Money (4) How much do I give?

In determining how much we should give, we must be careful to listen to the Spirit leading us. We will only hear Him if we are living free from sin. Sin blocks our ability to discern the prompting of the Spirit upon our spirits.

First of all, our giving should be free. Jesus said in Matthew 10:8, “Freely you received, freely give.” All that we have is from God, and He commands us to give freely. We cannot do this if we are enslaved to a lender or to the love of money itself. Our giving must be free, not expecting something in return, not looking for approval or honor before men, but simply because we have the privilege of doing so. We are not to wait for somebody to do us a favor or to earn a gift from us, but we are to give freely from the heart, even if a person or ministry does nothing that particularly benefits us.

Secondly, giving is to be secret. Matthew 6:3-4 says, “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” We will have had our reward in full if we are seeking to give for the sake of looking good to others. There approval and applause is the sum total of the benefit that we will receive from our giving. There will be no spiritual benefit or eternal reward. If we give in secret so that we don’t give others a chance to judge us, envy us, compare with us, or applaud us, then we will have treasure in heaven and honor yet to come. We are not to let others know what we are giving. It is to be so secret that even our left hand is not to know what our right hand is doing. There are few joys on earth as being able to freely give to others without anybody else knowing.

Thirdly, we are to give according to our ability (Ezra 2:69, Nehemiah 5:8, 2 Corinthians 8:3, 12). We give as much as we are able. We are not to give fifty percent and put ourselves on the street. In some cases God may (and does) lead a person to give an amount that is far out of proportion to their earnings, but God does not require us to put ourselves in a compromising financial situation. We freely give because we have first freely received. We can’t give what we don’t have, and we are not to put our families at risk of not having a home to live in or food to eat. I believe that the clear Biblical teaching is to give as one is able. It is almost always possible to give at least ten percent. Since Abraham set the example and God instituted the tithe, that is a good amount to set as a baseline.

Though we are not compelled to keep the Law, God does write the law on our hearts. Thus, it seems unwise and unbiblical to undercut what was done in the Old Testament. Giving is according to our ability. God understands that life is hard and costs a lot. We must meet our debts and expenses so as to keep a good testimony before men. What good does it do to give to a charity and then fail to pay a bill or bounce a check? We do more good for the kingdom by living in balance and following God’s leading over time.

Fourthly, there are times that God will move us to give above what we feel able to do (2 Corinthians 8:3). This is not the rule, but there are instances where God will call us to give in such a way that really requires faith on our part. This is one of Gods’ ways to cause us to experience growth in Christ through an increasing need to rely upon Him in faith. If this is the case, God will make it clear. Sometimes the call is not just to an individual but to a church. The neat thing is that the giving of one church can meet the needs of the other. And maybe after a time the church that gave is itself in need and others are able to meet their need. The church is to “have all things in common” so that all among it have what they need (Acts 2:44, 4:32).

Fifth, we will reap in proportion to that which we sow. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” In other words, those who give generously will themselves be given back to generously by God. No one can say exactly how God will repay a person’s generosity or exactly when it will happen, so we must beware of any who claim to know the mind of God in regard to our finances. God honors those who give to His work bountifully, abundantly, and generously. This is why being satisfied simply because we meet some tithing standard is not God’s intention when it comes to giving. He is looking to see what the attitude is of our hearts.

Sixth, we are not to give out of duty and against our will but cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says that our giving is not to be done “grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The word for cheerful means just that, cheerful, implying a great joy on the part of the giver. The giver is not trying to satisfy the harsh expectations of a deity nor is he supposed to be giving begrudgingly and against his will. Giving is a “want to” thing. God moves in a person to give joyfully and cheerfully. The word could also mean “prompt or ready to act.” In other words, this person is eager to give, chomping at the bit to have the Lord lead Him to give. Giving is from a “want to” mentality rather than a “have to” mentality. There is a great difference between law and grace.

Seventh, we give as the Lord leads us individually. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart.” We don’t give because our pastor motivated us by giving us a guilt trip about tithing. We don’t give so that we can get God off of our backs. We don’t give to earn God’s favor. We give because the Lord has led us to give. The Holy Spirit will lead each person to give as they ought. The ability of each person is different, the specific areas to which they enjoy giving might be different, and God leads individually because of an individual will. There is no uniform standard for exactly how much God’s people should give (though I do see ten percent as a Biblical baseline). That we give from an eager and cheerful heart is essential. If we are not purposing in our heart to give or if we find that we have no desire to give, we had better ask the Lord why these things are the case. It is one thing to be unsure about a church or a ministry and be hesitant to give to it. It is another thing to be hesitant to give altogether. God honors in His way and in His timing those who give from a pure heart. We must not judge one another for how much they give, especially since giving is supposed to have been done in secret. God is faithful, and will see to it that needs are met according to how He defines needs. We must just be faithful to give as He leads us in our own hearts.

The end result of giving is that our brothers and sisters in Christ rejoice for how God has moved His church to give to Him. It is beautiful to see how God provides funds in one place to finance work in another. Giving is an indescribable gift in and of itself. The world cannot understand this as they do not enjoy giving for the most part; they enjoy getting. The Christian’s way is backwards, getting much more joy out of giving than receiving. Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

So how much should we give? I can’t tell you that because it is your secret between you and God and He alone must lead you. Use these principles and listen to the Spirit of God in your heart. Be mindful that God started with ten percent so that is a good baseline value to start with. Yet don’t get caught up in standards but let giving be fun and joyous so that it is the gift that God made it to be. We received from God freely so let us freely give in return. He alone owns all things.

Money (3) Giving

“You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can't forget. Those are your 'friends.'” “Keep us, Lord, so awake in the duties of our callings that we may sleep in Thy peace and wake in Thy glory” John Donne

A Principle instruction, to all believers.

All believers are exhorted, advised and even straightforward: instructed, to get involved, in giving.

Giving of our time, our experience, our expertise, our love, our resources and our money.

Let us take a look at a previously quoted passage of Scripture:

Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again. (MKJV )

“Give” according to the Strongs : Greek : didōmi, did'-o-mee

“A prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternate in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, properly or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection): - adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield.”

By implication of the Scripture, we first have to give, before any receiving will take place. Yet we go about back to front. “Lord, if you bless me and give me, I will give back.”

The Kingdom of God is a “Kingdom”, it is not a loan institution or a bank, where we make withdrawals and arrange some sort of a payback arrangement.

Jesus says in Luke 12:34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Whatever it is that we most value will be what we set our heart upon. It will also be what we think most upon.

In the “western” culture in particular, but throughout the world as well, people seek after riches.

Yet Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Jesus knows that it is a common problem among men to live under the slavery of the next dollar, yen, ruble, or what have you. Money rules, money has power, and money enslaves. This is the way it is on the earth.

Yet Christ is telling us to stop running the treadmill of storing up treasure on earth and chasing the lure of the almighty coin. We can’t serve Him properly if we are preoccupied with money.

Wealth is a gift from God who allows some to be rich and some to be poor.

The issue is not how wealthy a person is but how they handle their wealth. We must understand that wealth is not ours but God’s, Who is our Master.

If we think that the money is ours, then it has mastered us. We are but caretakers and stewards of our Master’s belongings. God owns all things, and we own nothing, spiritually speaking.

So how does a person get enslaved by money?

They worry about it, think about it, get preoccupied with it, get stingy with it, pat themselves on the back for giving a fraction of a percent, and enslave themselves to plotting how they can get more of it. They essentially worship money, as it becomes the desire of their heart and the centerpiece of their lives. If only they can have the next whatever, then they will be happy. As the saying goes, “How much more money do you need? Just one dollar more.” If this is our attitude, we have become enslaved. We must be all right with what we have been given.

How does one know if they are enslaved?

Ask God how He wants you to use your money. Let Him have control over the checkbook. If He says to give more than the ten percent, which is standard, see how your heart handles it. If you get bitter, struggle, or fight with God about it, then likely you are enslaved. Does your heart moan and groan when you have to write a check to give to God or to His work? Do you find yourself thinking about money and getting rich? If you think about money and material things more often than God, there is likely a battle of allegiances.

The overarching Biblical theme is that God owns all, and we are to view what He allows us to have, receive, earn, and give as that over which He is totally sovereign. If we do not, we are controlled by money, regardless of whether we feel like it or not. In admitting that God is in control, it means that what we spend our money on and what we give to is ruled by the leading of God.

We must understand that God owns all of our money, assets, and resources. This does not mean that from a legal, economic, and societal standpoint that we don’t own anything, for we do. Private ownership is key to a free society, and those in the Scriptures owned belongings. Otherwise, why would God command us not to steal? God is in control over our finances, and we must surrender to that fact or be enslaved by the lust and lure of money, possessions, belongings, and more, more, more, more.

Money (2)

Rom 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God---what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect

John 10:9 I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for--will freely go in and out, and find pasture. 10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. ( Message Bible )

Joh 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ( MKJV )

A passage of Scripture that is so often used to describe the fact that, followers of Christ – should experience abundance in their lives. It is a passage often quoted during the Offering messages, to confirm and reiterate the fact that in our giving and because we are followers of Christ, we should be living in abundance.

Nothing wrong with that statement either. Of course Jesus came so that we may experience a better life, that we may have a life of hope and a future.

The question that comes to mind then is this: “If Scripture promises us a life of abundance, of prosperity, of lacking nothing! Why is it then that the churches are not filled, with prosperous, well to do givers. Why is there, in so many instance, still a lack in the lives of so many, well meaning, honest and sincere givers. Why is it that some experience the promise of abundant living, wealth and prosperity, and still, others are struggling to get ahead in life? Yet, they give into offerings, they supply finances to worthy causes in the church, they give gifts and, do what is right, according to what they know.”

“when you experience too much month at the end of your money”.

Is it not perhaps, because there is a set of rules to be followed, principles to be adhered to, before one will experience the abundance.

Just about every fact or facet of Godly living, is governed by rules, rules that were set out by a very loving and caring Father, who went about the setting of these rules, in order for us, to have fruitful lives. Rules that are there, not to restrict us, but to protect us.

Why then, would there be no rules, when it comes to finances?

Perhaps there exists, in Scripture, a guideline or guidelines, which we need to follow, before we can access the “storehouse of heaven”.

I believe firmly, that God has set in place, as for everything in life, certain, rules, precedents and principles, which we need to, apply and adhere to, before we can reap the benefits.

I believe that, in order to receive the blessing, like many other brothers and sisters in Christ, who are living “in the blessings”, we perhaps need to first discover these principles and rules, if you will, in order to master the art of finances in God’s Kingdom.

Surely one can not attempt to play one sport based on the rules of another sport. You can not play tennis, on the rules of soccer or boxing based on the rules of chess. It would be ridiculous and would create a lot of confusion.

So then, let us investigate what the Word of God would say on the rules of finances. But, let us do this prayerfully and with the guidance of His Holy Spirit and let us use the Bible to interpret the Bible. Let us also look at what many other well read and learned men and women of God have to say on the subject.

True prosperity is the ability to meet the needs of mankind in any realm of life:

We must renew our minds to what true prosperity is (Romans 12:1, 2).

Prosperity starts with your soul (3 John 2).

Prosperity means to excel to the place desired.

Prosperity means making good progress in the pursuit of anything desired.

True prosperity will always go away from selfishness and extend toward others.

Prosperity is an inward attitude, not just an outward gathering of possessions.

Prosperity deals with every area of life—spirit, soul and body

The word “prosperity” in the original Hebrew was used as a parting utterance:

The original definition was ‘to be on the right path and have a successful journey in life.’

God wants Believers to have a prosperous journey in life (Genesis 24:21; Romans 1:10).

Usage of the word prosperity changed over time to mean success in profitability and material gain (1 Corinthians 16:2).

The word prosperity should now be used to mean wholeness and continued well being in every area of life.

God wants Christians to be successful in every area of life—health, relationships, and careers. (Psalm 35:27).

Money

Some time ago I was blessed to visit Oxford - while there I paid a visit to one of the oldest library / museums in the world - the Bodlean Library - I also visited the Christ Church complex where Thomas Wycliffe translated the Bible for the first time from latin to English and at the Bodlean I actually saw some of his original manuscripts. An incredible experience for me.

But that got me thinking - How much we owe to other people who put in major efforts so that we may enjoy the Word and the Gospel.

If it were not for generous givers - some would never even hear the gospel.

Mar 12:41 Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. 42 One poor widow came up and put in two small coins--a measly two cents. 43 Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. 44 All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford--she gave her all."

And

Mat 26:14 That is when one of the Twelve, the one named Judas Iscariot, went to the cabal of high priests 15 and said, "What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They settled on thirty silver pieces. 16 He began looking for just the right moment to hand him over.

Two very contradicting situations involving money..... The widow gave her money as an offering - a sacrifice to the temple, for the purpose of God`s work. But the Sanhedrin, the so-called keepers of the doctrine gave the money for the work of evil.

What do we do with our money - with the supply we received from God in the first place.

Do we give so that the Gospel may be advanced and brought to a lost and dying world or do we waste it in the world.

There is no problem in spending money on good and wholesome entertainment - but what about sowing into the Kingdom - sowing so that others may reap. Yes we will reap as we sow - but what about putting that motive aside for a change. Thinking about the times others sowed and we reaped!

Let us sow into the kingdom, into the ministry and the church, so that in generations to come, others may enjoy the experience of salvation and the gospel.

Three Kicks in Every Dollar

William Allen White, a famous newspaper editor in Emporia, Kansas, once gave a 50 acre tract of land to the city for a park. At the dedication, he made the strange statement that there are "Three kicks in every dollar." He explained, "One kick is when you make it-and how I love to make a dollar! One is when you save it-and I have the Yankee lust for saving. The third kick is when you give it away-and the biggest kick of all is the last one."

It seems Mr. White discovered on his own what Jesus taught 20 centuries earlier: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Act_20:35). Do you believe that? Want a big kick? Make a lot of money! Want an even bigger kick? Give your money to a worthy cause.

There is a "kick" in seeing needy people helped. There is a "kick" in seeing your money carry the good news everywhere. There is a "kick" in seeing your church touch the spiritual needs of the unsaved.

You, too, can get three "kicks" out of every coin earned.

It’s a done deal! (Sermon NCC Alberton 26th Sept 2010)

Way to often we ask God to intervene on our behalf. We plead for favor in a certain situation.

Nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with asking God. He is our heavenly Father and yes, He will undertake for us. But, how about this:

Jos 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, I have given that to you, as I said to Moses.

“Given”: Past tense, already done, the matter has already been settled.

All we have to do, is go in and occupy.

Jos 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed. For Jehovah your God is with you in all places where you go.

When we intend to move in and occupy, we only need to do a couple of things:

1. Be sure that it is in the will of God. Is this what He would want for my life? Would the `occupation` bring glory to His name? If the answer is ‘yes’, then ‘move in and occupy’

2. When moving in and setting up, the world, friends, enemies, situations would want to discourage us. Sinister little whispers in the ear that would say “you can not do this” or “ it’s impossible – you do not have what it takes” or “you will never generate the finances”. But. We need to take care and “Be strong and of good courage”

3. When things do come against us, we need to remind ourselves “. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed. For Jehovah your God is with you in all places where you go.” If the Creator of everything tells me not to fear, that He will be with me wherever I go, courage should occupy my every fiber. Then I cannot allow myself to feel like a loser, the Creator is with me, therefore all of creation stands at the ready, to cheer me on.

Pro 20:26 A wise king scatters the wicked and brings the wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, searching all the inward parts of the belly. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy.

Nothing can stand in the way of a determined soul that obeys God.

Helen Keller, deaf, dumb, and blind, joyously welcomed those who tunneled into her imprisoned soul by means of the single nerve of sensation in the palm of her hand, allowing her to conquer vast fields of knowledge. At 14 years of age, she received $250 for a magazine article. How this ought to shame some of us who lie down lazily in front of obstacles, which a little pluck and self-denying exertion would carve into a stairway for higher achievement.

Joel C. Gregory writes:

"The testing we go through demonstrates the genuineness of our faith. In the phrase 'the testing of your faith, 'the word 'testing 'is an almost untranslatable word. The Williams version explains it as showing what is "genuine in your faith." The idea refers to iron ore that has gone through the refining fire and comes out the other side clean and pure and genuine. This is the word Job used when he said, 'When he has tried me in the fire, I will come out like gold.'

"Actually, there may be something suspect about a faith that has never been tested. An army going through basic training is not ready for battle. Not until soldiers have faced the battle and been under fire, do they consider themselves proven, hardened, worthy. A ship cannot prove that it's been sturdily built as long as it stays in dry dock. Its hull must get wet; it must face a storm to demonstrate genuine seaworthiness. The same is true of our faith. When we hold fast to belief in Christ in spite of life's storms and crushing criticism, that's when we demonstrate the genuineness of our faith."

Our job, during occupation, is to remain courageous, not to fear and to realize that God is with us.

How do we do this:

1. LUKE 8:23 On the way across, Jesus lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.

· So many people are driven -- feeling and acting like the responsibility for running the whole world is on their shoulders.

· But Jesus was able to relax. Arguably, He had an important job to do. Yet He had balance in His life. He knew when it was time to take a nap.

· Jesus also spent whole nights in prayer. So, His example does not encourage laziness or apathy. Just balance -- and trust in God, instead of worry.

2. HEBREWS 10:23 He who promised is faithful.

· The devil is trying to get you to doubt God and His Word. The devil wants you to give up on God, to not trust Him, to not expect Him to do what He said in His Word.

· Do not give up! God can be trusted.

· Someone who loves you enough to die in your place can be trusted. Someone who created all that you see, and all that you don't see, can be trusted to handle whatever you face.

3. TITUS 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,

· God is not a liar. Whatever He says comes to pass!

4. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

· God is trustworthy. Don't be moved by the circumstances. God will not fail you.

