God Provides Finances for His Work

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, who dwelling is in Jerusalem, together with all the silver and gold you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offering s of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 7:15-16)
  Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

        A preacher got up and told the people he had good news and bad news. He said, “The good news is that the Lord has provided all the money we need for our new building phase.” The people applauded. He then said, “The bad news is that it is still in your pockets.” One of the hardest spiritual disciplines to learn is the disciple on stewardship. Yet, stewardship is essential to growing in deep spiritual maturity and to joining God in His work.  
        In Deuteronomy 14:23, we read, “The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first.” (TLB) God deserves first place in your life and He wants to use you as a partner in His work. One of those ways is through financial partnership as you give back to Him out of what He has provided to you. God will never let anyone out give Him and He will bless the person and the people who are faithful in this area. Ezra acknowledged how God provided for the work in Jerusalem through stirring the heart of even the pagan king to give, but especially through freewill offerings of God’s people. He does the same today.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)