Ministry Takes Money

Ministry doesn't fund itself. Granted God doesn't need our money; it is however, a condition of the heart of what has greater influence over our actions.

The cool thing is God made it easy for anyone to offer an act of ministry, when Christ declared that "anyone who gives a cup of cold water, in my Name..." and the Israelites when they gave sacrifices, even the poorest of the poor were to bring something of value, even if it was the least valuable by comparison (fine flour).

That said, consider the parable of the good Samaritan. An outcast of society used his financial position to care for a man who had been left for dead; and not just by the robbers, but by the elite and religious of society.

Yesterday, a couple visited the headquarters of Dave Ramsey, to do their "debt free scream". Financial freedom, from debt...something worth shouting about. Towards the end of their conversation, the man shared how during their journey, their church was also trying to pay off the church mortgage. Someone had passed away, and during the distribution of the estate, the church received a $600,000 gift.  Enough to pay off the remaining $500,000 and change mortgage.

Imagine, what that church can do now, for the kingdom of God, with a paid-for building. What they can do for missions. I'm thankful the church that my family attends is debt-free. There is so much to do, especially when it comes missions. And with half the world living on $5000/yr or less, one's giving goes so far. And yet, it can't when debt gets in the way. It comes back to a condition of the heart... you can not serve two masters.

For this #missionsFriday, pray for financial breakthrough in churches and congregations. May the freedom they experience be used not for themselves, but in generosity towards God. To care for widows and orphans. To bless those in need. To care for strangers that have been passed over. Pray that missions would advance and that God would provides resources and people to aid in the cause of Christ for those who have never heard the gospel. Pray for revelation and understanding, that as with all matters of Christianity, the first and foremost conidtion of man that God is concerned with, is the heart. He cares about your situation, family, friends, relationships and wallet, but it's secondary to where your heart is. For where your heart is, there too is your treasure.

Pray we value the things of God and His righteousness. For His glory. For the cause of Christ. That no one should perish.

-PNC

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