Matt Bennett » giving

The Power of a Seed

Matt — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:02:45 +0000

A seed contains infinite possibility and potential. The possibility a seed contains will not be realized while it remains alone. That potential can only be realized when the seed is sown into the ground.

I have been born-again of holy, incorruptible seed. That seed is reproducing life in me and now I am called to sow my life for the benefit of others. My potential will be realized as I give of myself in service to God and His people.

Lord, thank you for sowing Jesus into the earth and the amazing fruit that seed is producing. Help me know how, when and where to sow my time, talents, and money for your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Widow’s Offering

Matt — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Scripture

Luke 21:1-4

Observation

Measured in dollar amounts, some gifts are certainly larger than others. $100 is obviously more than $10. God measures by a different standard though. God measures gifts by how much of a sacrifice it is and the sincerity and selflessness of the heart that gives it.

Application

I need to examine each offering to the Lord to see if it is merely a tip (giving out of my abundance) or a sacrifice that honours Him. I need to examine my heart each time I give to make sure my motives are sincere and selfless.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. Teach me to be like you. Help me purge my heart of selfishness and greed. I ask you for the courage to give not merely out of my abundance, but out of a heart that is willing to sacrifice anything for you.

Sustaining Revival

Matt — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:48:36 +0000

I fear, wherever riches have increased . . . the essence of religion, the mind that was in Christ, has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore, I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality; and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches. How then is it possible that Methodism, that is, the religion of the heart, though it flourishes now as a green bay tree, should continue in this state? For the Methodists in every place grow diligent and frugal; consequently they increase in goods. Hence, they proportionally increase in pride, in the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life. So, although the form of religion remains, the spirit is swiftly vanishing away. Is there no way to prevent this? this continual declension of pure religion? We ought not to forbid people to be diligent and frugal; we must exhort all Christians, to gain all they can, and to save all they can: this is, in effect, to grow rich! What way then, I ask again, can we take that our money may not sink us to the nethermost hell? There is one way, and there is no other under heaven. If those who gain all they can, and save all they can, will likewise give all they can, then the more they gain, the more they will grow in grace, and the more treasure they will lay up in heaven.

- John Wesley

Matt — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:12:49 +0000

He is the richest man who enriches his country most; in whom the people feel the richest and proudest; who gives himself with his money; who opens the doors of opportunity widest to those about him; who is ears to the deaf, eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. Such a man makes every acre of land in his community worth more, and makes richer every man who lives near him.