Move That Mountain

MOVE A MOUNT IN
A MONTH
27 Day by day devotional reading.
Tuesday 17
th
June Sunday 13
th
July

2 Corinthians 2:14 God who manifests through us
TurningPoint Church 5996 3048
Greater Things.. 2 | P a g e

TurningPoint Church Reading Plan #5 2014
Our world is facing many economic challenges
causing people to be fearful. All of us have a growing
need to understand that God is our true provider.
In Christian circles, we are in the midst of a 40+ year decline in giving to
Gods work (churches, ministries, missions, and the needy). Many
churches and ministries have begun to experience financial challenges that
are hurting their ability to reach and serve people for Christ.
We each need encouragement to give God first place in our lives and in
our finances. As this happens, our growing acts of generosity will change
us and change the lives of others for the glory of God in our lifetime.
Welcome to GREATER THINGS!
We thank God for you!

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the
same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with
the Father...

Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! John
14:12,14
TurningPoint is in the midst of a significant God-sized-journey that will impact our
church and the lives of men, women, youth and children for decades to come (and
even into eternity)! To determine how God may choose to use you in this journey,
we need your help. Over the coming weeks, we would invite you to
1) PRAY daily for the Lyndhurst project, our church and Gods clear leading in
your life. We also encourage you whenever possible to keep up to date with
the site and pray for Gods leading and provision for you and our entire church
in this matter.
2) READ and consider the implications in your life of the truth found in 27 days of
Scripture verses. We are inviting everyone to use this booklet as part of their
daily Bible reading from June 17
th
until July 14th
3) WORK ON the daily devotions to determine ways you can be more generous
and to determine what God may prompt you in your heart to give towards this
project.
Thank you for your participation in this life-changing journey.
God Bless You,
Foa
(Acknowledgement is given to Ps Brian Kluth and his books on generosity)


Day 1 God is the owner of everything
17
th
June
Reading: Psalms 50: 7-13
Psalms 24 verse 1 says The earth is the lords and
everything in it, the world, and all who live in it
If we belong to Christ, it is logical that everything we have truly belongs to
him. All that we have is His. We are born into this world with our hands
empty, and we leave this world not only with empty hands but wearing
clothing without pockets. When you stop to think about it, our souls have no
pockets either. We take nothing with
us. God owns it all.
John Wesley put it this way: When
the possessor of heaven and earth
brought you into being, and placed
you in this world, he placed you here
not as a proprietor, but a steward
We strive to be stewards for God
never forgetting that anytime He
wants to remove those things from us,
it is His sovereign right. That time may be in the middle of our lives when we
feel the most prosperous. It may be early in our lives when we think we have
earned the right to make a lot and to spend a lot. It may be later in life when
the nest egg is broken and we have little to look forward to except an empty
nest. Remember, He owns everything in heaven and earth. Its all His.
Were back to where we started: God owns it all. You will never be in
financial trouble if you remember those four words.
When we give to God, we are just taking our hands off what already belongs
to Him.
Prayer: Lord we thank you for this life you have given us and ask You to
guide us as we strive to be stewards of your treasures, remembering that it
is you who owns it all.


Day 2 Your role 18
th
June
Reading: Col 3:17, 23-24
1 Corinthians 4:2 says it is required in stewards that a
man is found faithful.
Your role is to be the trustee, manager and steward of 100% of what God
entrusts to you during your lifetime. Stewardship is managing Gods
treasures in Gods way, for Gods purposes, and always for Gods glory. We
begin life with our hands wide open and nothing in them.
As we mature, by the grace of God, He allows certain things to be placed into
our possession, none of them under our ownership. So, in pleasing Him, we
live our lives with open hands. We accept what He entrusts to us only as
stewards, never as owners. We dare not think of gripping the things He
entrusts to us. We hold everything loosely. We simply maintain the treasures
He entrusts to us, investing them wisely
Martin Luther said, People go through 3 conversions: The
conversion of their head, their heart and their pocketbook.
Unfortunately, not all at the same time. Have you
gone through all 3 conversions yet?
Trust Him. Let it go. Youve been given one main task: to be
a good steward of what He has entrusted to you. Nothing
less. Nothing more. God owns it all.

Prayer: Lord we
choose to be honest and loyal to you and live our lives with open
hands knowing that we are merely maintaining all that you own.


Day 3 God watches your giving 19
th
June
Reading: Mark 12:41-44
2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there,
the gift is acceptable according to what one has,
not according to what he does not have.
If we give to be seen by men or with a stingy heart toward God, our
offering loses its value. Jesus is more interested and impressed by how
we give than what we give.
We see this same principle in the
story of Cain and Abel. God
evaluated Cain and Abel's offerings.
Abel's offering was pleasing in God's
eyes, but he rejected Cain's. Rather
than giving to God out of
thankfulness and worship, Cain may
have presented his offering with evil
or selfish intent.
Maybe he had hoped to receive
special recognition. Regardless, Cain
knew the right thing to do, but he
didn't do it. God even gave Cain an
opportunity to make things right,
but he chose not to. This illustrates again that God watches what and
how we give. God not only cares about the quality of our gifts to him,
but also the attitude in our hearts as we offer them.
Prayer: Lord show us how and where we can live generous lives with
hearts that give, not only generously but also cheerfully.


