again). In the new covenant, however, we are made spiritually alive in Christ. The way we reap the full benefits of being spiritually is by having the right motive or attitude of heart when we do the word. This will then make both willing and obedient then the power of the will be activated and the word will work for us. You see, “paying” is of debt (Romans 4:4) or obligation, and giving is of grace (2 Corinthians 8:7).

Most Christians feel a debt or obligation to provide their seed to the church or to help others versus having a full unforced willingness to give (2 Corinthians 9:5). This keeps them from working the word when it comes to finances and provision the way God intended for it to be worked. Giving has to be an act of Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (John 3:16). Love is unconditional paying is conditional. Giving is an act of love which means it is unconditional. If we are giving (obedience), but we are doing it with the intent to pay an obligation (this “will” is different than God), then we will not reap the benefit of our giving. You have to be both willing and obedient to eat the good of the land. Planting your seed in the church is not about meeting some obligation to the church it is about helping others who the church ministers to. Your tithe and offerings should be purposed to meet the needs of the ministry because the church is meeting the needs of the saints. You may ask, okay, is there scriptures which confirm this? I thought you would never ask! There is!!

The only in-depth teaching I have found on giving in the New Testament is 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. It’s interesting that we many times try to use the Old Testament to teach what we are to do in the New Testament. Yes, the Old Testament is important because it shows us what happens when we do not obey the word (1 Corinthians 10:6-12), and it teaches us what not to do. However, the old covenant is not to teach us how to operate under the covenant we now live under. We have to look first to the new covenant teaching to understand how to operate spiritually. This is true because we are now fully spiritual alive because of our new relationship with Christ. 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 shows the attitude that you should have when you are giving and some practical instruction on how to give.

First, you have to have the right motive for giving. This passage speaks of an offering the church of Macedonia had given willingly (2 Corinthians 8:3). The purpose and intention of their giving was to minister or serve the saints (2 Corinthians 8:4). Why does God give to us, because he needs something in return, or to pay us? No, God gives to us for the sole reason of blessing us and supplying our needs. This is His will when he gives; therefore, we have to have the same will in our giving; to meet the needs of others unconditionally. Our giving has to be an act of love, unconditional expecting nothing in return. This is the way God gives!

Second, we have to see the ability to give like a gift or a privilege (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul calls giving a “grace” or a “gift”. This is the same Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 12:4 when it speaks of the “gifts” of the Spirit. It is the word “charisma” which means gift, grace, or endowment. We have to see the ability to give as a “gift” or “endowment” for the purpose of serving the saints. Paul says, as we abound in other spiritual gifts, we should also abound in this gift of giving.

Third, we have to give not by commandment, or because of obligation (2 Corinthians 8:8), but out of our attitude of love towards the others who we give to. If we feel forced to give then this is not truly giving. Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:5 calls this giving as a matter of “covetousness”. The Greek word “covetousness” in this passage actually means “extortion”. I have been in services where after the offering I felt beat up. I gave just because I felt so guilty if I didn’t or felt so obligated. It felt like my arm had been twisted and I was made to give. Our giving has to be voluntarily and sacrificial the same as what Christ did for us. He gave his life so that we could have life. He did not have to do it, but he gave his life willing, sacrificially, with nothing to gain. We cannot give to get. We neither should give because we feel force to. This is inconsistent with the will of God.

Finally, don’t get caught up on the amount of your giving. Give according to what you have and not according to what you have not (2 Corinthians 8:11-12) and it will be acceptable to God. Many Christians think that it is the amount they give that will make them successful in giving. The more you give then the more you get. Jesus explained this is not true when he describes a widow in Mark 12. He said that when she cast in 2 mites that she had given more than all them who had given before her. Why? Because the other gave a portion of what they abundantly had, however, this widow was willing and did give everything that she had. This widow gave everything she had in a very small amount which in the spirit was more than the greater amounts that others gave before her. She was willing and obedient and this pleased God. Those who had come before her weren’t willing to give everything they had. If they were they would have, but none of them did but only this widow. In God’s eye, she gave more than them all. It’s not about the amount you give but the magnitude of the sacrifice you a willing to make in your heart to help others. Again, giving sparingly is not about the amount you give. If you want to be an abounding giver, and then give according to what you purpose in your heart (the amount God speaks to your heart to give). Then give it willfully, sacrificially, and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

If you change your mind about your giving and employ the principles and practices of the heart outlined in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9, then you will reap the full benefit of your giving. As a matter of fact, this way of giving is so pleasing to God that it will cause all grace to abound unto you so that you will have sufficiency (all your needs met) so that you will have more than enough for yourself and you will also have enough to abound to every good work in service to others (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). This is God’s will for you and the “Way Ahead” in having your every need met!

