What You Need In the Wilderness – Part 6

“Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. Exodus 25:2

God’s people already possessed everything necessary to build the tabernacle. So Moses went to God for the plan, and to the people for the resources. And that’s still how it works! Pastor, don’t come up with a plan of your own, or one you got from somebody else, and then ask God to underwrite it. Ask God for His plan, because that’s the only one He will bless. And don’t feel intimidated about going to the people and asking them to give. Perhaps you’re reluctant to talk about finances because some people in church complain and say, ‘All the pastor ever talks about is money.’ Of course, if they’re right, you need to get back into balance. But generally speaking, people need clear biblical teaching on giving; to see it as a privilege and an opportunity to go into partnership with God. Over and over the Bible refers to giving as ‘sowing’. And when you sow, you should expect to reap. The law of giving is like the law of gravity; it never fails. God said,‘ As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest…will never cease’ (Genesis 8:22). Observe how it works: first you sow your seed, then there’s a time of waiting, and finally you get to reap. Money can be a touchy subject; it can stir up resistance and resentment. But God promised that when you sow generously, you will reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6). Now, either God told the truth or He didn’t. And you need to find out whether or not it’s true. The only way to do that is to try it and see for yourself.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be faithful in “sowing” so I can reap a harvest, knowing it is all Yours to be used to Your Glory and for Your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen