Everyone is talking frugal these days. Sky high prices on gas are causing everything to go up. All the talk about the economy and recession and so on- it's disconcerting. But it also makes me a bit, well to be blunt, angry.
Not just because of tightened wallets, but at the response of Christians. So why am I angry at Christians getting upset about the rising costs of everything?
Because, we should know without a doubt that there is no need to worry. I think that is necessary to spend money wisely; I think it is necessary to know how to do things like cooking from scratch, sewing, how to make your own whatever in case it's not available or you need something and can't buy it. Generally when you make it yourself it's cheaper.
I think it's good that people have to stay home more because of gas or to watch less TV/have less computer time etc. This is forcing people to be more creative and to actually do something with their family members, LOL.
But when I hear Christian people preach doom and gloom I get real ticked. That is not the message of the Bible. What was Jesus' whole ministry on earth about? Faith, faith, FAITH!!!! What is faith?
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."Hebrews 11:1
A lot of people hope that God will do what He says in His word without really being convinced that He will. Faith is being fully persuaded that God will do what He said period- no matter what things look like on the surface. It is remaining steady and sure in what He has said regardless of how things look or feel.
God is not honored by poverty. It is not His will for us to barely scrape by. Look at the Israelites- God wanted them to go from poverty and slavery under Pharaoh's rule to the promised land, the land flowing with milk and honey. Abundant life.
"The thief comes to steal and to kill and to destroy, but I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10
This abundant life is our physical life as well as spiritual. God wants Christians to be so prosperous and healthy that everyone will see what a good God we serve and be drawn to Him. I am not worried about the circumstances of this nation. I know that no matter how bad it looks, that all things are possible with Him. I know He will not leave us high and dry.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?...If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry...for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. " Matt 6:25-34, condensed
The Holy Spirit reminded me a moment ago of the little boy who had three loaves of bread and two fish, and from that Jesus fed the 5,000. Do we really and truly believe that God can perform miracles? Or is that just something that Jesus did? If He is living in us, then don't we have the same power? If God so loves us, then wouldn't He give us the tools we need to live in this earth? Faith, standing and believing no matter how it looks. God can multiply our funds, if we believe.
"...for verily I say unto you, if you have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, you say unto this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
Believe and you shall receive. You have not because you ask not. My husband and I are being stretched in our faith right now. We have to move out of this house, yet we don't seem to have enough money to rent or buy a home. My husband's job is over 30 miles away (gas) he has to have highspeed internet and special cell phone for his job. These things are costly. We barely have anything extra as it is- cut down the satellite TV and things like that already.
But, we have been faithful to give the firstfruits to the Lord, which we do with a cheerful heart. We are sowing into His kingdom, and this is what He says about that:
"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 will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,' says the Lord Almighty. Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,' says the Lord Almighty. " Malachi 3:8-12
We know that He is keeping us and is guiding us. Nothing is too hard for Him- He specializes in impossible things. (example, Jesus' birth and the resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus) So, this post is written to myself, and I hope it helps others. I am learning more and more about how to be more frugal and shave off extra things we don't really need, but I don't plan on being forced to eat only bread and water. Abundant life remember.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
" Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things that these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:11-12
7 comments:
I totally agree with you. I think the problem with a lot of people is that they simple do not know what to do. They have been living in the land of "false milk and honey" for so long they really don't know what to do without all of the conviences of modern life. To some cooking from scratch is heating up some ravoli because they usually eat in a fast food joint. I just believe, honestly, that they have never been taught anything else. And just because they confess to be christian doesn't mean that they know that the bible tells us not to fret. I know times are really hard for us too right now, but I know my Lord will provide.
Hmm. got me thinking. I don't know so much about it being Christians not having faith, but more of people realizing they are too materialistic and need to stop spending and having such outrageous desires - living on credit. I have faith, but I don't think by having faith and blowing my money that God is going to keep the cash flowing :)
I agree completely. Keep it simple. Something I told my ex all the time we were together. There is no need for satalite tv, video games, 2 cars, designer clothes or the latest trends. All I wanted and still want in life is to be able to enjoy it, not stress about how I'm going to keep all the 'junk and wealth' the world deams neccesary.
Have faith in God, live his gospel and all will fall into place.
Amen Sister!
You know... I really really love reading your blog. This is Atomic Momma, a blast from the past.
I loved the ice cream post with the pics from the girls. You have a rich full life that many people yearn for.
Preach on, Preach on
I think people like drama and an element of fear:)!!!
I think this is a great blog :) I don't like much of what is going on but I am not afraid. I am careful that we are informed and that we make wise decisions for our safety and well being but I am not afraid. I trust in the Lord who knows the whole picture - and everything He does is for good. That said, I think many people don't bother to be informed and it is important - so very important to know what is going on around us that can affect us.
Thanks for a GREAT post!
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