I pray that you have been blessed by this month’s blog. I encourage you to keep the Word before you, protect your inner man and only speak the Word of God, that you may experience prosperity and good success in every area of your life.

The Way Ahead - THE POWER OF WORDS

tmw@twamin.com (DrWilliams12) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:00:00 GMT

CURRENT ISSUE: It's hard for me to find anything positive to say or talk about. I am constantly dealing with negative circumstances, and my mouth seems to get me in trouble all the time. Where am I going wrong?

FOUNDATIONAL TEXT: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21 KJV)

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2 KJV)

THE WAY AHEAD: As I was reflecting on this month’s issue, the Lord reminded me of the “Three wise monkeys”. They are a pictorial maxim. Together they embody the proverbial principle to “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil”. The monkeys are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Lwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil. Sometimes there is a fourth monkey depicted with the three others; the last one, Shizaru, symbolizes the principle of "do no evil". He may be shown covering his abdomen or genital area, or crossing his arms.

To address this month’s issue, our focus will be on Mizaru, Kikazaru and Lwazaru, each of which represents a gate that leads to or from our hearts [our inner man]. These gates are our eyes, ears and mouth. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a gate is any means of entrance, exit, or access. Our heart on the other hand, is the place from which everything we encounter in life is conceived. It is the incubator of our destiny.

Proverbs 4 verses 20 -23, describe the heart as the place from which the issues [boundary or border] of life flows [are set and established]. My friend it is our responsibility to protect our hearts from negative influences, if we desire to experience the goodness of God’s blessings in our lives.

So how does one protect their heart? You do it by monitoring what you see, hear and say. It is a fact that what we experience in life is the result of what we allow to enter and come out our hearts. As a child we had this saying, “sticks and stone can break my bones but words will never hurt me.” According to the Word of God this is not a true statement. Words, my friend are so powerful they can change the course of nature (Mark 4:39 NLT).

What you see and hear will determine what you say, and what you say will determine your outcome in life, good or bad. Proverbs 18 verse 21, states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. If you are constantly experiencing negative situations, take inventory of what you are allowing to enter your heart. In other words, stop watching the news so much; stop listening to music that’s sensual and full of profanity. Don’t get me wrong I am not against music or TV; I am just giving you examples and trying to make you aware that it is really important that you take heed to what you are allowing to enter your spirit.

If you desire change in your life, you must have faith that the power of the Word of God can change your circumstances and that you have the right to access that power.

“By faith we know the worlds were framed by the Word of God…”

-Hebrews 11:3 (AMP)

Next you have got to get the Word in your heart. It must be in your heart before you can release it out of your mouth. Having made this statement, allow me to draw your attention to the book of Joshua chapter 1 and verse 8

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

-Joshua 1:8 (AMP)

The Process for Changing your Circumstances:

Joshua chapter 1 and verse 8 gives us the process for changing our circumstances by the power of the Word of God.

1 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth…” means to confess the Word. In other words, make the Word of God your first response to any negative situation.

2 – “…but you shall meditate on it day and night…” To meditate means to think deeply and continuously, to utter, to speak and to mutter. Mediation consists of looking at the Word and listening to the Word as you speak the Word out loud.

3 – “…that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it…” means to obey and yield to the Word.

4 – “…For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.” Means that you will receive the blessing of the Lord associated with the Word you have mediated on.

In closing, I want to leave you with the words of Peter to God’s chosen people that were living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

- 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NLT)

Inspirational Interview With Laura J

pastor@joshuahouseofworship.org (Joshua Generation Radio) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 03:09:40 GMT

What's Your Favorite Laura J Song?

What Inspires You The Most About Her As a Sister?

http://www.reverbnation.com/lauraj

Be Sure to Send Her Some JGR Love on I Tunes!