Friday, April 29, 2016
It has been told that Queen Elizabeth once sent an ambassador far away on important and difficult business. He objected, saying to the queen, "But what will become of my business and my family?" The queen replied, "You take care of my business and I will take care of yours." He went because he believed that the queen would be true to her promise, and she was. I also heard the story about a wealthy business man who once asked the pastor of a small congregation if he was a tither. The minister said he couldn’t because the small salary his church gave him was barely enough to feed and clothe his family. The business man made this deal with him: “You start tithing immediately and if the Lord doesn’t bless and provide for you give me a call and I’ll take care of your needs.” Having this assurance from his rich friend, he started giving his ten percent, and he never once had to call his friend for any financial assistance. In both of these cases, these men obeyed the call because of the promises of human beings.
It has always amazed me that so many people are like that, Christians included. They will believe the assurances given them by human beings more than they believe God’s promises. There are too many of them in the Bible for me to list in this blog, but the bottom line is that those who trust and obey God will always be blessed and provided for. Peter, upon seeing a rich young man walk away from Jesus because he was not willing to part with his riches or even share them with the poor, wanted to know what he and his fellow disciples would get since, according to him, they had forsaken all to follow Him. Jesus replied in part: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”(Matthew 19:29)
Most ministers adhere to the truth that no one can out give God. He will always do more for us that we could ever do for Him. In fact, when we pray we generally get more than what we asked for. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Don’t be afraid to take a step of faith. Trust God and His promises.
Memory verse for the week: (Isaiah 41:10) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