· You may find it difficult to believe -- but it's true – God loves you. His love for you is not based on your appearance or your performance -- but on the fact that you are His creation - His child.

· Just as a good parent loves their children, so God loves His children - and even more so. You will not be able to make God stop loving you, no matter what you do or don't do. You can displease Him, you can disappoint Him, you can anger Him – but you can't make Him stop loving you.

What are the practical consequences of God loving you?

First, it means you can trust Him. No one who truly loves you will mistreat you.

Second, it means God is doing all He can to help you and bless you.

"Then why am I not more blessed, if God wants to bless me?"

Because you must cooperate with God to receive His blessing. That is why we need continuing instruction from the Bible – so we can know how to receive all that God has for us.

The promise of Jesus is that if we continue in His Word it will reveal the truth to us and make us free. That is the blessing which God has provided for you through Christ because He loves you: true freedom!

Freedom from fear, freedom from confusion,

freedom from lack, freedom from sickness,

freedom from strife,

freedom from sin.

JOHN 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Many people are afraid that God's Word will put them in bondage -- because of the rules they think they will have to follow.

But Jesus said God's Word would make you free.

Abide means to live, to continue, or to spend time somewhere. If you continue to spend time in Jesus' Word -- you will know the truth.

When you know the truth, you will act on that knowledge – and acting on the truth will make you free!

The Bible, especially the message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, will set you free if you continue in it.

We are not guaranteed instant results, although sometimes they do happen. Freedom is certain, however, if you stick with God's Word. Jesus gave His guarantee!

If you are not enjoying freedom in any area of your life – you have not continued in God's Word enough in that area. Feed it in: speak it, sing it, read it, write it, think it, dream it!

Some may think it would be a sin to "take a nap" because we should always be working. But Jesus never sinned, and we may safely follow His example, and keep our lives in balance.

Communion

Jesus Took A Nap

LUKE 8:23 On the way across, Jesus lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.

So many people are driven -- feeling and acting like the responsibility for running the whole world is on their shoulders.

But Jesus was able to relax. Arguably, He had an important job to do. Yet He had balance in His life. He knew when it was time to take a nap.

Jesus also spent whole nights in prayer. So, His example does not encourage laziness or apathy. Just balance -- and trust in God, instead of worry.

HEBREWS 10:23 He who promised is faithful.

The devil is trying to get you to doubt God and His Word. The devil wants you to give up on God, to not trust Him, to not expect Him to do what He said in His Word.

Do not give up! God can be trusted.

Someone who loves you enough to die in your place can be trusted. Someone who created all that you see, and all that you don't see, can be trusted to handle whatever you face.

TITUS 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,

God is not a liar. Whatever He says comes to pass!

1 THESSALONIANS 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

God is trustworthy. Don't be moved by the circumstances. God will not fail you.

You may find it difficult to believe -- but it's true – God loves you. His love for you is not based on your appearance or your performance -- but on the fact that you are His creation - His child.

Just as a good parent loves their children, so God loves His children - and even more so. You will not be able to make God stop loving you, no matter what you do or don't do. You can displease Him, you can disappoint Him, you can anger Him – but you can't make Him stop loving you.

What are the practical consequences of God loving you? First, it means you can trust Him. No one who truly loves you will mistreat you. Second, it means God is doing all He can to help you and bless you.

"Then why am I not more blessed, if God wants to bless me?" Because you must cooperate with God to receive His blessing. That is why we need continuing instruction from the Bible – so we can know how to receive all that God has for us.

The promise of Jesus is that if we continue in His Word it will reveal the truth to us and make us free. That is the blessing which God has provided for you through Christ because He loves you: true freedom!

Freedom from fear, freedom from confusion, freedom from lack, freedom from sickness, freedom from strife, freedom from sin.

JOHN 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Many people are afraid that God's Word will put them in bondage -- because of the rules they think they will have to follow.

But Jesus said God's Word would make you free.

Abide means to live, to continue, or to spend time somewhere. If you continue to spend time in Jesus' Word -- you will know the truth.

When you know the truth, you will act on that knowledge – and acting on the truth will make you free!

The Bible, especially the message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, will set you free if you continue in it.

We are not guaranteed instant results, although sometimes they do happen. Freedom is certain, however, if you stick with God's Word. Jesus gave His guarantee!

If you are not enjoying freedom in any area of your life – you have not continued in God's Word enough in that area. Feed it in: speak it, sing it, read it, write it, think it, dream it!

Some may think it would be a sin to "take a nap" because we should always be working. But Jesus never sinned, and we may safely follow His example, and keep our lives in balance.