Tag: giving

RED LIGHTS AND GREEN LIGHTS (1)

On By Isreal EtangewakIn MessageLeave a comment

TEXT:  “They tried to go…but the Spirit…would not let them.” Acts 16:7 CEV



WHEN GOD gives you a green light, you must go. And when He gives you a red light, you must stop. *“Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they went on through Mysia until they came to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from Macedonia who was standing there and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’ After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia…sure that God had called us to preach the good news there”* (vv. 6-10 CEV).

After a series of green lights, God gave Paul a red light. Why?
(1) Because the timing wasn’t right. Apollos had to go there first and lay the groundwork.
(2) Because God needed Paul and Barnabas elsewhere.
(3) Because God wanted them to be more seasoned before embarking on such a major mission.

Note the words, *“They tried to go…but the Spirit…would not let them.”* How reassuring! God loves you so much that He will save you from your own misguided plans.
The Canadian preacher A.B. Simpson said: “Often there’s nothing as godly as inactivity on our part, or nothing as harmful as restless working, for God has promised to work His sovereign will.”

Today God may be saying to you, *“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted [in this situation]”* (Psalm 46:10 NKJV). Please pay attention!

FURTHER READING:* 1 John 1:1 – 3:10, John 7:14-24, Ps 104:19-26, Pro 24:28

THOUGHTS ON GIVING

On By Isreal EtangewakIn MessageLeave a comment

TEXT:  “If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously. Romans 12:8 NIV (1995)

THE BIBLE says; *“We have different gifts…If a man’s gift is…contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously”* (vv. 6-8 NIV 1995).

Every believer receives grace for giving, but some of us have the gift of giving. Who are these people? They have a gift of making money. Everything they touch turns to gold. They have the Midas touch. They know how to make wise investments and recognize a good deal. Indeed, good deals are drawn to them like iron to a magnet. They know how to get the best return on their money. If you’re one of these people, you must realize that your ability to accumulate wealth is actually a gift from God:
*“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth”* (Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV).
God also says, *“ I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go”* (Isaiah 48:17 NKJV).
But don’t let prosperity lead you into pride. You’re not wealthy because of your ability to wheel and deal, but because God has blessed you. And He has done it for a reason; so that you can be a blessing to others.

God told Abraham, *“I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing”* (Genesis 12:2 NKJV).
That means when God taps you on the shoulder and tells you to write a check, don’t argue with Him. Just say, “How much?” You say, “Why should I do that?” Because God can not only add, He can subtract.

FURTHER READING: Eph 4:17 – 6:24, John 1:14-28, Ps 29, Pro 22:26-29