The Real Question

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..." ~ Ephesians 3:20

Often times we want God to bless us, but we haven't prepared for it. We are asking God when is He going to show up. But He's asking us, when are we going to show we're faithful enough to handle more.

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) comes to mind. God gives more to those who are good stewards over that which He's already given.

So the question is not when is God going to give me more. The question is, when are we going to manage what He's already given.

God bless,

J.W.

Each According To His Ability (Part 4)

While each of us is given our own gifts, talents, and abilities, there are some abilities that God gives to all of us. Those include: (a) the ability to move mountains (Matthew 17:20) and (b) the power to loose and bind (Matthew 16:19)

One ability that we often miss or ignore, however, particularly in Christian circles, is found in Deuteronomy 8:18.

God says He has given us the power to get wealth. And while He gives some of us more of this ability than others (Matthew 25:15), He's given all of us this ability in some way, shape, or form.

That said, most Christians wait on God to do miracles in their lives, particularly when it comes to their finances. We often take a Red Sea approach, assuming that God will step in and create miracles out of thin air.

But Deuteronomy 8:18 says that God has given us the power to get wealth. That means we must be active participants in our wealth accumulation.

Yes, God parted the Red Sea, but the Israelites had to participate in their escape from Egypt. Moses had to be obedient and confront Pharaoh. The Israelites had to be obedient and follow Moses to the wilderness. And ultimately, Moses had to raise his staff in obedience to God's Word for the sea to part. The Israelites, led by Moses, were active participants in their deliverance.

The same is true when Jesus fed the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21. God provided the increase but the boy and the disciples provided the raw materials.

In short, God wants to give us increase but he's waiting on us to act.

Make no mistake, this is not a prosperity, name-it-and-claim-it message. The Bible does NOT teach that everybody is called to be rich. Rich Christians are NOT better nor more faithful than less well-to-do Christians. Again, God gives each according to our ability (Matthew 25:14-30). Some of us are called to be rich and have more resources. Some of us are called to have less. The Bible even says that the poor will always be among us (John 12:8).

We all have a responsibility to manage what we have well.

What the Bible DOES teach is that God will supply all of our need (Philippians 4:19). The Bible DOES teach that we are to be the head, not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). That applies whether we're rich or poor. And while wealth looks different for everybody, God unequivocally says that He's given all of us the power to produce it in some way.

The question is, how are you using that power today?

God bless,
J.W

Each According to His Ability (Part 3)

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will make you ruler over many things." ~ Matthew 25:21

Culture's method for elevation involves some combination of the following: manipulation, talent, intelligence, knowledge, hard work, determination, persistence, luck, money, charm, assertiveness, aggression, networking. In other words, society tells us we need these things to succeed.

But the Kingdom's method is revealed in Matthew 25:14-30.

For God, elevation doesn't come because of our talent, charm, or skill.

Psalm 24:1 says that "the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Do we really think that God can't find someone else with gifts?

No, God says that He can find more talent. What he's looking for is faithfulness and stewardship, particularly in the small things (Matthew 25:21).

If we manage the small things God gives us with diligence and wisdom, God will bless us with more.

In Christ, we don't have to manipulate our way to the top. We simply have to be dedicated to managing the small stuff well.

How are you managing the small stuff today?

God bless,
J.W.