GIVING/ OFFERING

God loves a cheerful giver. Give what you will willingly. If you don't want to give, don't. Neither should be judged by us.

I feel like many people look for an excuse not to give, rather than a reason to give.

The American church and Americans in general are too comfortable, and it’s a byproduct of our upbringing.

At the same time, the cost-of-living is crazy and America, especially in California and on the coasts is crazy.
A two bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is like $3,000 to $3,500.

Why do some people in church get sad or mad when it is giving time? I am sure kingdom worship is a passionate expression of our love and honor for God, acknowledging who He is and what He has or will do for us. Leave alone some exceptional circumstances, are we really supposed to gather in worship centres empty handed? Why do we have a "crossroads" during giving time?

God loves a cheerful giver.
There are cheerful givers in a lot of churches in America and elsewhere where there are true believers in Christ. I think it's those operating in their sin nature who get angry when there opportunities to give. Those of us who are looking for work in our field and don't have money to give, just look forward to doing so when the Lord blesses in that area. I'm trusting God for a miracle because I put off a job to look after Mom. That went for many months until the Dr murdered her. Then I got so depressed and stressed that I have had serious health problems and at risk of loosing my home and everything, October 31. I want to give but can't until I pay the state property taxes. We don't always plan for these things when distracted by severe trauma of loved ones.

Why do some people in church get sad or mad when it is giving time? I am sure kingdom worship is a passionate expression of our love and honor for God, acknowledging who He is and what He has or will do for us. Leave alone some exceptional circumstances, are we really supposed to gather in worship centres empty handed? Why do we have a "crossroads" during giving time?

How about if we just feed the sheep God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse and let them hear what God has to say rather than the words of men. Don't ask for donations. Put a locked donation box in the hallway and let the people decide whether or not to donate based on whether or not they feel they got fed God's word.

Am I allowed to invite you guys to Africa

I went to a church which did that. And of course they didn't get a lot of money. The pastor actually owned a successful construction company and the elders had their own successful small businesses and careers. This is why they were so relaxed about tithes and offerings. They followed what the Apostle Paul did in having a day job building tents.

Nevertheless, that church was pretty good! Strong, godly preaching that didn't dilute the message to draw in more people, and had a prayer ministry and a ministry to the poor and the homeless. I wish I was still there, but I moved.


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