2010, oh yeah.

2010 is going to Rock!

I don't know what will happen in the stock market, I have no idea if there will be a new health bill, I certainly can't predict if all my teams will win it all, but I know that 2010 is going to be a great year. Why? Because God is asking me to give more than ever before. A couple of weeks ago we talked at Fusion about the principle of giving. And yes, we talked about money! Not everyone thinks that preacher types (am I one of those?) should discuss this subject. For me it's an easy decision. Jesus taught people about what to do with their money therefore we must do the same if we say we follow Him. In fact, the New Testament talks about money quite a bit. And it does not mince words. It says things like . .

- God must have our pocketbooks in order to have our hearts.

- The measure we use when giving of our finances is the measure we should expect in receiving.

- The true blessings of life like peace, joy and knowing His will are byproducts of honoring God in our finances.

All that being said, we often still shy away from connecting our finances with spiritual matters but we must toss this idea out as fast as possible if we believe that the Bible is true. Some people love to say how tithing is an old testament principle and that it doesn't apply anymore. But Jesus said in Matthew 5 that to be great in His Kingdom we must surpass the law in every way. "Don't murder" is no longer enough, "don't hate" is the new standard. "Don't commit adultery" is the old, "don't lust" is the new. So congratulations, you are now free to give 15 % or even 20% of your income to advance God's kingdom! Sweet!

It seems that almost everyone I talk to these days is believing God for something big in 2010. I have heard about people wanting new jobs, people starting new companies, others wanting to get out of debt, get raises at work and wanting to be able to give more than ever before. But here's the thing - there is no better way to put God in your corner in matters like these than giving a significant gift - it's just the way it is. It's true, period. Done, finished, signed, sealed, delivered. No way around it. I am not talking about tithing here (although Christians should;) I am talking about something above and beyond. An offering, a sacrifice - something significant. In fact, that is what I am challenging you with today. Give. Money. Now. Give to your church, a ministry, the poor, a friend. It doesn't matter, just invest a financial offering into the Kingdom of God. The point is to make it significant, make it a sacrifice. It is not about someone receiving, it is about you giving and envoking God to move on your behalf. At Fusion we are bringing a Christmas offering later this month. I am very excited because throughout the Bible every time people bring a monetary gift to God, He responds in an amazing way. The measure we give is the measure we receive, and I don't know about you but I have BIG plans for 2010 that will require some BIG blessings from God!

So there you have it. I have crossed the line. I have blogged about your money. But it's ok. You needed it.