June 23, Enjoy life
Last year when I returned from Africa I wanted to sell our house, vehicles and give it all to the people of Africa. My heart was broken for the way they live and how blessed we are. The same is true this year. Our house is for sell now, we don't need that big and nice of a house. And if we do sell it I want to give money towards building a school beside our church in Africa. As I praying about all this early this morning God spoke very quietly into my heart while reading His Word. Read the following verses with me.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-for this is his lot. [19] Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God.
I have worked hard during my life and God has richly blessed me. I shouldn't feel guilty about the nice things I have. I remember a conversation with Renatus last year when he came to America. Told him I was embarrassed to take him to my home because it was so much nicer than anything he had. He responded, "Pastor Dean, you musn't feel guilty, God has richly blessed you. Enjoy your blessings."
He was right. It isn't wrong to enjoy the awesome blessings of God. But, here lies the problem. So many of us (self included) allow the nice things to drive us to wanting more. The Bible is very clear, "those with much are expected of much." I'm convinced God blesses us so we can bless others. I've come to find out the more I give away the more Gods gives me. Money is not evil, its the love of money that the Bible calls evil.
Rick Warren helped me put all this in perspective a few months ago while having lunch with him. He shared with us that God gave him millions upon millions of dollars because God knew he would give it all away. BINGO!
I no longer feel guilty for living in America and living a blessed life because I just plan on using it to grow God's Kingdom.
Tonight as I sit in my Lazy Boy after grilling a steak and watching a movie with family and friends I will not be feeling guilty but incredibly blessed. And if God sees fit to sell my house and allow me to give away some of the money, I can't wait.
Couple of random thoughts:
* Make every effort to be here Sunday and bring a friend. I truly beleive God has given me a special Word.
* Spoke with Renatus today. The well is finished and they are waiting a week for the water to clear. 5 Point of Tabora will soon be giving water away. Praise god!
* My wife has planned a special get away Thursday night and Friday for just the two of us. Looking so forward to getting away with my baby doll.
* Good to be back in the office. We're going to see some great things happen in the next couple of months. Not waiting for the fall, people are going to hell every day right now, let's go find them and share the good news of Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-for this is his lot. [19] Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God.
I have worked hard during my life and God has richly blessed me. I shouldn't feel guilty about the nice things I have. I remember a conversation with Renatus last year when he came to America. Told him I was embarrassed to take him to my home because it was so much nicer than anything he had. He responded, "Pastor Dean, you musn't feel guilty, God has richly blessed you. Enjoy your blessings."
He was right. It isn't wrong to enjoy the awesome blessings of God. But, here lies the problem. So many of us (self included) allow the nice things to drive us to wanting more. The Bible is very clear, "those with much are expected of much." I'm convinced God blesses us so we can bless others. I've come to find out the more I give away the more Gods gives me. Money is not evil, its the love of money that the Bible calls evil.
Rick Warren helped me put all this in perspective a few months ago while having lunch with him. He shared with us that God gave him millions upon millions of dollars because God knew he would give it all away. BINGO!
I no longer feel guilty for living in America and living a blessed life because I just plan on using it to grow God's Kingdom.
Tonight as I sit in my Lazy Boy after grilling a steak and watching a movie with family and friends I will not be feeling guilty but incredibly blessed. And if God sees fit to sell my house and allow me to give away some of the money, I can't wait.
Couple of random thoughts:
* Make every effort to be here Sunday and bring a friend. I truly beleive God has given me a special Word.
* Spoke with Renatus today. The well is finished and they are waiting a week for the water to clear. 5 Point of Tabora will soon be giving water away. Praise god!
* My wife has planned a special get away Thursday night and Friday for just the two of us. Looking so forward to getting away with my baby doll.
* Good to be back in the office. We're going to see some great things happen in the next couple of months. Not waiting for the fall, people are going to hell every day right now, let's go find them and share the good news of Jesus.
Comments