THE GIFT OF TITUS
How to Balance
Your
Checkbook

 

         As I was pondering recently over the best way to invest money in the Lord’s kingdom, I read some scriptures that reminded me that Christians are to help each other, even financially.
         We’ve been taught to give our tithe. We give to a church, unknown missionaries, and even community projects or worldly organizations that play on our guilt and sympathy. I’m not saying these are wrong, but there is a much wiser way to give.
         When I read 2 Corinthians 8, my eyes were opened to a new way of giving. Actually, not new at all, but so un-used and un-preached, that many sincere Christians aren’t even aware of it, or how to work it.

The Unspeakable Gift
Of Giving

         In 2 Corinthians 9:15, we read: “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.”
         Of course, Christ is our first gift, but He brings many others with Him. And since these chapters (2 Corinthians 8 & 9) are about giving, we can very well say that God used Titus and his unnamed friend, to deliver the “Gift of Giving.”
         Titus and his friend had such a strong handle on this gift that Paul asked them to deliver this gift which is also called a “grace”. Titus was addicted to this message.

I Found the Gift

         I found this gift through a new revelation for me in 2 Corinthians 8:15. “As it is written, HE THAT HATH GATHERED MUCH HAD NOTHING OVER; AND HE THAT HAD GATHERED LITTLE HAD NO LACK.”

 

         This is the way they lived. When they had all they needed for their families, and found that they had some left over,…this was to be given to other Christians who were in need. Then, if they were in need, others would help them by giving what was left over each month. There seems to be a Purpose for this Giving and A Plan of Action for me follows.
         “Oh, Lord. I see now. I want to do that!” What I felt in my spirit is explained in 2 Corinthians 8:11. I had the “willingness” to give.
         But, HOW to do this, I wasn’t sure. I would have to ask my Heavenly Husband, Who knows all about finances and How I could be wise in my giving. I knew He would teach me, even a little bit at a time.

         l. First, I received knowledge from God’s Word of what I should do.
         2. Second, I experienced a great desire to do that.
         3. He made it clear in Verse 13, that He didn’t mean for me to do
                  Without or be burdened by giving to someone else’s needs.
                  There would be plenty left over if I were willing and obedient.

HOW TO BALANCE
MY
CHECK BOOK

         All I could picture was balancing my check book at the end of the month, and what was left over, I would give to others in need.
         Erggk…. I can feel some of you pulling back in fear right now. Our Lord is constantly saying, “Fear Not.” So please do yourself a favor and read to the end of this Fresh Bread…. I know you read to the end of the Bible and found His Good News. This is my personal experience and revelation. You will have to ask God for yourself if He means it for you, also. Remember: He just wants to talk to you personally. ASK Him for yourself, please.
         As I continued to picture this possibility, I saw my check book at the end of the month, having a ZERO balance. That, of course, would require me to keep much better records than I had in the past. I knew “about” what I had, but would have to keep a closer watch over what God had already given me.
         So after all the bills were paid, insurance and savings deducted, I could at least begin by giving the balance to other Christians who needed it.

VERY IMPORTANT STEP

         NOW…this is a very important step. I would not do this without the leading of the Holy Spirit. I felt led to give to 5 people this month.
         God’s first caution to me, was not to give it just because I saw a need.
         I was to give only as directed by the Holy Spirit. In order to do this I would have to spend some time listening to His directions.
         I had a “need to give” now…but not to “waste” it.
         Not only did I want to be obedient to this new “Gift of Giving”, but I also wanted to plant it as a seed for increase.
         So the Holy Spirit asked, “Where do you see good soil? Who do you know that is already producing for My Harvest, yet are having a struggle?” The answer to these questions would be one form of good soil.
         Another field may not appear to need my seed, but I fervently believe in the work they are doing and want to see them do even more.
         God has placed many brothers and sisters in my life who need financial help…but He has not directed me to give to them this month.
         I’m excited to think about who it will be next month. My legalistic (ugh) mind, wanted to ask if these people tithed, but God would not let me go there. “Thank You, Lord. I am not in control of this gift; You are. And I have to forgive myself for unknowingly keeping money that belonged to someone else.”
         So the Lord and I sat down to make the big decision. When the 5 were chosen, we had come into a delightful agreement about who they were and how much to give this month.
         I knew in my heart that I was not giving to win favor for myself…but Favor for God. It’s all His anyway…and my desire is to disperse it as He chooses.
         It may not seem much this month, but a whole lot more than I gave last month. And since it is seed planted in good soil, chosen by God and revealed to me, I do expect to see my balance increase each month. As I understand this principle better each month, it will become a productive way of life for me…with excellent benefits of increase.
         The more I have left over, the more I can enjoy this “Gift” that Titus was given…and he delivered to the church.
         And I can stand firmly on God’s Word:
         “Now, He (God) that ministereth SEED to the SOWER (you and me), both minister BREAD for YOUR FOOD, and MULTIPLY your SEED SOWN, and INCREASE the fruits of your righteousness.             
          Being enriched in EVERY THING to ALL bountifulness, which causeth through us Thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10).

THANKS FOR BEARING
WITH ME
TO THE END

         I do so hope you understand that God has a plan for each of us and the plan He gives me may not be the one He has for you. But you will never know for sure until you ASK Him for yourself. Fear Not! He is Gentle and Wise and has a special plan for your life. If you choose not to “think about it”, you may have chosen not to have a Great Discussion with your Maker. He will surprise you with His Wisdom and Love for you.
          For those who would like to read a little more about this, you can go where I found it in  2 Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9, and especially 8:11-15.

CHECK IT OUT!

         “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”(Luke 6:38).
           I truly believe that God does not lie. So, when I am able to work my way down to a ZERO Balance in my check book, I thoroughly expect Him to replenish it (with interest) and provide multiplied sources for His Word to go forth into many lives. I also expect Him to show me where and how to use it according to His will and Desires…not just for me but for my others.