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.
The shock of everything is now starting to sink in and the dust is starting to settle some.
The ultrasound specialist, after much trying, was finally able to see some of our unborn baby’s face and mouth and confirmed the cleft lip which is on the right side. She also said that she saw a gap in the hard palate which is the front of the mouth. It is… Read More....
There was the old grandma who was being cared for by her daughter and son. One day as I was reading my Bible, the daughter asked me about it and I told her what I was reading. She was excited and told me that she had one too and was a part of God’s family. I knew there was something different about her. She took such gentle care of her… Read More....
A few months ago I was thinking to myself, “I don’t have any real China stories.” A ‘China’ story is the kind that can only happen to you in China (of course) but really sets your time here apart from anything else you’ve experienced in your life; it’s something that you think, “I’ve never experienced anything like this!” and somehow it changes you. Well, it finally happened. After two years… Read More....
Indeed, we should not limit ourself to giving tithes only.
We are reminded here again … “It is more bless to give than to receive”
Ptr. Mike have shared with the church how God provided for his every need and beyond when God’s ppl pray with faith and conviction. God answers abundantly, exceedingly above all things.
when one has learnt the virtue of ” godliness with contentment is great gain” giving becomes a privilege and the “I want” becomes a non issue..some are called to go, some to pray and others to give and pray..