God Isn't Into Instant

Everyone is in such a hurry to go somewhere or get something immediately.  We live a fast-food life with drive-thrus and microwaves.  We can look up almost any topic on the internet and quickly find a viewpoint we can instantly agree or argue with.  We do not want to wait for anything, even if waiting may be the best option for us.  We want instant gratification and quick solutions!

"For the revelation pertains to an appointed time— it speaks truthfully about the end. Though it delays, wait for it, because it will surely come about— it will not be late!" 
- Habakkuk 2:3 (ISV)

With that attitude, it is no wonder we expect God to react to our every wish and whim.   We want healing now. We want peace now.  We want justice now.  We want prosperity now.  We want blessings now.  We want ... whatever NOW!  

"Don’t forget this fact, dear friends: With the Lord a single day is like a thousand years, 
and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, 
as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. 
He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to find room for repentance."
- 2 Peter 3:8-9 (ISV)

God's timing is not the same as humans.  God knows what is best for us and when we are ready to receive it.  That is not to say, that He ignores us when we ask for things.  We should continue to pray/ask and if our desire is within His will and the time is right, we can expect to get what we need.  What we need may or may not be the same as what we ask.  We need to recognize when He answers prayers, whether the answer is "instant" or requires we have patience to wait for His perfect timing.  

Once a Nation Under God

 Whoever says Holy Bible scripture is not relevant today might want to try reading the God's Word again. Scriptures give guidance on individual lives, instruct leaders on how to behave towards the people they serve, provides laws and tells judges how to act, advises countries on what is acceptable, and shows how God disciplines those He loves as well as His destroying evil.   

"In his name the nations will 

put their hope." - Matthew 12:21 (NIV) 

Is America forgetting or ignoring its Christian heritage?  In God We Trust is the American motto on currency (paper money for decades and on USA coins for centuries).  The United States of America has used the line one nation under God in the Pledge of Allegiance for decades.  This was done to reinforce the Christian religion of most of the country.  It was a way of honoring American history and the right to religious freedom.  What does the Bible say about a nation that turns from God?  An Old Testament example that may be applied to current events is the prophet Amos warning his nation to turn back to their God. 

"I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: 

your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; 

and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils:

 yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord." - Amos 4:10 (KJV)

If the scripture was looked at as the USA now, the first line of scripture above would point to COVID and the fear spread about it.  The second line could be a reference to the Afghanistan crisis that aided enemies. The the third line should point to the evil being promoted in by current politicians in DC. Finally, the fourth line is very clear - the country needs to turn from sin and return to God.  

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, 

and he delivered them from their distress." - Psalms 107:6 (NIV) 

Just as God blessed Israel when they served Him, He has blessed America.  When most of Israel turned from God, He mercifully waited for them to return.  However, when the sins got too great, then God would have to turn away from them until they realized their need for Him.  Scripture can be applied to modern life.  With that in mind, what will happen to America if too many of its people continue to: drift from God, break His commandments, and support evil actions?  Once a nation under God, America needs to restore their faith and return to their Christian roots.  Pray for the USA to follow Christ again and restore the nation  it was originally designed to be.

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The Biblical Standards of Tithe and Offerings

If you are one of those people who thinks the church always has their hand in your pocket, then you need to read this! If you feel outrage or guilt when the preacher teaches on tithing, you should to check the Bible references to see what God says.  If you are already a cheerful giver, then you may just desire to review below for the reasons why you give to the church.  So why doe churches take up tithe and offering?   First, we will look at what the difference is in tithes and offerings and what each is used for.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, 

and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete 

withal it shall be measured to you again." - Luke 6:38 (KJV)

Tithes are a percentage of your income that you God requires you to give to support the church or temple.  This is a mere 10% (although the word tithe means tenth, you can choose to give a larger percent) of your earnings for which God promises to bless you for sharing.  Some may compare this to a tax, although taxes are a much higher percentage of your income (and you do not get to choose to pay less) plus you also have to pay taxes on many purchases too.  Unless you are retired or collecting other government benefits, you may not consider that you are getting any blessings from paying taxes.   However, your taxes do keep the government and all those programs running.  Just as your tithes keep the church running.  Churches typically use tithes to to pay their bills and employee salaries.

"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, 

and not according to that he hath not." - 2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV)

The church counts on your tithes in the same way you count on your paycheck.  If you are not paying tithes, you are cheating the church and disobeying God.  Although you might disobey by not pay tithes, God probably will not punish you for it.  Would you ever consider cheating the government by not paying your taxes?  If you disobey tax regulations, you know you will be punished.   Who can you count on more the government, your church, or God?  Which do you turn to first when you need help?

"Every man according as he purpose in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,

 or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." -2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

Offering on the other hand is an amount you choose to give over and above your tithes, but not instead of tithing.  Churches collect offerings to purchase items they may need outside of their regular bills and standard support efforts.  Churches also take offerings for missions and special ministries.  Without offerings, it becomes more difficult for the Church to: offer new programs, have an outreach into the community, or reach out across the nation and to other parts of the world.

You may believe that God will provide for all the above even if you do not share your money (and/or skills and/or talents).  Perhaps, but how will you feel knowing that you are letting Him down?