-
God's Master Financial Plan
Contributed by Harold Hansen on Feb 7, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: A message on givng unto the Lord.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next
God’s Master Financial Plan
Malachi 3:8-12 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
Proverbs 3:6-10 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Sometimes we know what the Bible says about an issue. Many times we still choose instead to follow worldly wisdom. For instance, many Christians ignore the biblical principle of tithing. They rely on secular advice that cautions against generous giving. However, no financial scheme can compare to God’s master financial plan. If you & I tithe faithfully, the Father will abundantly provide all we need.
1.God’s plan differs from the worlds.
Secular wisdom says to accumulate as much wealth as possible for selfish uses.
Like a pond that has no outlet. Thus grows stagnant & slimy. Such an approach to money is unhealthy. It diminishes a person’s quality of life. It often causes friction within families.
2.The Lord wants us to be givers.
We shouldn’t view ourselves as reservoirs. Stockpiling money for our selfish desires, but as channels. Willing to share with others. In God’s plan, believers receive in order to share. Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
You & I can use some of our money for personal needs. But we should also give to our church, missions work around the world.
Yes even to them who are hurting financially.
Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Generous people are not only happier but also more peaceful & secure.
Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
3.The principle of giving and receiving:
In Luke 6:38, Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Jesus was saying here. I will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, & running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
Choose to view your bank account as a channel rather than a reservoir. Then sit back & watch the Father abundantly supply all your needs.
4.What are the elements of God’s financial plan?
A.The Amount: Giving ten percent of our income to the Lord is a good starting point for biblical stewardship. Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Think about this Jesus says BRING to His house (The Church)
Then He said PROVE HIM
Then He goes on gives us a promise IF I WILL NOT OPEN
Then we find more than we can handle NO ENOUGH ROOM
WOW!!!!!!
What a deal. Take care of God’s business & His house. He will make sure you are taken care of in return.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Many a preacher preaches this verse wrong. Many a Christian misunderstand this verse. What is happening here. Paul was saying because you took care of my needs. The man of God. Now God in return will take care of your needs.