Day 4 - You should not become prideful about
anything God has entrusted to you. 20
th
June
Reading: Deutoronomy 8: 11-14
Proverbs 16:19 says Better to be poor and humble than proud
and rich.
"You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my
hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the
Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce
wealth." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
While Proverbs teaches
us "pride precedes a
fall," life confronts us
with this sobering truth
when we place too much
confidence in our own
abilities or possessions.
Humility, on the other
hand, acknowledges the
source of all we have
and all we can do as being from God. Our power and strength
comes from the Lord!
Jeremiah 9:23-24 The Lord says, Let not therich man boast of
his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he
understands and knows me.
Prayer: Lord today we pray that we may learn from Your Word
be humble in all that we do


Day 5 - Even the poor are to give to God
from what they have 21
st
June
Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:2-4
In Genesis 28:20-22: (While a single young man with no job or income)
Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over
me then the LORD will be my Godand of all that you (O God) give me I
will give you a tenth."
When we think of generosity, we might look at the size of the gift or the
nobility of the cause. We might call someone generous, for example,
who contributes a modest sum to a charitable cause to promote the
good of society. But Jesus measured generosity by a radically new
standard: the condition of the givers
heart.
The apostle Paul said that even the
most lavish donations are empty acts
in Gods sight if the givers heart is
hardened toward him (1 Corinthians
13:3).
Jesus said that anyone who does not
give up all of his possessions cannot
be his disciple (Luke 14:25-35). At
the same time, we recognize that
God graciously lets us use and enjoy
some of the material resources that he entrusts into our care. When it
comes to giving, some people stop at nothing. If a pauper gives to God,
hell feel like a prince. If a prince doesnt give to God, hell feel like a
pauper.
Prayer: Lord today we pray for guidance in our giving. We pray that as
we give, we do not focus on how much we have but strive to give you
all that we can instead.


Day 6 - You should not trust in yourself, but
trust in God 22
nd
June
Reading: Ps 49:6-12
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.
Many trust in their own relative goodness. They think they will be saved
just because others are worse. This ignores the consequences of sin. We
are all sinners and can only be saved by the grace of God and on His
terms.
The folly of trusting our own strength is exposed by death. Paul wrote:
"Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not
trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9).
As a Christian do you find yourself trusting in God in every aspect of your
life or do you find yourself trusting more in yourself and or someone
else to help you with your problem. When there are big decision to be
made do you make them on your own or do you trust in God enough to
pray to him for guidance?
Every Christian today struggles
with putting their full trust in God
in every aspect of their lives. It is
so easy for us with our modern
day technology and the attitude
that our society has on taking
care of things yourself and
taking matters into your own
hands.
Again ask yourself do you really trust God in every aspect of your life?
Prayer: Lord thank you that we can trust you with our lives. We give
our struggles and needs to you today, knowing that you are the
solution to all our problems.


Day 7 - Focus on being content with Gods daily
provisions 23
rd
June
Reading: Phillipians 4:11
1 Tim 6:6-8 says Godliness with contentment is great
gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of
it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1. Dont worry about anything. Worrying doesnt change anything. Its
stewing without doing. Theres no such thing as born worriers; worry is
a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it
from your peers. You learned it from experience. Thats good news. The
fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned. Jesus says,
So dont worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own
worries. Todays trouble is enough for today (Matthew 6:34 NLT).
2. Pray about everything. Use the time youve spent worrying by praying.
If you prayed as much as you worried, youd have a whole lot less to
worry about. Some people think God only cares about religious things,
such as how many people I invite to church or my tithing. Is God
interested in car payments? Yes. Hes interested in every detail of your
life. That means you can take any problem you face to God.
3. Thank God in all things. Whenever you pray, you should always pray
with thanksgiving. The healthiest human emotion is not love, but
gratitude. It actually increases your immunities; it makes you more
resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness. People who are
grateful are happy. But people who are ungrateful are miserable
because nothing makes them happy. Theyre never satisfied; its never
good enough. So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude, of being
thankful in everything, it
reduces stress in your life.
Prayer: Lord thank you that we
will never have to worry because
you hold us in your arms. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have a
relationship with you and to be stewards for you.


Day 8 - There are dangerous consequences if
you live for pleasure 24
th
June
Reading: Ecc 2:10-11
Proverbs 21:17 says He who loves pleasure will
become poor.
It is wise to distinguish between the different types of pleasure in this
world. We live in a fallen world where Gods best for us is often
perverted. Just because society deems an activity pleasurable does not
mean it is pleasing to God (see Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-10; and
1 Corinthians 6:12-17). When we consider these pleasures of the
world, we find that they are not in fact healthy for us or conducive to
long-term pleasure. The prodigal son reveled in sin until the money ran
out; then he found that the pleasures of sin are fleeting (Luke 15:11-17).
They are false friends that leave us empty and longing.
It is also important to realize that the
purpose of our lives is not pleasure.
Hedonism is a false philosophy. We
were created to delight in God (Psalm
37:4) and accept with gratitude the
good things He provides. More
importantly, we were created to have a
relationship with God, to worship him.
Rick Warren describes worship as "a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving
him, and giving ourselves to be used for His purposes. Pursuing a life of
pleasure apart from God is to live for things that have temporal
value. To live a life fully consecrated to God not only brings Him
pleasure but has eternal, life transforming consequences.
Prayer: Lord we pray that today we look to you for answers instead of
looking to our own strength knowing that it is only you who will fill us
up with goodness and true happiness.


