A Challenge To You: The Reader

As you may have heard, there has been talk of a recession recently. I have CNN.com up on my computer throughout my work day so I noticed right away when an article came up saying that the government was thinking of including rebate checks to millions of taxpayers as part of the stimulus package. They were estimating that it could mean up to $1600 per married couple. I got pretty excited about that, as I thought of the many ways that Beth and I could spend that money. We have several large loans to pay back, we have many hundreds of dollars worth of gear to buy before we can actually go on a week long backpacking trip, as well as other gear for the Africa trip, etc, etc. However, this excitement lasted about 15 seconds. I realized right away that God had other plans for this money that we would potentially be receiving. And as I am learning to do lately, I became OK with that notion, and I gave the money up to him before even knowing where it was going to go, how much it would be, and when.

Then the news article came across CNN saying that it was for real, the checks would be up to $600 for single taxpayers and $1,200 per married couple (more for each child), and they would be sent out starting in May (after everyone has filed their taxes). President Bush signed the bill Wednesday the 13th, its official. If you file taxes this year and you make less than $75,000/$150,000 you will qualify for the full amount. Congratulations.

Now here is my challenge. Give this money up right now to God, before you even receive it. I know that you can list off many things that you could use it for also. But I guarantee that he will show you where he can use it most effectively, to help someone, and to glorify him. Don't worry about the recession, our economy will recover from it (isn't it a self-fulfilling prophesy anyway?). Don't worry about yourself, God has blessed you abundantly.

Look at this from Malachi 3.

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'

"In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

I am not addressing tithes, but it is about offerings. The Lord says "Test me in this" and when we do as he says we will see him "pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it". That is God's truth and it goes beyond financial blessings.

So what can you do? Pray for God to reveal to you the person or place that your rebate check needs to go to. I guarantee that you can bless an entire family who is struggling, who either didn't qualify for the rebate or still needs more. I guarantee that you can pay for that old neighbor's medication for several months. I guarantee that your church or a Christian organization can use that money to literally save the lives of starving or sick children in Africa/Asia/eastern Europe (or on your city streets!). Get creative, God knows lots of ways to help.

I mentioned that when God laid this on my heart, I did not know where we were going to send the money. Well a few days later we were approached by someone with a specific need and we knew that God had provided the opportunity. I was originally going to explain details of this specific giving opportunity, but in church last Sunday, we were reminded about what Matthew 6 says. I think what you decide to do with this money can remain between you and God. If your motive for doing this is at all rooted in the desire to gain attention and admiration, then you won't be glorifying God. Although if you like this idea I would love to hear that you are thinking about it.

This is my challenge to you, where does your passion rest in the Kingdom of God? Send your tax rebate there. You will feel peace. This is how you store up treasures in heaven. If you have yet to experience full surrender of your finances and the abundant blessings that result, I urge you to dive in head first.

Enjoy God's blessings, and enjoy sharing them with others.
Matthew 6:19-21