Leaderboard

Here's a thought. How about just giving just because we're all part of this world instead of trying to actuate a formula to get "blessed"? How about giving because you believe in what someone else is doing instead of wondering if it's Biblical, or right or if you'll receive a blessing? Isn't giving money just in order to receive a blessing sort of selfish? So how about giving without looking for a result and just being thankful that you have something to give? A lot of people hold on to their finances for dear life to save up for a vacation or something while someone across town is freezing because they can't pay their electric bill. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with saving money for a vacation but I think we should always have a mind to contribute to those in need. There's no pat answer or set percentage. Do I think God is impressed because of my small act of giving? I don't think so. I'm fortunate to have a job. I went for a long time without one. I'm fortunate to have central heat. Personally, and this is just me I'm not saying others should follow in this vain, I think it's my responsibility to give. I don't have what little I have because of anything I've done or accomplished. I think I should share what I can to help others. I have the strength and mental capacity to make a living. Some don't and through no fault of their own (sorry republicans). I don't make a great deal of money by American standards. One of my favorite parts of the Bible is when Pilate tells Jesus he has the power of life or death over him. Jesus answers that Pilate has nothing that wasn't given to him by someone else. The same is true for me. I don't have a damn thing that wasn't given to me, neither does anyone else really. So I share. Is there a verse in the Bible that requires a Christian to give a certain set percent of his income to his church? No. Is there discussion and instruction on giving in Bible? I believe there is.

I Abundantly shared in TWI.....not cheerfully at all. In fact, I dreaded doing it. When I got out of TWI, I did not share with a ministry or person. After awhile, I sent some money to two ministries. Not on a regular basis or anything, but occasionally. Last year, I decided to prove the "giving" method. I started sending a certain amount of money to a ministry. My finances increased so much I couldn't believe it. What it did for me was to finally trust God in this area. Recently, a friend had a need and she told me about it. I got up the next day and God put it on my heart to send some money to her. Then probably like 15-20 minutes, I had sat down to read the Bible and I asked God to show me something, which I always do. And He took me to 2nd Corinthians 8 & 9. I had never really read that with any effort to get a message, but it just came alive to me. Meeting the saint's needs. And then the promises that were stated, that I would have all suffiency in everything. That He would multiply my seed so I would even have more to give. That it's for an equality...so everyone has what they need. It really got me all excited. Then I just started reading Acts.....and the 3,000 that believed and were saved.....how they, the 3,000 had all things common. And they would sell their possessions to meet other needs of the saints. I started combing the book of Acts for more and it's there. It really thrilled me. I don't think we are under law at all. But, I think we have the promises about giving. Do you have to give in order to have God take care of you and give you blessings. No....I don't believe so. Because for years I didn't and I was taken care of by God. The difference is I am receiving more blessings now than I ever have. I am a lot happier now then when I was trying to hold onto my money out of fear that I wouldn't have enough. I have more than enough now. This is my experience with it. I'm sure others will say it never worked for them. I have no comment about that person's experience. I can only share my experience. . My heart about this matter has changed dramatically than when I was in TWI. I am a much happier person and I am so glad that I decided to try it. My experience, my views....only.

It's ok. Science doesn't debate it, even if internet message boards do. Evolution passes every test ever applied with %100 accuracy. It is also supported by all scientific models, the human genome sequencing, all archaeology /paleontology (fossils), and ego-diversity. It's as true as can be. Dogma need not apply.