Day 9 Give God your time 25
th
June
Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-10
Matthew 6:33 says But seek first the kingdom
of God and his righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you.
Time is the heritage of every person. Whether a king or street
sweeper, an astronomer or truck driver, a business tycoon or
grocery clerk, each of us has the same number of hours.
Many necessities and opportunities demand much of our day. Our
work takes up a large percentage of our life. Being a good husband
or wife, father or
mother, employer or
employee requires
time.
As Christians, we have
spiritual priorities as
well. How many hours
or days in a month should we set aside for evangelism and
discipleship and the ministries of our church? What about caring for
the poor, the orphans, and widows as God's Word commands
(James 1:27; Galatians 2:10)?
With all these tasks competing for our time, how can we balance our
responsibilities to fulfill our temporal and spiritual duties?
As a good steward, you must manage your time wisely.
Prayer: Lord we pray that as we continue with our busy lives, you
will continue to remind us to put you first in all that we do and to
spend time with you daily.


Day 10 - God has good works for you to do
during your lifetime on earth 26
th
June
Reading: 1 Tim 6:18-19
Eph 2:10 says For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to
do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Only God knows what is best for you on all matters you do not! Only
Gods knowledge and wisdom is perfect in all matters yours is not!
Only God knows what you will be best at in this life you do not!
Only God knows who your true soul mate should be in this life you do
not! And not only does God have full knowledge on all of the above for
your life, but He is also the only One who can safely guide you to reach
the goals that He has set up for you to seek after in this life.
And the only way to be able to get Gods full protection and full
guidance for your life is to fully surrender your entire life over to Him
and let Him place you in His perfect will for your life.
Many people go to their graves, with Gods unplayed music still inside of
them. Dont waste your God-given life with low living, small planning,
mundane talking, constant grumbling or cheap giving. Be all that God
has called you and equipped you to be.
Prayer: Lord we pray for motivation and determination to be all that
you have called us to be to our full potential, knowing that Your plan
for our lives is bigger and better than anything we could ever think of.


Day 11 How much is enough? 27
th
June
Reading: Proverbs 30:7-9
Have you ever thought about how much is
enough? One wealthy person was asked this
question and he answered, Just a little bit more.
But this isnt the picture Scripture paints. The writer of Proverbs 30:8
was inspired by the Holy Spirit to pray for enough to satisfy his needs
(not his greeds). How much would be enough to meet your real
needs? If God provided you with extra beyond this amount, how could
you use the extra for the glory of God and the benefit of others?
Part of the process of discovering how much is enough is to determine
the difference between your needs and wants. I believe God is
concerned about our real needs and often graciously provides for
desires. But he is not a magic genie in a bottle
who gives us three wishes so we can have
everything we set our eyes on.
The truth is real contentment comes from
being thankful for everything we have and
sharing it with others. 1 Timothy 6:8 tells us
that godliness with contentment is great gain.
Any of us, regardless of our age or income, can
have great gain if we love Jesus, follow him,
and are thankful and generous with everything he has given us.
Once we realize we can be content with God and his provisions, we
can then pray and ask God to show us what enough is. Once we know
what enough is, we can then joyfully share any of the over-and-above
resources we receive for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Prayer: Lord we thank you for graciously providing us with all that we
need, help us to see what is enough in our lives.


Day 12 The tale of two young men 28
th
June
Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6:33 says

But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Here are some valuable insights from Randy Alcorns blog:
The streets of Cairo, Egypt were hot and dusty. Our missionary friends took us
down an alley. We drove to a gate that opened to a plot of overgrown grass. It
was a graveyard for American missionaries. We saw a tombstone that read
William Borden, 1887-1913. Borden, a Yale graduate and heir to great wealth,
rejected a life of ease in order to bring the gospel to others. Borden gave away
hundreds of thousands of dollars to missions. After only four months of
ministry in Egypt, he became sick and died at the age of 25. I dusted off the
epitaph on Bordens grave which ended with a phrase Ive never forgotten:
Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life.
We then went to the King Tut exhibit and it was mindboggling. Tutankhamen,
the boy king, was only 17 when he died. His burial site was filled with valuable
treasure and tons of gold. I was struck by the contrast between these two
graves. Bordens was obscure, dusty and hidden on the back alley of a street
littered with garbage. King Tuts tomb glittered with unimaginable wealth. Yet
where are these two young men now? One, who lived in opulence and called
himself king, is in the misery of a Christ-less eternity. The other, who lived his
life in service of the one true King, is enjoying his everlasting reward in the
presence of his Lord.
Tuts life was tragic because of an awful truth discovered too latehe couldnt
take his treasure with him. William Bordens life was triumphant. Why?
Because instead of leaving behind his treasure, he sent it on ahead.
Prayer: Lord we pray for guidance as
we set aside everything else and put
You as our priority.


Day 13 Only one thing 29
th
June
Reading: Luke 10:38-42
Matthew 6:34 says Therefore do not worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble
of its own
What are you concerned about today? School or work or sports or
relationships or finances or family? Every day, there are so many things that
can flood our minds and all our days with anxiety and worry. Martha had a
house full of unexpected company and was trying to get a big meal ready for
Jesus and his friends.
There was a lot to be done and Martha was busy doing it. But instead of
helping in the kitchen, her sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus feet and
listening to what he had to say. The harder Martha worked without Marys
help, the madder she got. Finally she had enough. Martha marched into the
room where Mary and others were listening to Jesus
and told Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But instead,
Jesus said there was only one thing worth being
concerned about and it wasnt dinner!
Most people dont spend time reading Gods Word
when they wake up every morning because they start
their day so concerned about the many things they
feel they have to do that day.
They wake up and enter their day with anxious
hearts, troubled minds, stress in their bodies, and
pain in their faces. However, when we do decide to
spend time with the Lord and take time to read Gods
word and pray, we find that the Lord gives us strength, guidance and wisdom
to handle the challenges we face each day.
Prayer: Lord thank You that we can depend on You and trust in You.
Help us to clear our minds from worrying about things that do not
matter and focus on what really matters You.


Day 14 Declaring who is #1 in your life
30
th
June
Reading: Matthew 6:24
Proverbs 3:6 says In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths
Pastor James MacDonald once wrote: First things belong to God. The first
day of the week belongs to God. The first hour of the day belongs to God.
The first portion of your income belongs to God. When you make God first,
He will help you. While we should all realize 100% of our lives, time, and
resources belong to God, there is something about systematically honouring
Him first that brings Gods order to all of our finances.
In the Old Testament, tithing (giving 10%) was a way for people to declare to
God He had the first place in their life and finances. In the New Testament,
we are instructed to seek first the kingdom of God, and the things necessary
for life will be added to us. When it comes to starting each day, it is wise to
spend time in devotions and prayer. When it comes to our week, it is wise to
join together with the family of God at church for worship, teaching, service,
and fellowship. When it comes to our financial blessings and provisions, it is
wise to give 10% or more to the Lords work.
With each of these actions, we are declaring to God,
ourselves, and to anyone watching our lives that
following God is the most important thing in the
world to us. And when we do this, we find God guides
us, provides for us, protects us, and watches over us.
Reading Gods Word, praying, worshipping, serving,
and giving arent to be sporadic things in our lives. Instead they are to be a
systematic part of what we do and how we live. Declaring God #1 is not just
about lip service, but about life service living for Him and honouring Him
day by day and week by week with all that we are and all that we have.
Prayer: Lord You are number one in our lives. Thank You that You are
the unfailing God full of rich and precious promises.


Day 15 Whats in your hand? 1
st
July
Reading: Exodus 4:1-9
Matthew 17:20 says He replied, Because you have so
little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can
say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will
be impossible for you
For 40 years, Moses lived in the desert on the backside of a mountain as a
runaway, being a shepherd to his father-in-laws sheep. But when he was 80
years old, he had a personal encounter with God who asked him, What do you
have in your hand, Moses? A shepherds staff, Moses replied. God then told
him to throw the staff down and it became a snake.
Moses was then told to pick up the snake by the tail,
and when he did, it became a shepherds staff again.
When Moses had used the staff for those 40 years as a
shepherd, it had been a symbol of his personal power,
protection, and provision. But after his encounter with
God, it became a symbol of Gods miracles in front of
the Egyptians and the Israelites.
Whats in our hands? What skills, provisions, time, abilities, and resources do
we personally possess? What do we lean on as our source of power,
protection, and provision? Under Gods direction, are we willing to throw these
things down? Are we willing to release our control and ownership of these
things? And if we do, when God tells us to pick them up, are we willing to use
them under the Lords direction and for his glory?
When we are open to spontaneously releasing everything in our hands to the
Lord, we will have the privilege of being part of God miracles for all to see.
What may be our prized possessions, proven skills, personal positions of
influence, prideful accomplishments, available time, or stored-up resources
can become part of a living miracle when we yield whatever is in our hands to
be used by the Lord.
Prayer: Lord we pray today, as we walk beside You, that You will help us to
be strong and bold as we choose to step out in faith for You.


Day 16 Brain training 2
nd
July
Romans 12:2 says Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what Gods will is his good, pleasing and perfect will
Have you ever heard the phrase, G.I.G.O.? It is a computer programming
term that refers to Garbage In, Garbage Out. If you put bad information
into a computer, you will get bad information out of it. Our brains are like
computers.
They gather and store a lot of information about thousands of things. But if
we only get our information about finances and possessions from the
internet, TV, friends, music, movies, news, magazines, billboards, and other
worldly sources, we will be getting garbage in, and we will be squeezed
into the worlds mould limited.
This garbage in will result in garbage
out in our financial lives. We will make
poor financial decisions, impulse purchases,
and will waste money chasing after things
that really cant bring lasting satisfaction
and joy. God has a better way. He wants us to intentionally train our brains
to think His thoughts on finances, giving, and material possessions.
His Word can reprogram our brains to experience His thoughts, His will, and
His ways in these important areas of our lives. His Word will allow us to be
transformed as God re-programs our thinking. We will break out of the
financial bondage of worldly thinking about financial and giving matters. We
will begin to experience Gods peace, wisdom, and guidance when it comes
to money, things, giving, and sharing. We will then experience true
contentment and lasting joy as we discover and follow His good and pleasing
and perfect will in our lives.
Prayer: Lord today we ask that You will remind us what Your Word says so
that we can than choose to set our minds on You and be not distracted nor
fall into temptation.


