Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Generosity Weekend Music links on iTunes: Holding Onto Youby Mike Flathers; All Over the Worldby Matt Redman; Glory to God Forever by Fee; How He Loves Us by David Crowder. Read: Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:31-34; Isaiah 40:28-29; Psalm 50:10 Think: What is a poverty mentality? In Pastor Ben's message on The Truth About Faith and Money one of the hurdles to grace-motivated giving was overcoming a "poverty mentality". I've heard this term but wanted to know more about what it meant. The definitions I discovered indicate it as being focused on what we don't have instead of what we do have. It can be an attitude held by people all along the financial spectrum - those with little means as well as in people who 'have it all'. "I just need more" seems to be the underlying mentality. In the context of our weekend message, this is manifest in our lives as "Once I get a raise, then I can tithe", or "Boy I'd love to help with that ministry BUT..." The Bible suggests a remedy in Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" A poverty mentality leads us to an underlying anxiety about not having enough to be able to give. The Bible says push past that thought and pray with a heart full of thankfulness for what we do have. Here are two key things to be grateful for no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in today: We have God's promise of provision (Matthew 6:31-34), We have access to the Creator of the Universe (Isaiah 40:28-29) who "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10). When our attitude is solidly guided by a heart that sees and appreciates the blessings of the Father we can experience the promise of Philippians 4:7 - "...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Do: Next time you feel anxious about giving, pray the words from Philippians 4:6-7. God is working in us all to break down any barriers that stand in the way of us becoming generous givers. Thank Him for that work in your life. Pray: Father, You have been so generous to me, I am truly thankful. I know that all I have is Yours and I ask that You would teach me to trust You. Help me to become more and more like You each and every day. Amen. The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church. |