Hi Church,
The Lord is good and continues to do good in us. His Word is at work to change us and challenge us but not to squash us or shame us. Abraham’s life is a great example walking by faith. The only way he could maintain his “friendship” with God was by listening, and obeying what God revealed to him. The Story of Genesis 22 helps us greatly when it comes to understanding faith and giving by faith.
The first point discussed was 1. Know who you are giving to:- His name is Jehovah Jireh, He is the God who sees and attends to the need. He is the One who provides not the one who takes. He is the One who’s eye is on the sparrow and especially on you.
The second is, Faith giving is sacrificial giving. Its not giving out of abundance - it's giving significantly regardless of how much we have. God is not so much concerned with how much you give but how much you withhold. Is He the treasure of your heart? Does He have your whole heart where nothing is off limits to Him? Abraham gave his one and only beloved son until God provided a substitute instead.
Third giving by faith is beyond what you can see. Sometimes we give and we will not see the full fruit of that gift. It could be sowing into the generations to come, who won't even come to you and say thanks, but because of your gift they will be greatly blessed. It's giving because we know we must and then find out it was for something far greater than what we thought. Mark 14:3-9 tells the story of a lady who poured perfume on Jesus head that was worth a year’s wages. That’s a lot by anyone’s measure. What she did out of gratitude, Jesus received as His burial rites. Which was to be remembered for all time.
How will you let this challenge from Abraham’s life effect your giving? Can you honestly say you have surrendered all, wealth and time and property to Jesus, or are you still withholding? Or are you still claiming a proportion that is yours and yours alone. Jesus wants access to our whole heart, that includes our bank accounts. Because where your treasure is, that’s where your heart will be also (Luke 12:34). Notice I said, Jesus wants access, not the church. It's up to Jesus and His word to prompt you to be a blessing, so listen to Him and Obey just like Abraham did.
We especially look forward to Family Service this Sunday. We will again be gathered around tables, there will be contributions from our young people and a discussion panel looking at Godly Family Dynamics. If you are seated at a table why not bring a snack to share with your table mates during the service. A free BBQ will also be available after the service.
Living By Faith with you Church
Love Greg and Amanda