Living Your Giving 9/27/2013

“A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.   Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;  for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.’”   Mark 12:42-44

While many expositors of the Word have used this passage to prompt their congregations to give and that generously, the thought I would like to share this morning has not as much to do with financial contributions as giving our all to and for the one who gave his all for us.

When you consider the poor widow, what do you think?   The fact that she is a widow tells us that she is in a perpetual state of loss.  She is described as basically being down to her last cent.  This tells us that she either had no children or the children she had were not willing to support her.  Perhaps she had a way of making money or survived on the kindness of others, nevertheless, it was everything she had.  Lastly, she was willing to give it to the Lord.  We know that she appeared at the temple to pay her temple taxes as was the custom for the Israelites, but to her, it seems the ultimate demonstration of faith, obedience and love.

Beloved, when we think of our Lord, what is his worth to you?  It is well known that he, as an absolute expression of love, left heaven and gave his life for us, but what are we willing to give to express our love for him?  To be sure, we are unable to earn the great gift that he gave, but we are by no means prevented from demonstrating love and faith toward him and expressing ourselves by giving ourselves.  You see we were bought by his blood, but must still voluntarily give ourselves to him.  This can certainly be expressed in our financial contributions, but is exponentially better shown in our manner of living.  Our attitude and actions should be consistent with this:

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:1-2

What is the biblical meaning of sacrifice but the giving of life?  It is what he did for us.  Let us be willing to give our living for him.

Committed, 

Lee

When Disaster Strikes 5/22/2013

"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.  If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.  If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."  Luke 6:31-33

Today I am mindful of the great tragedies that have befallen residents of Texas and Oklahoma last week.  Much has been reported and is still being reported about the terrible loss of life and property including those elementary school students whose lives were taken by the horrific storms that impacted the area.  I am likewise mindful of the proclivity we as human beings have to help one another in a time of need.  The news reports showed that there were so many first responders trying to get in the area that they had to hold them off until they could clear a path for them.  Organizations like the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team (http://www.churchesofchristdrt.org/#!currentlocation/c10d6) reacted immediately and are already amassing volunteers, food and materials for the moment when volunteers are allowed into the area.  Even members of our own congregation are in the process of packing up tools, coolers and materials to drive to Oklahoma and lend a hand.

Beloved, it is at times like these when it is most critical that we exemplify the love of Christ by being a part of the effort to provide relief to those who are suffering.  Imagine what it would be like to have your whole world blown apart.  Your first response would likely be to cry out to God for mercy and help.  Should we not then be the presence of God when others are suffering?  We truly have the ability to be the answer to someone's prayers.

While we may not all be able to travel to Oklahoma or Texas to hammer nails, serve food or lend a shoulder to cry on, we can help others who can by donating materials, the use of vehicles or tools, food and funds.  And never let us forget the awesome power of prayer.  I encourage us all to put ourselves in the position of those impacted and do what we would have them do if it were us.  It may be that through the power of God and through our efforts, not only can a home be restored and a heart soothed, but it may be that souls can be saved.  Through our love, some will see God.

Committed,

Lee

Giving Your Best-9/14/2011 (rp)

"But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?" says the Lord of hosts." Mal 1:8

Consider our behavior when we are trying to impress or to please. We will marshal the very best that we have in order to give it to another. I am reminded of preteens as they discover members of the opposite sex. The same gifts for which they used to sacrifice in order to show their adoration for a parent are now replaced with afterthoughts or nothing at all, while a new girlfriend or boyfriend receives the fruit of long labor. I am reminded of adults who give the best of themselves at their jobs, applying every skill and cheerfully working overtime in order to gain favor that will lead to a promotion. They will even give to the local charity or political action fund, not because of a deep seated belief, but because it is the "company" thing to do.

A person's priorities can always be seen in how and where they spend their time and resources. It becomes very clear what is most important in their lives. Abel famously gave the very best that he had to God while his brother evidently did not hold the Lord in as high esteem. Let us always remember that God has given us His very best.

