On the Go - October 8, 2008

The generosity of a Christian should go beyond what others think excessive.

Live it
One of the problems in the church today is the tracking of financial giving by its members. This process as mandated by federal law for 501-C3 corporations, is necessary to maintain the church tax-exempt status. This provision allows individuals to contribute to and through the church and thereby reduce their personal tax exposure. Should this open door be closed, contributions would shrink, end of tax year giving would all but cease, employees would be laid off, property taxes would be imposed on church assets, and no doubt, all churches would down-size and some might even close.

If Jesus had been speaking in America and an IRS agent, Equal Opportunity representative and Federal Employment officer listened to him speak about money and employment, they would have questioned every assertion he made. They would have no doubt asked to see his financial records, threatened him, and watched everything he and the disciples did from that point on. So much for the right hand knowing what the left hand is doing and for the Scriptural principle of privacy in giving.

Pray it
There's nothing as gratifying as helping to meet someone's need and nothing as sublime as You being the only One who knows, Lord. We your people, need a cleansing from worldly indoctrination and once again learn what separation feels like. In these Last Days, it will come to pass regardless of what we do, but it would be great to obey before Satan springs his trap and can say, "Gotcha!"

Resources
If both mother and baby have a say in a matter of abortion, a split vote means you do nothing. (2000)
Do you really want to know God's word, even if you fear judgment and rebuke? (2001)
No one will confess your sin for you (2002)
Do you exhibit proof of your salvation? (2003)
Our obligation for salvation is to honor God and be obedient to His word. (2004)
Devotional (2005)
Devotional (2006)
God's blessing is usually proportional to the degree of our obedience. (2007)
Just how long should we mourn? . (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach both of us to trust your Word without compromise.

My children.
Remind my children of Scripture as they contemplate action today.

Their school.
Teach our children character as much as knowledge.

Their teachers.
Give my children teachers with godly character.

My children's friends.
Protect my kids from taking advice from ungodly friends.

My friends.
Teach me how to be a good friend to another person today.

My work.
Give my business a firm foundation on which to grow spiritually.

My city.
Guard our leaders from making laws that lead people to sin.

Governmental leaders.
Give our city godly leaders upon who you have influence.

My country.
Refresh our memory of the spiritual foundation upon which our country was founded.

My President.
Teach him to regard life as You do.

My church.
Humble us if we've taken our eyes off you and put them on men and programs.

My pastor.
Make our pastor a man of prayer that leads a people of prayer.

My church leadership.
Restore the joy of those church leaders who are serving without passion.

Sister churches.
Use all the Spirit-filled churches in this area to make a real impact on the lost.

Persecuted churches.
Provide the needs of persecuted brothers and keep moles away from the flock.

Missionaries.
Give them creative means to teach the Gospel that inspires a thirst for the Living Water

The sick..
Comfort those suffering from illness.

The lost.
Give me boldness to speak the gospel without compromise.

Those in despair.
Heal the hurt in the heart of those who have lost a loved one.

Those in the hospital.
Use doctors and nurses today to do your work.

Those grieving.
Comfort those grieving and build in them a spirit of trust to replace the doubts.

Widows.
Give us a heart for those in need and feet to move when your Spirit moves.

Orphans.
Place orphans in the care of godly men and women who know you.

Myself.
Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to your Name.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.