I was speaking with my son last night. The issue of giving stirred me to share with him the hidden manna that God bestows upon us, leaving the shallow in heart unsatisfied. In my previous post I stated God's blessings can come very disguised. I think it's important to understand this so we may express our intent on giving properly. In other words, not give to get gain, but give so God may move on us as He desires.
I asked my son, in the story of Lazurus and the rich man, who was really blessed?
Lazurus was a begger with sores, which the dogs licked. He ate crumbs for a meal, was probably very unsightly to look at, had a reputation of being rejected and was most likely a man we would look at with disgust.
On the other hand, the rich man fared sumptously every day, wore fine clothes, and lived in ease in a nice house (American dream).
The American church has clearly painted the picture of the "Rich Man" blessing. More is the result of being blessed. Less is the result of being damned (having sinned). This may not be what is actually said, but it is the hidden message.
In the end, who was blessed? Who was in the will of God?
Until we understand this, our slide will be downward. God will be the bank instead of the Creator. We will hold back what belongs to Him. This vapor of time will strangle us with, "Mine, it's all mine!" We will choose well watered plains instead of the wilderness, pitching our tent towards cities of death. We will fight over tithes, offerings, and things because this is where the blessing is. Our scales will be corrupt. Our temples will become den's of thieves. A false balance will be our way.
A few years ago when we were on the verge of bankruptcy, I laid upon the floor of my office begging God for comfort. Church problems, financial problems, mid-life changes, all this brought me to my knees. I had started an Insurance business in total faith, hoping to secure some kind of income for my wife and I. Our bank account ran dry and things looked very bleak. We were in trouble; or were we???
Looking back, I realize God did a work in me in that moment of despair which gave me eternal focus and determination. Even if all is lost, God is all that matters; I understood this in a powerful, new way. This was not the only time where the Lord corrected my way of thinking. Doing the Lord's work has been a selling out experience ever since I obeyed His command to "GO". I have experienced joy from the dungeon and have learned to sing at midnight. This will carry me to the end of this life if I'll hold dear to my heart the priceless wisdom of freefall faith; all or nothing.
I learned a great deal in Marine Corps boot camp. In this training, it was all or nothing. You gave a 110%. You sold out to the USMC. The result was total transformation. When I became a Christian in the Military, I carried this thinking into my walk with God. The World knows. They know how to make the best. Marines being the elite fighting force on Planet earth comes with a price; EVERYTHING! Underneath the pain of training, discipline, and the forsaking of a past life was the hidden blessing of real change, something recruits don't think much about.
His hidden blessings are the best. I hope I will never barter away this understanding for the counterfiet idea, more means right. If we fien from this thinking, we will fall into His arms as a little child with total confidence. This change of heart will lead us to, "Father, what is mine is Yours. Nothing will separate me from knowing You. Not the kingdoms of this world, not a job, not a church which has faltered away from You. My realationship with You has no restraint. I love you Lord, with my ALL!"
God Bless!