Day 17 Generosity 3
rd
July
Luke 6:38 says Give, and it will be given to you. A
good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be
poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to
you
In many places of the world this greed-based, God-wants-you-rich, and give
to-get teaching has harmed many people. Many proponents of this message
have lived extravagant lifestyles while fleecing their flock instead of feeding
their flock. I like to remind people that God is interested in
meeting our needs, but he isnt interested in our greeds!
The reason most people dont give is because they are fearful.
They feel they dont have enough, and if they give they think
they will have even less. But many Christians have discovered
that when we learn to give to God, he begins to give us
more. This more he gives comes in many different forms.
He gives us more wisdom in our finances than we had before
we learned to give. He gives us more peace, more
contentment, more joy, more courage to make better
decisions, and more grace to be grateful for his many
blessings. God also miraculously stretches the little we have
to make it enough to meet our real needs. Without God,
giving generously is crazy! But when we seek first the
kingdom of God in our lives and finances, our loving heavenly
Father graciously guides us, provides for us, and blesses us in
many, many ways.
Our giving doesnt cause us to have less, but instead allows us to have more
of what we really needGods presence, protection, promises, peace, and
provisions.
Prayer: Lord as we live our lives with open hands we continually thank
you for your unfailing promises & provision.


Day 18 Who is at your doorstep? 4
th
July
Matthew 10:42 says And if anyone gives even a cup
of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you,
that person will certainly not lose their reward
Two people lived on the same street. One had everything he needed,
wanted, and more. The other truly had nothing. Both died. The unnamed
rich man went to hell and Lazarus, the poor man, went to Heaven. As the
rich man complained about his fate, Abraham said to him, During your
lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. The
rich man probably passed by Lazarus every day, but was too self-absorbed
with his wants, worries, and wealth to notice the beggar hoping for some
crumbs from the rich mans table so he could have something to eat.
Lazarus was sick, poor, and dying. He needed someones loving hand to
help him, but the only attention he received was from the dogs that came
by and licked his sores.
Lets face it, none of us feel comfortable being
confronted with the faces of the truly needy.
Our typical response is to look away, turn
away, walk away, or drive away as quickly as
possible. But is it possible that Gods plan
might be that he wants to lead us to stop
sometimes and to look into their eyes and find
ways we, and maybe even others, can help meet their felt or real needs?
Sometimes people need a hand-out, but other times they need a hand up
to get their life turned around. Can we ask God to show us how to move
past our self-absorbed wants and worries so we can show Gods love with
a person or family in need? Our crumbs, compassion and caring might be
all that is needed to change someones life and our eternity.
Prayer: Lord as we choose to be generous people we ask for
opportunities to show Your love to those who are less
fortunate.


Day 19 The truth of God vs. Lies of the
enemy 5
th
July
Luke 14:33 says No one can become my disciple without giving up
everything for me
What is the real test to determine if a Christian is going to live generously
with their time, talent, treasure, and things? Jesus puts it all on the line
when he says we cannot be His disciple without giving up everything for
Him. When we first hear these words of Jesus, the enemy of our soul
makes us sometimes think that if we follow Jesus we will immediately
have to leave everything to serve God on the other side of the world or
that we will become destitutewithout any money, shelter, clothing,
food, friends, or family. But these are distorted lies from the enemy.
The reality is when we yield 100% of our life and resources
to the Lord He will guide us and provide for us. No earthly
thing will be more sacred and precious to us than Gods
love and leadership in our lives. We will understand
everything on earth is only temporarypossessions,
positions, and provisions only belong to us for a short time.
Our life and all we have will be at the Lords disposal to use
as He sees fit, as we live open-handed in this tight-fisted
world. And while we are living this life of complete
surrender, God will take care of us in amazing ways. In
Matthew 19:27, Peter says to the Lord, Weve given up
everything to follow you. What will we get? Jesus replies,
Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters
or father or mother or children or property, for my sake,
will receive a hundred times as much in return and will
inherit eternal life. If we submit all we are and all we have
to the Lord, He will provide for us in this life and reward us in the next.
Prayer: Lord guide us to be honest in all that we are and do


Day 20 Lighting up the darkness 6
th
July
Psalms 119:105 says Your word is a lamp for
my feet and a light on my path
Have you ever tried to walk around in pitch black darkness? Did
you bump into things, stumble, or trip because you couldnt see?
However we all know that once there is light we can manoeuvre
as easy as 1,2,3. Light is one of those daily miracles we easily take
for granted.
The Bible says in Proverbs 4:19 that
men stumble around in the darkness,
and they dont even know what
makes them stumble. The reason is
they have no light to guide them.
Gods Word can be our light in the
darkness when it comes to our
finances, possessions, living
generously, and helping others. We
can walk confidently, even with
darkness all around us, because we
have Gods Word to show us the right way.
God is our light and our salvation and with him in our lives, there
is no darkness.
Prayer: Lord as we strive to shine Your light to the world, we
thank you for being a light in our dark moments. Show us
where Your light needs to shine, where those in need stumble
in darkness. Use us Lord.


