May 2018 - God Loves A Cheerful Giver
GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. -2 Corinthians 9:7
God loves, (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is not willing to abandon or do without) a cheerful, (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving.] - AMP
In over 25 years of pastoring, I found that the quietest part of the service was when it was time to receive the tithes and offerings. However, all through the scriptures I found people who were extremely happy about giving. I asked the Lord, “Why don’t my people get happier when it’s time to tithe and give?” The Lord answered, “Most people give just enough to irritate themselves.” Most people give with a consciousness of their giving rather than a consciousness of God’s generosity.
You see, some people give and think subtraction. They feel a sense of loss. However, God says, “I will multiply your seed sown!” Therefore, you should give with an expectation of increase and provision in mind. You should give with the promises of God in mind. The Lord said to me, “You can give your way into abundance.”
One gives away, and still he grows the richer: another keeps what he should give, and is the poorer. A liberal soul will be enriched, and he who waters will himself be watered. - Proverbs 11:25 (Moffat New Translation)
The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. - Message
The Bible promises the generous person will be abundantly provided for. The key word here is generous. You see, this scripture doesn’t say they didn’t give. It says they withheld more than is appropriate, meaning they were not generous.
I studied this scripture for years and finally said, “Lord, I really don’t understand this. What are you trying to say?” This is how He explained it to me: “You would think that if you withhold money, you would have more money. But if you hold on too tightly, you’ll have less money.”
2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” Lack does not come from money you don’t have. It comes from money you do have that you shouldn’t have. God’s sowing system will always outperform man’s saving system!
Your generosity is a way God brings increase to you. You can literally give your way out of debt. Your tithing and giving will open up supernatural resources in your life. God said it to me like this, “If you’ll get addicted to giving, I’ll support your habit!”
Some say money is evil, but money itself is not evil. The Bible says the LOVE of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). God is not opposed to us being rich; but He is opposed to us being covetous (Dad Hagin). Covetousness is being stingy and constantly chasing money. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we are generous we demonstrate that God is our source instead of money. Our trust is in the living God.
MONEY WITH A MISSION
We have just returned from Mexico City; it was an amazing time of ministry to hundreds of ministers. This month we are ministering to pastors and leaders in Kiev, Ukraine and Nairobi, Kenya. In addition, to these meetings - these leaders are receiving a great supply of teaching materials.
We are currently completing a project that will see the books, The Spirit of Faith, Taking Your Place In Christ, and Divine Approval all translated in Russian for the upcoming meeting in the Ukraine. While in preparation for our Kenya meeting we recently shipped 17 boxes of books. Glory to God!
Generosity in missions giving was a major point of emphasis for the Apostle Paul. His partners participated by giving offerings to be distributed to churches in need. In the same way, Mark Hankins Ministries supports many missions with the help of faithful partners. God’s powerful promise to those who partner financially in missions giving is stated in 2 Corinthians 9:11 (GNTD): “He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us.”
GOD’S EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY
This is the season for NEW! This month’s offer features our BRAND NEW book, “How to Receive God’s Extravagant Generosity” along with the 4 CD set for your offering of $25 or more. We believe these materials will help you get to a NEW LEVEL in your finances in 2018! Thank you for your continued partnership in prayer and missions giving. You are giving yourself out of lack and into abundance!
In Christ,
Mark and Trina