Why then beloved, do we cheat God in the giving of our best? Be it prayers, resources, works, representation or obedience, we consistently treat Him as an afterthought. This would be unacceptable to our bosses, spouses and the IRS and in most cases, we would not think of giving less than our best. Why do we not reserve our very best, our first fruits for Him who gives us His? Surely we must re-prioritize our lives.

As the saying goes, "give God what's right, not what's left."

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Faith Works-9/2/2011

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it," when you have it with you." Prov 3:27-28

So often we tell our brothers and sisters in need that we will pray for them. We, in all of our faithful piety trust that God will work a miracle in their lives. We'll start prayer chains, mention them to the church secretary to put in the bulletin and share the request with all the faithful people that we know.

While prayer is a wonderful and necessary thing, there is nothing like action. We are called upon to put our faith to work. James captures this thought beautifully in 2:14-15 of his eponymous epistle: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Further, we may be completely magnanimous toward people we know or those who are members of our congregation, but what about he beggar on the street? What about the enclave of the homeless? What about those who are not friendly or loving toward us? What about our enemies? Matt 5:44-45 contains the very instructions of Jesus in these matters and reveals that God blesses all, regardless of station or status.

Beloved, when someone prays to God, it should be we, His earthen vessels, that show up, and that quickly.


Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Supporting the Cause-8/4/011

Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. Luke 8:1-3

Many times when we think of Christ's ministry, we picture him and perhaps some or all of his 12 apostles going from place to place preaching, teaching, healing and feeding. What we do not often visualize is the contingent that actually accompanied him. It must have been like a modern day concert. Jesus was the main attraction and his words were the hit songs of the day. The crowds he attracted were both supporters and detractors. But there was also quite the supporting cast that facilitated the "performance" by arranging logistics, participating in food service (feeding the 4000 and 5000), marketing (72 sent out to preach), security (they even tried to keep the kids away) and various other functions.

Beloved, one thing that cannot be neglected is this was a non-profit enterprise. No one paid to hear Jesus. In fact, most, if not all left with more than that with which they came. It does not defy reason to understand that the whole operation had to be financed. Scripture reveals that among the entourage that accompanied him were financiers. It is interesting that the women are credited in particular with this role. More importantly however, is the fact that those who supported the cause where those who had benefitted greatly from it.

It stands to reason then, that we should contribute to that which we believe in and from which we have benefitted. Today many are participating in spiritual shoplifting, that is to say, taking away without contributing. It is not to be understood that Christians should pay for blessings because they are indeed the free gift of God, however, because we have been gifted, we should support the efforts to extend those blessings to others, particularly if we have been made able by the Lord. The administration of funds, the personalities involved in leadership and even the minute specifics of how contributions are used should not be the primary concern of the contributor (though we all have a responsibility to ensure God's funds are used responsibly), but instead, the giving to God out of love, faith and appreciation should be the focus.

Jesus' instructions to his apostles and by extension to us today are, “And as you go, preach, saying, ' The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matt 10:7-8

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

About Giving-DD 3/24/2011

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows." Mal 3:10

It is interesting how antsy people in general and Christians specifically get when the subject of giving comes up. The man of God is often criticized for speaking on the subject. "Here he goes again talking about money," some say as they roll their eyes.

The focus should not be on the fact that the man of God is saying it, but instead should be on what God Himself has said. He challenges us all to give sacrificially. The amazing thing, however, is this: He invites us to test His ability to provide a return on our investment. To be clear, the reason for giving should never be driven by the potential to receive, nevertheless, God promises blessings that we will not be able to contain.

Beloved, giving does not necessarily come naturally to us. Do you imagine dying came naturally to Jesus? Sacrifice is something that must be learned. In that the command to give came from God, the focus should be on Him, rather that anyone that delivers the message. Surely the benefits will come from Him. Just another message about money? Look closer. It may be just another message about blessings.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee