Why do you give?

About a year or so ago I heard someone say that the way to increase tithing or giving in a church is to have the pastor preach on tithing. With all do respect to that person's opinion, the last thing we need is to have someone preach to us on tithing; especially in a way that is associated with the negative connotation that comes with the word "preach." The world does not need another person telling them how to give and that they just need to do it. What I believe is that we need to get to the root issues of why people don't tithe or give to their church.

Have you asked yourself why you don't tithe or give? And if you are tithing, have you asked yourself why you don't give more?

Do you not tithe or give because...

* you are afraid? (Afraid of what? That money will no longer exist?)

* how will you pay all of those bills, the mortgage and buy groceries? (Jesus desires for you to live a good life. Paying all of the bills yourself may prevent the opportunity for Jesus to provide you with a gift.)

* the sacrifice is just too big? (What about Jesus's sacrifice on the cross?)

* you are dealing with the consequences of a past sin? (As a follower of Christ, your sins are forgiven! Worked with Jesus as you sort out those consequences and He will bless you beyond measure.)

* you are having a difficult time sorting out the financial pieces of life? (Call out for help. Be known in a safe community. Don't do it alone.)

* financial things are just not your thing? (Then a large part of life is not your thing. Maturity will show that much of life is tied to finances.)

* you don't trust your church with your money? (Then why would you trust your church with your marriage, your kids, or your salvation?? If you don't trust the church you currently attend, then leave that church and become a part of one that you do trust.)

* you don't trust Jesus that much? (Jesus is the ONLY person to show that He is completely trustworthy all of the time. He will NEVER let you down.)

Almost 99% of the time, people don't tithe or give not because they don't have the money to do so, but because they know that if they give up some portion of their money then there will be less to spend on whatever it is that they want. Most people live in financial bondage created by scarcity and entitlement... thinking that not enough money exists to pay for everything that we want.

God created us to not live in financial bondage. His resources are completely unlimited. He constantly chooses how His resources are allocated among us. We get to choose if we will participate in effective stewardship of His resources. Through us He can do wonderous things when we live with open hands around His resources. If you think that you don't have enough money to give and live on, consider the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Verse 23 states, "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much'." As we are faithful to the little that God gives to us, He will entrust us with more. Overtime we will be led to financial freedom which will ultimately result in financial peace.

Do you live in financial freedom? If not, let me know and I can help you get there!

Do You Remember Your First Bible Verse?

If you attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, or a children's church experience as a child you probably learned songs such as "Jesus loves me" and "Jesus loves the little children." The first Bible verse given to children to memorize is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The first verse my daughter memorized was Ephesians 3:18, "And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is." Each of these are perfect and fantastic to be among the first things children memorize.

My question is... Do they understand what they are learning? To children, are they only cute songs or a verse to memorize because they will get a sticker on a chart?

My larger question is... Do we believe in and understand these songs and verses well enough to teach our children the truth behind these words?

The fundamental truth of our lives is that God loves us very very much. He made us to love us. This is the foundation of who we are. The only identity we ever need to possess is that we are beloved sons and daughters of God. Also, the love of God is designed to be experienced. Can you imagine going through life without experiencing love... not experiencing the love of your spouse, your parents, your children? The same is true for God. He wants us to feel, experience and live in His love. So, do you just believe it in your head or do you truly feel it in your heart? Do you experience God's love in a way that those cute children's songs and memory verses are more than just words but foundational truth for all of your life?

Do YOU believe that Jesus loves YOU?
Do YOU believe that God loves YOU and sent His Son for YOU?