Day 21 Actions speak louder than
words 7
th
July
Philippians 4:19 says And my God will supply every need of yours according
to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus
The Lord tells us if we live for Him every day then we will see Him provide for
our needs. Regardless of what is happening at our place of employment or in
the economy, this promise was true thousands of years ago, is still true
today, and will always be true in the future. The question is not if can God
provide for us, but do we have the faith to believe and act on the Matthew
6:33 promise?
We should never get up and go to work every day just to
get a pay check or go to school just to get good grades.
Instead, we need to get up every day to serve Godto seek
first His kingdom and His righteousness in our daily
activities. When we do this, God promises to meet our
needs in a way where we will see His provisions in our life.
Pay checks and school tests come and go, but God remains
forever. Gods ways, will and work must be our focus each
day wherever we are and whatever we find ourselves
doing. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, We are Gods workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God
prepared in advance for us to do.
This encouragement is not just for pastors and missionariesbut it is for
every one of us. We have all been created specifically by God to do good
works He has planned for us. Many of these good works will happen in the
midst of our daily work, activities, and relationships. And when we live for
God each day, we will see Him meet our daily needs in amazing ways as our
loving Heavenly Father.
Prayer: Lord today we make You our supply because we know that You
will never fail us and we thank You for never failing us.


Day 22 - Experience Calling 8
th
July
Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-11
In the time of Samuel, the bible says, the word of the
Lord was rare in those days, and visions were not
widespread. It is easy for people to feel the same way today. Who has
heard God call their name? Who has heard God speak a word to them? And
what great, Godly vision drives your life?
Most people seem to want to think that the word of the Lord is rare, that the
word of the Lord only comes to people like the pastors who are somehow
specially called. Most people seem to want to think that God has no word,
no calling, no vision for them. Maybe, like the boy Samuel, we simply are not
listening well. We hear something calling our name and tugging at our heart,
and assume that something is just Pastor Eli making a fuss again.
Perhaps we need to learn to listen better for a word
from God. Perhaps it is not a word from God that is
rare, but faithful listening from those who would
serve God that is so rare. Every Christian has a calling.
In fact, every Christian has several callings -- as well as
the God-given gifts, graces, and blessings to respond to those callings.
Every Christian is called to be a faithful steward of the talents and time and
resources God has blessed them with. Being a faithful steward is a personal
calling a word from the Lord. It is a calling that comes with your name
attached to it. It is a calling that only you can make a decision about. You can
ignore that calling completely. You can brush off that calling by responding
only in minimal ways. Or, recognizing Gods claim over your life, you can
wake up and listen for Gods own voice. There is a word from the Lord for
you. There is a God-given vision for you. Speak to me Lord. I am your
servant. I am listening to hear from You.
Prayer: Lord, teach us not only to say Samuels prayer, Speak, for your
servant is listening, but to actually listen for Your word, Lord, and
then to do all Your word straight away.


Day 23 - No Excuses 9
th
July
Reading: Luke 14: 15-24
How many reasons are there for not participating? The
possibilities are endless! There are more than enough
reasons to justify anyone.
A modern parable might begin like this: The kingdom of God is like a church
project. God gave His people a vision. Come! said God, Take your place
prepared for you. Take up your part in My work. Everything is ready now. All of
you are invited to make a difference. When you take your place and take up
your part, all will be blessed to break
bread in My kingdom. But they all
alike began to make excuses .
The most important piece of a jigsaw
puzzle is the piece that is missing. Every part is important to making the whole
picture work. Synergy is a word best understood when divided. Ergo, is Greek
for work, while the prefix syn means together. When merged, the words mean
working together. However, there is more. Synergy is better defined to mean
that the result accomplished is greater than the individual parts. Sports teams
demonstrate the meaning of synergy.
Playing together makes them better than playing as individuals. However, even
one team member failing to do his or her part can make everyone lose. Just
like one musician not in concert with the orchestra can ruin the music. A
fighter jet was damaged and barely made a safe landing.
The same plane was needed for a critical mission the next morning. A
maintenance crew worked all night to make repairs. At dawn the pilot asked
the mechanic if the plane was good to go. "Sir," he replied, "if this plane does
not complete its mission it will not be because of me." Your participation in the
mission of this church is unquestionably significant. No one can play your part
but you. No one can give your part but you. Others can only do their part. No
one can make up for your part if your gift is excused.
Prayer: Lord, when Your call challenges me, it is easy for me to excuse
myself. Therefore I purpose in my heart to respond to Your call in whatever
ways I can, trusting in your unfailing love, provision and
protection.


Day 24 - Excess Baggage 10
th
July
Reading: John 15:1-9
How can we find ways to give? Maybe we need to
cut back in some overgrown areas of our lives in order to bear better
fruit in our life for Gods kingdom. If you have ever grown grapes in your
yard, then you will know that grapevines will naturally overextend
themselves with prolific branching and leaf growth every year. If
grapevines are not pruned, all of the branching and leaf growth can
completely cover an arbour in as little as two growing seasons.
Unchecked, branching growth, while great for simply covering up space,
is terrible for bearing fruit.
Such overgrown grapevines will bear tiny,
unusable fruit if it is able to bear fruit
clusters at all; the extensive branching and
leafing drains the resources and energy of
the vine from its primary purpose bearing
fruit. Look at the pictures of a well-kept
vineyard whose purpose is to bear good
fruit. You will see thick, decades old grapevines pruned back to no more
than four short branches so that all the energy of the plant is focused on
growing great grapes. Pruning heavy, regular pruning - is necessary to
bearing good fruit. How overextended is your life?
We may think that wildly branching out everywhere as fast as we can
grow helps us to cover all the bases in life; but in truth, such unmanaged
growth just keeps us from bearing any real fruit. No wonder Jesus says
that God will prune our lives to help us bear better fruit.
Prayer: Lord, prune me and re-shape my life to bear good fruit that will
glorify You. But also give me understanding to know when this is Your
work in my life.


