“All I have has been given to me by our generous God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 27, 2021
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35
I love how the Lord speaks to us at times we wouldn’t expect. Lately, an instruction has been coming to mind that I believe is Jesus telling me to be generous. That phrase is: “I want you to be a funnel.” To me, these words are a reminder to be a financial funnel.
This means that the financial blessings He gives me through the work I do are to be shared. I am not to hoard them for myself and my family, although he does delight in giving good gifts to His children. Instead, when He gives me an abundance, which is above and beyond what we need in our family, He wants me to give to others by seeing myself as a funnel where financial blessings flow through me.
I’ve been thinking about how being a financial funnel—and thereby a blessing—can only happen when three important beliefs are embraced:
First, God owns everything. So often we believe that the money we receive is solely because of our hard work, because of a degree we earned, a special skill we attained, or some other talent. Certainly, God provides for us through the work we do. But ultimately all we have comes from His hand. Without him, we would have nothing. “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). When we can keep in mind that God owns everything, we can give out of a generous heart.
I recently heard a story of a man who has achieved a high level of financial independence and wealth through his business. As a result, he has been able to enjoy many luxuries in life. One day he was staying at the Ritz Carlton with his wife and thinking about how awesome it all was, the Lord spoke to him and said, “You didn’t get yourself here.” In that moment, this man who wasn’t a Christ follower, believed that everything he has came from God’s hand and he gave his life to Christ. The first step to becoming a financial funnel is to recognize that God owns everything.
Second, God is your Provider. Yes, He owns everything, but He will also care for you. You need not ever operate from a poverty mentality or a position of lack. If you fear that God will not care for you, you may hold onto everything you have and not share. A heart that is controlled by fear or materialism cannot be a funnel. But when you know you are God’s beloved child and that He cares for you, you can give.
Third, you are called to be a good steward. This step is more practical. It may involve educating yourself about how to make your money work in a way so you can be a bigger blessing. It may involve learning how to cut down on debt or invest. And, it will certainly involve living below your means. To be a financial funnel, you don’t have to wait to be rich or have more to give. You can start giving right now.
Indeed, it is more blessed to give than to receive because when we give, we are demonstrating the abundance of his heart. He is our Generous Giver. We can be generous givers too! In this there is great joy.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your provision. I acknowledge that all you have given me is yours. I recognize you as my Provider, and I commit to learning to be a good steward so that I can bless others the way you have blessed me. Amen.
Application
Learn something this week about how to be a good steward, then take a step of growth in that area, whether it’s opening a savings account, meeting with a financial planner to help eliminate your debt, or something else.
Related Reading
1 Chronicles 29:14; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 3:9
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Worship Resource
Vintage Worship – Generous Giver
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