A Contradiction? (Part 3)

Parts 1 and 2 of this blog launched from the story of my friend losing his job and ultimately his home, all the while tithing to God.  Let’s continue this discussion.

Sometimes the promises of God do seem to contradict our way of thinking.  For example, what about those heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, who walked in faith and yet did not realize the outcome of promises received?  God's promises are unfailing, but His timing is often called into question by we, who hold on indefinitely without seeing the results of promises given.  God sees the larger picture, so we are called upon to place our total trust and faith in His all-sustaining grace.

May I share a personal struggle I had when a promise in the Scriptures seemed to contradict reality?  Psalm 91:11 says, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."  However, in March 1995 my in-laws (pastors) were traveling in a foggy rain to visit a man in an Indianapolis hospital.  Just outside of Frankfort, another preacher ran a stop sign, resulting in the instant death of my father-in-law and five weeks later my mother-in-law.  That accident ushered in some of the most trying days of my life.

What happened seemed to directly contradict the promise of Psalm 91:11.  No, I did not get bitter, but I certainly questioned the Lord as to His ways.  Is the Bible true?  Yes indeed! However, God's ways are above ours; His thoughts are higher than ours.  He's sovereign (all-powerful) and we're not.  He makes decisions based out of His sovereignty.  To us, these times may seem to contradict His Word.  Times of inexplicable loss have always plagued the hearts of men.  Ask Job!

My friend lost his good job and now his home.  I don't know the reasons why, and I would not begin to wax eloquently or even to defend what may appear to be God's indifference. What I do know, however, is that because he has been faithful with his tithes and offerings, God is obligated to fulfill His Word in his life.  What appears to be so unfair and contradictory in the scheme of life and God's promises, I believe, will "produce for [you] an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).  Remember In the end, God blessed Job with what he lost and more!

This is not "preacher talk," but if we obsess over the inequities and all the unfair things that happen to us in this life, we could very well jeopardize our faith and become cynical, even bitter.  I encouraged my friend to look ahead and believe that God has placed a "replacement clause" in his life.  Job came out on top and he will, too!  

Are you facing financial loss or difficulties?  Keep tithing.  Keep giving offerings as He directs.  And know that in the future you have every right to make heavenly withdrawals because you have made earthly deposits.  I believe God will turn your circumstances around for your good and His glory.

The Checkbook Challenge

“Put your money where your mouth is.”  Have you heard this spoken?  I’ve said it many times, not fully realizing its truth.

What do you value most?  Go to your checkbook ledger and find out!  Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  

We spend our money on those things that are important to us.  As we conclude another year, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate our priorities.  Money is a tool that helps us to attain what we both need and want.  I get it.  Someone said, “Money is not important.”  However, when you don’t have enough and you can’t pay your bills, buy groceries or fill your tank, you may wish to re-think such an opinion!

Certainly, money IS important!  And it’s also a gauge.  I have counseled teenagers and young adults, who possessed the latest in cell phones, 52-inch TV screens with over 300 accompanying cable channels; numerous video games, laptop computers, along with more of the latest technology.  And most of them ate out at least 4-5 times each week.  Sadly however, some of them were facing foreclosure on their mortgage, repossession of their automobile, possible eviction from their rental.  Such a predicament mandates reprioritizing.  Would you agree?

I recently took the “Checkbook Challenge.”  Before I did, I asked the Lord to help me make any necessary adjustments in my spending habits.  If you pay your bills online, then take the “Online Challenge!”

It really is true.  Your spending habits may need to be adjusted!  A family night with Scrabble and popcorn is certainly cheaper than movie tickets!

If you are a Christ follower, ask yourself, “Does my giving to my local church or ministry in general reflect my passion and love for Christ, or do I need to re-evaluate my position?” 

“Have I allowed other things (treasures) to steal away my love for Christ and His church?”  Your church deserves your support and your heart!  I say this not because I’m a pastor seeking an offering.  I say this because you need heaven’s backing in your finances in the coming new year!  It’s a fact that we can’t make withdraws if we don’t make deposits. 

Placing God’s tithe and our offerings into heaven’s bank account will insure our on-going financial protection and blessings in the days ahead.  God promised us through the prophet Malachi that He would rebuke the devourer (those things that try to steal or destroy our financial security) if we would put the Lord first in our spending:  “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the works of your ground, nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes, says the Lord of hosts” (3:11).  That promise, made to a bunch of farmers, goes for all who understand that money given to support God’s work provides heavenly dividends and earthly security.