Day 25 - Expanding Influence 11
th
July
Reading: Acts 4:32-37
There was a man named Joseph, to whom the apostles
gave the name Barnabas (which means son of
encouragement). The name Joseph is such a fine name. In Hebrew, the name
means Gods added blessing. This was the name for the cherished son of the
patriarch Jacob. This was the name for Jesus earthly father. So why would the
apostles give Joseph of Cypress a nickname like Barnabas? Barnabas, Acts
makes note to tell us, means son of Encouragement. Apparently, this Joseph
was such an encourager that a new name was in order.
When the early church needed money to underwrite its ministries, Joseph sold a
field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. When Saul of Tarsus
(renamed Paul) needed a friend to welcome him into the church he once
persecuted, it was this Joseph who was that friend who nurtured Paul into a
ministry of his own. When the church needed to send someone to encourage the
new believers among the gentiles, they sent this Joseph.
When young Mark needed someone to believe in him and to give him a second
chance to serve as a missionary, Joseph encouraged him. Any wonder that all of
Josephs friends called him Barnabas son of encouragement? Your church
needs generosity to underwrite its ministry. Your church needs leaders people
who can speak up, step up, and help encourage others to passionate mission and
generous giving. Your gift makes a
difference to the church, but so
does your faith, your story and
your passion.
Be a Barnabas! Look for ways to
encourage the faith of others by
sharing your witness, your
passion, your faith. In doing so you multiply Gods grace and influence the faithful
response of others.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for my gifts, talents and life and it is my great
joy to do what I am doing in making a difference in your kingdom by
being a witness and encouragement to others.


Day 26 - Express Joy - 12
th
July
Reading: John 3:22-30
Romans 15:13 says May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that
you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
John the Baptist was a great man. No one greater, Jesus said so Himself.
John was the last of the prophets. When people heard him preach, they
trembled. He attracted disciples, crowds, and the attention of the press.
He even attracted the attention of kings and queens.
But when Jesus came, John never forgot his place. Despite being goaded
by his disciples to be jealous of the early success of Jesus ministry, John
remained steadfast in his sense of place within Gods plan. He rejoiced in
the following that Jesus attracted. He even helped his own disciples to
join with Jesus. John 3:22-30 is Johns explanation of his own role to his
disciples.
Now my joy is complete. He (Jesus)
must increase, and I must decrease.
Have you discovered this truth yet?
Most of us think that joy increases as
we increase as our wealth and our
prestige, our influence and our power
increase. But in fact, just the opposite is true. Lasting joy is not found at
the top of the corporate mountain or at the pinnacle of power. Joy is not
a reward of accomplishment.
True joy is found where John the Baptist found it by finding ones place
in relationship to Jesus Christ. Are you ready to find joy complete? He
(Jesus) must continue to increase in significance and Lordship of our
lives while we (our plans and ambitions) must decrease.
Prayer: Lord, as John the Baptist said, You must increase and I must
decrease. Lead me, Shepherd of my soul, in your ways everlasting, so I
find my true rest in You and true joy unspeakable.


Day 27 - Exude Gratitude 13
th
July
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says In everything give
thanks, for this is the will of God
There it is the reason for, the model for, the example
for our giving in the grace and the sacrifice of Christ
himself. The most familiar, and perhaps most important,
words in the New Testament
are found in John 3:16. For
God so loved He gave His
only Son that everyone who believes in Him might
have eternal life. God so love you that He gave His Son
that you might have eternal life.
Now each of us knows what sacrificial giving truly
means. In Gods heart, you were worth it. Now finish
doing this, so that your eagerness may be matched
by completing it according to your means. For if the
eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what
one has. (2 Corinthians 8: 11-12)
Prayer: I thank you Lord for the inexpressible grace You have given to
me this life I have, Your Sons life for mine, Your Holy Spirit to
empower me to live for You and eternal life in Christ Jesus. Show me
how and where to best use my gifts, talents and ministry of
reconciliation to bless others in Your name.
I choose to store up treasures in heaven by my giving of myself and
the resources You have given me.
I choose to walk loosely with the things of this world while being yet a
good steward of them, knowing theyre from You.
And If perhaps I do not understand anything, I choose to place myself
under my Pastors guidance trusting in Your grace to guide us both.


Some words from Pastor Brian Kluth,
Brian Kluth is a popular speaker on generosity and financial matters.

10 biblically based and practical reasons to make giving 10%
or more to Gods work the highest financial priority in your life.

