Comments for Freely Giving

Comment on Slay the desire to be noticed by Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:32:46 +0000

Its no doubt that how we handle our money is very important to God, not because he needs the money but because it is so deeply tied to our hearts.

As a Christian in America I especially need to be reminded that we are called to be fully devoted to God, and we cannot serve two masters.

It is almost as if giving should be no more and no less than an act of worship.

Comment on Stewardship above reproach by Erik

Erik — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:04:32 +0000

Good call Paul – I often forget diligence and hard work and that is so important. A hard worker is often seen as not a wasteful person and would be above reproach for sure.

Comment on Stewardship above reproach by Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:03:01 +0000

Great reflections on that idea, Erik! I would add that being diligent and honest in your work are important aspects as well. Also, living in a way that is not lavish or extravagant helps reinforce your witness that Christ is more important to you than earthly possessions – that you’d rather give to the poor than spend selfishly on yourself for things far beyond your needs.

Comment on Constant struggle with earthly desires by Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:45:06 +0000

I think what’s made the biggest difference to me has been focusing on God’s love for me as shown through His Son, Jesus. I now have an eternal possession that no circumstance in this life can take from me. Everything else here pales to it.

I also find myself filled with compassion when I consider the billions who live in poverty while I live in wealth (in comparison). I do not deserve what I have. I was merely lucky enough to be born in America. I could just as easily have been born in Kenya and spend each day wondering where my next meal will come from.

Again, focusing on God’s love I want to do what He commands. And His commands are clear (to me) about money and wealth. Don’t let it get in the way of serving Him. Care for the poor, give generously to the needy, and focus on the kingdom of God and His righteousness instead of earthly treasures.

It’s always a challenge I think. We still have the flesh to fight against and Satan certainly doesn’t want us to keep our minds on the things of God and His will. But we have the power of God’s Holy Spirit living in us, and He is able to help us stand and live holy lives.

Let’s continue to urge each other on toward love and good deeds so that we may continue to follow Christ and share His light with the world!

Comment on Neither poverty nor riches by Challenge of focusing on money « Freely Giving

Challenge of focusing on money « Freely Giving — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:43:04 +0000

[...] caught up in the love of money or forgetting who God is. I wrote a bit about this in my blog about Neither Poverty Nor Riches where I pointed out that the God inspired writer of that Proverb (Proverbs 30) understood the [...]

Comment on Challenge of focusing on money by Tweets that mention Challenge of focusing on money « Freely Giving -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention Challenge of focusing on money « Freely Giving -- Topsy.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:41:14 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Paul Williams, Just a Giver. Just a Giver said: Some quick thoughts on the challenge of focusing on money with a reference to Paul's (@providentplan) free e-book: http://bit.ly/dkH1D4 [...]

Comment on Challenge of focusing on money by Erik

Erik — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:22:12 +0000

Thanks Paul – I appreciate the encouragement. I want to be kingdom oriented with my finances without having to focus on it and I hope to encourage others to have the same mindset. Congrats on becoming an associate pastor at your church!

Comment on Challenge of focusing on money by Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:56:20 +0000

Thanks for sharing the link to my e-book, Erik!

I can identify with what you’re saying about the dangers of having a ministry focused on money. I get tired of talking about Christianity only in the context of finances all the time, so I try to incorporate the Gospel into what I write as well. Actually, I haven’t been able to separate the two!

But I’m also looking forward to starting as an associate pastor at my church soon where I’ll hardly ever talk about money in the Bible (because I already led a 10 week series on it in Sunday school). I think it’ll be good to have another outlet for sharing what I am learning through Scripture.

I just want to encourage you and say that I don’t see your writing being preoccupied with money and not the things of the Spirit. Blessings to you!

Comment on The Fellowship of the Believers by God’s leading to give to individuals… « Freely Giving

God’s leading to give to individuals… « Freely Giving — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 02:45:33 +0000

[...] God’s leading to give to individuals… Posted on October 9, 2010 by Erik Saw this awesome video this evening and wanted to share it. The real point is that God may decide to bless you or use you to bless someone else. Don’t be afraid to follow God’s leading to give – even if its not to a ministry but to a brother/sister in Christ. Heather talked about helping others previously in a post about the Fellowship of Believers. [...]

Comment on Radical motivation for debt free living by Neither poverty nor riches « Freely Giving

Neither poverty nor riches « Freely Giving — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:38:33 +0000

[...] wrong and can see God’s plan to prosper us. Over a month ago I also talked about having a radical motivation for debt free living – discussing briefly the story of the rich young ruler which appears in Matthew 19, Mark 10, [...]