#praisechapel

“Thank you God for this gift too wonderful for words!”

  I’ve always wanted to be rich.  You know, just have tons of money in the bank, available to me for whatever, whenever.  Like in the old Disney movie, Pete’s Dragon, “Money, money, money by the pound!”  I know I’m not the only one, here.

  Have you ever thought of giving as a ministry?  I’m not talking about giving here and there.  I’m not talking about giving tithes or giving used clothes to the homeless shelter.  I’m talking about money. And a ministry of giving it.  

  (2 Corinthians 9:1, the Apostle Paul mentions this ministry of giving and he’s specifically talking about money.  “I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers...”)

  We usually think of things like doing nursery, teaching Sunday school, playing on the worship team, cleaning the church, outreach ministry, etc … but is anyone a part of the ministry of giving?  I can see the conversation something like this, “What ministry are you a part of? …. I give money.” …. blank stare… “Cool…”  I mean, really, who says that?  

  I do know one person in my life that does actually say that and as far as I know, does truly give his money when needed.  I also know one other couple that would give you the shirts off their backs if you needed them, but I don’t believe they would say they have “this ministry of giving.”

  Jesus was talking to his disciples in Matthew 10:8 and said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.  Freely you have received; freely give.”

  That’s it right there!  That’s what I’m talking about!  I am so quick to pray for people, to heal the sick, and yes, I’d give you my shirt if you needed it without hesitation… but to give money as quickly and freely as I pray for people…. That right there is a goal! A dream!

(When you get a chance, read 2 Corinthians 9 again and notice “this ministry of giving.”)  

  It’s so easy to say that we can’t “afford” to give… but really, we can’t afford to not give.  I want so much that this ministry of giving would reflect me… that’s why I’ve always wanted to be rich.

  2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

  We don’t have to be rich to give.  This has always been evident in my life.  Even when our family budget (on paper) said that we would be $k’s short, month after month… we’ve always seen the faithfulness of God.  We have always made giving tithes, offerings, missions offerings and whatever else God showed us to give a priority and He has always generously provided all that we need, with plenty left over to share and with even enough for our enjoyment.  

But this!  This “ministry of giving” is definitely a “ministry” I want to join!

  My Prayer:  Lord, this ministry of giving stirs up my heart.  Let it, also, stir up the one reading this.  Enrich us in every way, so that we can always be generous.  Cause us to be the givers, the people you created us to be.  That the needs of believers everywhere would always be met. That the Good News of your saving grace and healing power would be expressed and preached to those who are seeking you.  May your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, be glorified through us.