1 It is a proven pattern of giving done by Christs followers for many generations. - In 1899, a bibliography was
compiled of books related to systematic Christian giving over 500 books listed from over 100 years ago,
demonstrating a long tradition of giving, and yet many Christians today do not understand the importance of faithful
giving. GENESIS 14:17'20, GENESIS 28:16'22 ,LEVITICUS 27:30, PROVERBS 3:9'10, MALACHI 3:7'15.
2 It will give the Lord first place in your life. If I saw your financial records, I would quickly know who or what you
value. By giving the best of what you have to God, you are expressing your allegiance to him. You will grow in your
respect for the Lord and will see him working more actively in your life. DEUTERONOMY 14:23, MALACHI 1:6'8
3 It will bring Gods wisdom and order to your finances. - If I get dressed in the morning and get the first button
out of place on my shirt, all the rest of the buttons will be messed up. When it comes to finances, the first button to
get in place is your giving. When you get this area in order, everything else follows. MATTHEW 6:19'21, MATTHEW
6:24'34; LUKE 12:16'21, I TIMOTHY 6:6'10, 17'19; ECCLESIASTES 5:10
4 It will serve as a practical reminder that God is the Owner of everything in your life. - By faithfully giving the
Lord 10% of all you receive, you are actively acknowledging his ownership in your life. As someone once told me,
God owns it all and God loans it all. We are not owners, only temporary possessors and managers of what God
entrusts to us during our lifetime. I CHRONICLE 29:11'18, PSALM 24:1'2, PSALM 50:10'12, HAGGAI 2:8
5 It will allow you to experience God as your Provider. - One of the most amazing things about learning to
faithfully give to the Lord is the joy you will experience when you see God provide for you in creative ways that show
his love for you as your Heavenly Father. I KINGS 17, PROVERBS 3:9'10, MALACHI 3:7'15, HAGGAI 1:4'11,
HAGGAI 2:15'19; LUKE 6:38, DEUTERONOMY 28, PHILIPPIANS 4:15'19,
6 It will encourage your spiritual growth and trust in God. - When you decide to be a faithful giver of what is in
your hand, God will grow you and your ability to see Him provide. DEUTERONOMY 14:23, PROVERBS 3:5'6,
MALACHI 3:8'10, HAGGAI 1:4'11, HAGGAI 2:15'19; 2 CORINTHIANS 8:5
7 It will ensure you of treasure in heaven. - Jesus encourages you to store up treasure in heaven. The only way to
do this is to live generously now. Someone once said, We cant take it with us, but we can send it on ahead. I
TIMOTHY 6:18'19, MATTHEW 6:19'21, HEBREWS 6:10,
8 It will strengthen the work and outreach of your local church. - Many churches struggle due to lack of finances.
However, when people in a congregation gain a vision of being faithful givers to God at their local church, the whole
spirit of a church begins to change. God-given momentum builds as people honour the Lord through their giving at
church. ACTS 2:42'47, ACTS 4:32; 2 CORINTHIANS 9:12, 13
9 It will help provide the means to keep your pastor(s) and missionaries in Christian service. - Gods plan is
that His servants are taken care of by His people. Many pastors and missionaries are struggling or are even leaving
the ministry because of a lack of adequate finances. Faithful giving can make sure this doesnt happen among the
pastors or missionaries you know. I CORINTHIANS 9:9'11,14; I TIMOTHY 5:17'18, PHILIPPIANS 4:15'19,
10 It will help accomplish needed building projects and renovations. - Some of the most exciting times in the life
of a church or ministry occur when facilities are being improved or expanded to help reach more people for Christ.
But for building projects to succeed, large and extraordinary gifts are needed. Building projects only happen well with
special gifts that are above and beyond what people normally give. This usually happens when people make
sacrificial gifts or pledges (by going without something so they can give more) or because they give generously from
whatever they have (including possessions, property, or wealth). 2 CHRONICLES 24:4'14, EXODUS 35,36; II
KINGS 12:2'16, EZRA 1:4'6, I CHRONICLES 29:2'19


Continued
Here is some practical advice for people who have
questions, doubts, or fears about faithfully and
generously giving to the Lords work
For all Christians: Always make it a priority to
faithfully support the work of your local church first. Then give special gifts
and offerings to other Christian causes, projects, missions, or the needy as
God leads you.
If youre fearful about giving 10% or more of your income to the Lord,
try a 90-day test: In Malachi 3:10, God invites people to test Him in the
matter of tithing and offerings.
Therefore, I encourage people to try a 90-day test. Begin giving 10% of your
income to the Lords work and watch and see if God does not begin working
in your life in ways you havent previously experienced
If you are married to a Christian, but the two of you do not agree on how
much you should give to the Lords work: See if your spouse will read
through this material and/or listen to some of the Internet messages at
www.GiveWithJoy.org or www.GenerosityPledge.org. Then talk and pray
together about a mutually agreeable testing period concerning your giving
10% or more.
If you are married and your spouse is not a Christian: Identify any money
you have freedom to spend (read Luke 8:3) and set aside 10% or more of this
money to give to the Lords work AND/OR show this material to your spouse
and see if you can try the 90-day testing period.
If you have children at home: Help your children set up a place where they
can set aside Gods portion of any money they receive (e.g., allowances,
work projects, gifts of money, etc.). Have them give at church, to missions,
and/or to help people in need.
If you have fallen behind in your giving to Gods work: If you knowingly
or accidentally have fallen behind in your giving to Gods work, you will never
regret the decision to get right in this area.
Review your financial records from the past several months and pray about
making up the amount you have fallen behind. One elderly lady in her 90s I
heard about sent a tithe cheque to the church office with the note, I want to
be prayed up, paid up, and ready to go!


If you want to begin to actively give to God
FIRST: Here are four ideas to choose from:
1) Whenever you get any money, set aside 10% or
more to give as the Lord directs.
2) Whenever you put a deposit in your Account, write
out the withdrawal for Gods work for 10%.
3) If you track your finances through a program, set up a category for
church giving and another one for other Christian causes. Then begin to
faithfully set aside 10% or more of your income into these accounts.
4) If you like to handle your finances electronically, consider using online or
electronic giving options to faithfully give to the Lord.

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