Would you Give a Year's Salary to God?

Our cell lessons on tithing and giving this month have been great. I have heard many testimonies from KP family members on how these lessons have been very helpful, informative, and inspiring. We had a great fifth Sunday giving day this past weekend after my message on God's Sufficient Grace. I'm blessed to pastor such wonderful people who respond to the word of God.

Its important that OUR MOTIVE in our giving is right...that we are kingdom- and people-minded. Many, many people pray for financial increase, but the question to ask yourself is, why do I want more? It is good to examine your motives sometimes. Do you want more material possessions to adorn your life, or do you have specific ways you want to promote God’s kingdom and bless people?

Pastor Rick Warren tells the story of how God spoke to him and his wife right before their church began their third building program. God told him to give his year's salary toward the new building. He discussed it with his wife and they obeyed God. Weeks later he received a call from a book publisher asking him to write a book. The book was called "The Purpose-Driven Life" which went on to become one of the best-selling books of all time. From that time on, Pastor Warren has never taken a salary from his church and until this day has a set salary he receives from the proceeds of his book.

Would God speak to me and tell me to give a year's salary to His work? Why not? The widow in the bible gave all she had which was proportionally more than what Rick Warren gave. God wants to grow our faith and if we will hear his voice He will ask us to give to Him something that will cost us greatly. And one more thought here...we don't necessarily have to wait to hear God's voice before we give. There are times the compassion of Jesus in us compels us to give. Have you ever been there? I have and its in those times I don't need to wait for God to speak to me, He already has through the love of Christ He has put in me.

Have a great Wednesday!

-Pastor