This Week's Topic: Finding Financial Peace

Premise

The only way to financial peace is straight through a giving and generous heart.

First to the Lord

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."     
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV)         


Reflect

On Paul’s Missionary journeys he was also collecting donations to help with famine relief back in Jerusalem. He found the Thessalonians to be leaders in generosity. Therefore Paul  praised them for their generosity while simultaneously teaching the Corinthians and us the key elements of what it means to be godly stewards of our money.

What are those teachings? First, their trials plus their joy plus their poverty led to  rich generosity. Second the gave themselves first to the Lord, then to those in need, and that resulted in rich generosity beyond their ability to give.

I find it compelling that poverty and trials led the Thessalonians to generosity. I find it incredibly compelling and completely logical that giving oneself to the Lord results both in desire to give and in giving beyond what the checkbook says I’m capable of.

Prayer

“Lord, I confess to being selfish with my resources, with my wealth. Lord please trigger in me a generous spirit which leads me to give 'beyond my ability'. Amen "