September 2008- Re-thinking Back-to-School
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Or is it?
Personal feelings aside, the holiday reference in the national Back-to-School ad campaign for Staples® has multiple meanings. As a shopping “season,” Back-to-School spending comes in second only to the Christmas holiday season. What did you plan to spend for this September? How close did you come in reality? Click here for some practical advice on planning for the next Back-to-School season.
The Backlash Against Tithing
Can you put a price on faith? That is the question churchgoers are asking as the tradition of tithing – giving 10% of your income to the church – is increasingly challenged. Opponents of tithing say it is a misreading of the Bible, a practice created by man, not God. Follow the debate from the Wall Street Journal by clicking here.
God says, “Bring it”
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.” Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbours for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” 2Kings 4:1-7
- Bring what you have. 2Kings 4:1-2 What a quandary! Debt, creditors calling, no income, mouths to feed, and very little in the way of assets. What would you do? The widow sought the wisdom of God and in fear and trust, she and her family did exactly as they were instructed.
- Bring what is available. 2Kings 4:3 By the number of jars she gathered, the widow determined the quantity of oil God was able to pour out for her use. God does not ask about our ability, but our availability. If you make yourself available to be used of God , then He will use you.
- Bring what is empty. 2Kings 4:4 In order to be filled, you must first be empty. We must surrender our will, empty our ‘will jar’ so that it may be filled by the will of God and used for His purpose.
Are you an empty jar available to be filled by God for Kingdom purposes?
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