This morning, I woke up with a song in my heart. To believe, to radically believe that our Father can do exceedingly more for us, that He can move into every area of our lives and permeate us with His love and affection.
We are believing in BIG things and small things. Our God is a big, big, big God. He is the only true God. To think that He calls us His children. His beloved. That He has an amazing inheritance for His children. Why wouldn't we want to share that with others? I don't want anyone to miss that!
I think...if God can pull someone like me out of the mud and mire of my own making...and clean me off and set me free to worship Him...to give Him glory...wow, what more can He do...in my life...and in everyone's life.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Giving
This morning as we stuffed envelopes and donation cards, including our fall fundraiser update, a few of us (volunteers) got talking about support raising.
We talked about the challenges of raising funds, and the CRA strict guidelines for not for profit ministries (staff). I have been extremely blessed in the fact that with monthly donors and one time givers, I have had a full salary for almost my whole time here at LW. That isn't the case for many missionaries who live by faith. Sometimes it can be very difficult and yet they see God come through countless times.
The reason I pondered on this and talked about this is because society and cultural influences are beginning to change things in regards to what ministries receive a charitable status.
In 2011 "The federal New Democratic Party, Canada’s official opposition, unanimously adopted a resolution over the weekend to revoke the charitable status of unscientific “ex-gay” organisations, including Exodus Global Alliance."
(read the full article here)
http://www.slapupsidethehead.com/2011/06/ndp-resolves-to-revoke-ex-gay-charitable-status/
This came as quite a shock, but we are not surprised given the history of activists who do not fully understand and quite frankly won't understand the issue of unwanted same sex attraction, as it pertains to a orthodox faith viewpoint. (conviction)
Since this article and countless ones have been written on this particular issue, I got thinking about all ministries...specifically Christian ones as well as Churches who continue to believe that homosexuality (the act) is sin, could well be on their way toward non-charitable status. It seems the loudest voice wins, no matter what a specific organization or ministry is doing. If someone finds something offensive, especially in the who area of GLBT, watch out! There is no grace or willingness to understand a different way of thinking. Part of that comes from not being enlightened specifically in the area of spirituality.
Thinking even more about this issue, I have to look deeply within the christian culture (if I can say that) and see that often times we as believers donate to causes because we'll get a nice big charitable donation receipt. I have to admit that I am privy to that thought process. I know that giving my tithe allows me a benefit. Yet, what if that is taken away? Would we give? Would I give? God has been really pushing me outside my rights to receive a tax benefit and is asking me to give over and above...When you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Maybe this even goes further in thought to look at how we live in community and how we do life. How do we support and care for those around us who are in need? Do we wait for a tax receipt?
"What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of the fish?
This idea continues to swirl around in my head and I will most likely be thinking about this for quite some time and or write about it to get it out of my head. But do I want it out? What I want to do is continue to press in and pursue the Lord and what He is asking of me. To know that nothing...absolutely nothing belongs to me...and that in and through him ALL my provision comes. It is only through Him!
My family and I have been the recipient of many people who have provided over and over again, above our understanding, our imagination. We have seen God move in the whole area of provision. Both for those who donate and receive a tax benefit and to those who send us funds in the mail knowing full well they won't receive any receipt for that giving.
We thank God for each one of you. For the blessing you are to us and more so, the blessing you are to your heavenly Father when you step out and give. He loves you so much. You are all his favorite kids...and He lavishes His love on each of you!!!
We talked about the challenges of raising funds, and the CRA strict guidelines for not for profit ministries (staff). I have been extremely blessed in the fact that with monthly donors and one time givers, I have had a full salary for almost my whole time here at LW. That isn't the case for many missionaries who live by faith. Sometimes it can be very difficult and yet they see God come through countless times.
The reason I pondered on this and talked about this is because society and cultural influences are beginning to change things in regards to what ministries receive a charitable status.
In 2011 "The federal New Democratic Party, Canada’s official opposition, unanimously adopted a resolution over the weekend to revoke the charitable status of unscientific “ex-gay” organisations, including Exodus Global Alliance."
(read the full article here)
http://www.slapupsidethehead.com/2011/06/ndp-resolves-to-revoke-ex-gay-charitable-status/
This came as quite a shock, but we are not surprised given the history of activists who do not fully understand and quite frankly won't understand the issue of unwanted same sex attraction, as it pertains to a orthodox faith viewpoint. (conviction)
Since this article and countless ones have been written on this particular issue, I got thinking about all ministries...specifically Christian ones as well as Churches who continue to believe that homosexuality (the act) is sin, could well be on their way toward non-charitable status. It seems the loudest voice wins, no matter what a specific organization or ministry is doing. If someone finds something offensive, especially in the who area of GLBT, watch out! There is no grace or willingness to understand a different way of thinking. Part of that comes from not being enlightened specifically in the area of spirituality.
Thinking even more about this issue, I have to look deeply within the christian culture (if I can say that) and see that often times we as believers donate to causes because we'll get a nice big charitable donation receipt. I have to admit that I am privy to that thought process. I know that giving my tithe allows me a benefit. Yet, what if that is taken away? Would we give? Would I give? God has been really pushing me outside my rights to receive a tax benefit and is asking me to give over and above...When you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Maybe this even goes further in thought to look at how we live in community and how we do life. How do we support and care for those around us who are in need? Do we wait for a tax receipt?
"What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of the fish?
This idea continues to swirl around in my head and I will most likely be thinking about this for quite some time and or write about it to get it out of my head. But do I want it out? What I want to do is continue to press in and pursue the Lord and what He is asking of me. To know that nothing...absolutely nothing belongs to me...and that in and through him ALL my provision comes. It is only through Him!
My family and I have been the recipient of many people who have provided over and over again, above our understanding, our imagination. We have seen God move in the whole area of provision. Both for those who donate and receive a tax benefit and to those who send us funds in the mail knowing full well they won't receive any receipt for that giving.
We thank God for each one of you. For the blessing you are to us and more so, the blessing you are to your heavenly Father when you step out and give. He loves you so much. You are all his favorite kids...and He lavishes His love on each of you!!!
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