It was said of the Macedonian believers, “They gave beyond their ability” (II Corinthians 8:3). In other words they gave beyond what they could actually afford.
In the same way if missions and ministry are going to advance, if the cause of Christ is going to move forward then God’s people must give to the point of trusting God. This is giving that is beyond the weekly tithe, it is giving that demands prayer, and it is giving that demands faith. It is coming to God and saying, “God what do you want me to give to your work this year?” and then trusting God for it. If God asks you to give something that is beyond your ability to give you can trust Him to provide that for you.
Do you remember Paul had received a love gift from the Philippian believers in response he writes them a thank you note and says, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full having received from Epaphrodites the things sent from you.” Then Paul gives them this great promise saying, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:18-19). We can trust God when he prompts us to give sacrificially!
On his 25th birthday, the famous ex-cricketer missionary C.T Studd inherited roughly $125,000 dollars. Reading the story of the young rich ruler, he deliberately gave it all away. He gave $25,000 to D.L. Moody, which was used to help build Moody Bible Institute’s original structure.
He gave $25,000 to George Mueller for missionary and orphanage work and he gave another $25,000 to the Salvation Army in India. After giving away a few more gifts, he presented the balance of $15,000 to his bride as a wedding present. But not to be outdone, she gave every bit away to the Lord’s work. Within the next few years he received the balance of his inheritance a sum that totalled over 5 million dollars and he gave it all away to foreign missions.
When he died a slip of paper was found in which he gave the reason for his giving and living sacrificially He said, “Gladly I would make the floor my bed, a box my chair, and use another box for a table, rather than suffer men to perish eternally for want of knowledge of Christ.” If we are going to help advance world-wide missions than we must give beyond our ability.
I remember the first time I saw the little purple flowers on the mountains in Tibet. They were soooo simply beautiful. And I thought, what a pity that no one but me may ever see these. And then I thought, maybe God makes beautiful things, not to make us happy, but for His own pleasure and because He just enjoys making and having beautiful creations.
This was about 4… Read More....
Dear Family and Friends,
As always, time goes by so quick. The spring semester flew by and now I am in the process of moving to a new city. After the whirlwind of activities over the last few months, I finally have a few minutes to catch my breath before summer camp starts so I thought I’d take a moment to update you on how He is working… Read More....
School has begun! I started teaching on Monday of this week. I am teaching in the English department of my school and am very excited to be working with my students. I have loved all my students from year one to now but because these kids are English majors their English is a little better so we can discuss more in-depth topics and get to know each other a little… Read More....
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