I’m sure all of us have heard the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive.”  And I do believe that is a true statement.  I am a giver.  If you are familiar with the “Five Love Languages” I score number one on the love language of “gifts.”

However, God called us to a support-based ministry many years ago.  THAT was difficult for me!  After 33 years I still must fight uncomfortable feelings when we offer people the opportunity to partner financially with us in our ministry.   I do believe with all my heart that this support-based ministry was God’s plan for RLM.  HE wants the body of Christ to be a part of all that takes place in us and through us.  We are happy that we can offer affordable counseling to those in need, and we can do that because of our financial partners.

I recently heard a sermon on the fact that God is a giver.  God has a giving heart because He is a good father.  I’ve been told in the past that I struggle with a scarcity mentality.  I’m not sure exactly where that came from, but sometimes I do allow fear to enter my mind when it comes to money.  We ALL want to feel secure and safe!  It’s ironic that we must practice what we teach in our ministry.  We trust God with our livelihood, as we teach our clients to trust God in the area they struggle.  So, we are familiar with the battle of trying to meet our own needs our own way and forgetting whose child we are.  God isn’t against us being confident and strong, however, HE does love it when we are dependent on Him.  He loves trust, connection and intimacy!

One of the most important things we share with our clients is the following statement.  God never created human beings with the capacity to handle the stress this life brings in their own resources and strength.  That is why HE wants to live with you, in you and through you.    He looks at our heart and wants to have our love and trust more than anything.  But if we don’t know that HE is good, we can be cautious and experience doubt.

Here are some of the ways God’s Word shows us HE IS A GIVER:

Isaiah 9:6                     “Unto us, a son was given…’

John 3:16                    “For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten son, that whosoever believes in HIM

                                         will not perish but have everlasting life!”

II Peter 1:3                   “For His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.”

Paul is speaking here in Philippians 4:18-19     “I have received full payment and have more than enough.  I am amply supplied, now that I have received from the gifts you sent.  They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”  verse 19  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”  I’ve never noticed this before.  Paul is talking to the ones that gave to him.  He is reminding them that God will meet all of their needs.  That’s cool!

Paul was a tent maker and he also lived from the gifts given by his brothers and sisters in Christ.  Pastor Danny Phillips  from Milestone Church talked about what Psalms 23 really means when it says, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  It means, “I will not live in lack.  I have everything I need.”  Why?  Because the Lord is my Shepherd!  He’s not only a good father but He is a good shepherd!  The NASB says: Phil. 4:18 “But I have received everything in full and have abundance.  I am amply supplied.  Now THAT is a great mindset to live in.  If I worry or fret regarding my needs, I am living in fear instead of faith.  Romans 14:23 tells us, “Whatever is not of faith is sin.”  And we know where fear comes from.  Our God is not a God of shortages.  I don’t have to lack peace, joy, provision, love or anything at all, because He is the God of more than enough.  What are you worried about today?  Claim God’s provision by faith.  I hope this encourages you today!