Show me the money. Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on. Ive been thinking more than usual lately about money. With Debbies neck issues, my year of dealing with West Nile and last week the necessary complete replacement of the AC system in the house, well... Ive had to think some about keeping things in balance. Dont read this wrong, Were blessed, were not in trouble and we dont need anything, other than a little self discipline for a while. Ive been here before and Ive watched others go through it as well. One of the areas that automatically come to mind when facing financial decisions is how much do I give God and what else could I do with that money? Yes I know that the Old Testament dictates ten percent. I also know that giving any amount because you have to is useless and doesnt impress God. Giving is a heart issue, not a head issue. It also goes beyond any percentage. (Mark 12) When I was working in the merchant marines, I worked a three week on, three week off, schedule. I got paid by the day and because of my position I had twenty one days of paid annual vacation. So I could either take nine weeks off with pay or work those twenty one days and get paid double. Having three kids out of school in the summer, I would usually forgo the extra money and take the summer off with the kids. The first two years I did that we found ourselves in a little of a pinch financially by the time I went back to work. Staying off nine weeks meant I spent money for nine weeks. The third year when I started the summer off time I looked at the finances and considered cutting back on the amount I tithed and gave. But then something hit me and it really made me mad at myself that I had the thought of withholding from God to finance my spending habits. So I increased what we gave by $25.00 a week. I guess I was going to punish myself for having such thoughts. Whatever the reason, when that summer was over, even though we really didnt do anything differently, we were better off financially than any other year at that time. Makes me think about Malachi 3:10 where God says test me in this and see... God wants our hearts, he doesnt need our money. But when something has your heart, you want to give. You want to support it and give of everything you have, time, money, resources. If our kids were hungry or in need, Debbie and I would starve or do without in order to help them because they have our hearts. Another way to look at it is whatever gets your money, has your heart, wheres your heart? Think about it and have a great day. Its all about Jesus!
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:52:18 +0000
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