Equipped by the Sender

Matthew 10:6-7 (NIV) Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'

Have you ever felt the call of God upon your life? How about upon your year, month, week, etc. If you have, did you respond like I recently did?  "I don't have time. I really don't want to. I don't like being uncomfortable. I've already served on mission trips."

Any of this sound familiar? Every one of these excuses passed my lips. Have you sung this song a few times when you sensed God was trying to get you to step outside your comfort zone? Yeah, me too.

But, I have found that God will keep asking. He continues to convict me and nudge me until I finally recognize what is happening. Years ago, before my very first mission trip to Honduras, I told God I had nothing to offer anyone. I was convinced that my abilities were limited to what I knew, my education, my gifts and skills. Then someone shared with me these words, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."

Yup, that wiped away all my excuses.

Matthew 10:1-10

PRAY. GIVE. GO.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NIV) And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

Just recently I began to look at giving in a new light.  It used to be I felt it was an obligation, something I owed God for all He does for me every day.  While there is truth to that, there is so much more to be said.  To be in a position to give back to Him, from my daily wages; to be able to set aside the first 10% and sometimes even more, is a blessing.

Early on in my walk with God, when my faith grew it showed by my behavior.  One major change in how I acted was with my possessions. One Christmas my husband and I decided to share an additional portion of our income with Franklin County Children Services.  That act gave a whole new meaning to giving at Christmas.

There was even a Christmas when we invited a young woman into our house who was a friend of our daughter.  She had no family.  We bought presents and shared our family time with her.  That was huge for us at that time.

I am reading of four principles of giving which we observe as faithful stewards: (1) a willingness to give enthusiastically (2) striving to fulfill our financial commitments; (3) give to others in need, they will, in turn, help you when you are in need; (4) give as a response to Christ, not for anything you can get out of it.

During this past three year season of my life when giving was difficult - it was also the only thing to do.  Now that I am coming out of this time of pruning I am ready to give in ways I never considered before.  What about you?  Is giving to a special mission fund on your list of ways to thank God for all He has done today and will do tomorrow?  Come on, it will be such fun! I am even considering one final mission trip to Honduras.  Want to join me?

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Pray, GIVE, Go

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

New International Version (NIV)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,...

During the time Paul lived, there were no books, no way to tell stories to the masses other than by word of mouth. The Holy Scrolls were written so we would know of God's love and would embrace His son, Jesus.  I am certain the men how compiled the truth and copied it on parchment knew their words would be read throughout the ages.  They recognized the importance of sharing their experiences with the world.

Because they did this we have an understanding of life in ancient days. We have examples to learn from and parables to practice.  One of the important stories Paul wanted his contemporaries as well as us to learn is giving.  Paul provided such an example in today's scripture.  He tells the people of Corinth about the sacrificial giving the Macedonian churches practiced.

The Macedonian people knew the meaning of giving.  They were poor yet they wanted to help. The amount we give is not important, it is the heart with which we give that adds value to the gift. Love is a strong motivator. Many who experience the pain of poverty also know the joys of giving.

Just thinking of my own life, I know it is those who have little to spare who share from that 'little.' Paul's words ring true today as we prepare to share with the world from our abundance. If you have ever been part of a team to travel to Honduras or Haiti or Alaska or China or Southeast Ohio you know the value of giving.

If you have worked the Community Garden, spent time with the children at the summer at the Free Lunch Program, sorted or folded clothes for the clothes closet, or volunteered at VBS, you know the meaning and the value of mission work.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9