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January 13, 2009
Set Apart ...
Giving makes you stand above the crowd! |
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Greetings!
At the end of 2008, Covenant was given a truck by a friend. Troy Wells had a great used truck and gave it to the ministry instead of selling it or trading it in. When I asked Troy why he donated the truck he gave this answer,
"I knew I would be blessed more for giving the truck than selling it. God had already allowed me to get a great new truck. I believe in what you are doing and knew the truck would bless an emancipated youth."
Wow! Thanks Troy!
This week, I took the truck for a drive. It drives great. I had a friend with me for company. My buddy is a lifelong friend but not in ministry or a regular church attendee. While we were driving I received a call from the office. The call was notifying me that we just received a $10,000.00 check in the mail as a gift. My buddy was confused and curious. Why? Why would someone give $10,0000.00? Why would someone give a truck? |
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You are peculiar!
9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
~ 1 Peter 2:8-12 ~ |
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That's what we do ...
When my buddy asked "why" Troy gave the truck or "why" someone gave $10,000.00 all I could say is that's what followers of Jesus do. We are peculiar! We are peculiar because we are not like the world. The world uses a spare truck as a trade-in on a new truck. The world takes $10,000.00 and invests it or uses it for a purchase or a vacation. Followers of Jesus do what they do out of obedience and grace! We aren't peculiar because we are weird but because we don't play by the world's rules.
Followers of Jesus play by different rules. We have different motives. We are unusual ... peculiar ... different. We stand above the crowd and make people ask "why?". You must understand I am not asking for anything. Also, understand that it is not about what you give or how much you give but THAT you give.
The foundation for our giving is following Jesus. Jesus gave it all that we can have it all. If we are His chosen people, set apart and peculiar, then we should be different. We should be like Him! Jesus opened His hand, His Heaven, and His Heart and gave it all! He was peculiar!
There is nothing as freeing for a follower of Jesus than to open your hand and give something away. Remember, Jesus said that if "you lose your life you will find your life" (Matt 16:25) and he rewarded the widow that gave a tiny bit of money while rebuking the rich that gave much more but from a stingy heart. It is not about the amount or what you give it is THAT you give.
Be peculiar! Stand above the crowd. Do something that makes people ask why! Then, fulfill Peter's command in scripture and "be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you" (1 Peter 3:15). Make them ask why and tell them about Jesus! He is the King and He is the reason we do anything good. We are made to stand above the crowd not because of strength and power but because we are different!
This week, find a way to get out of society's flow and be different. March to the rhythm of Jesus and be the peculiar person you are called to be. Then, when someone asks why, tell them you are just trying to follow Jesus. I guarantee you will grow in the grace and peace of God. He will fill any cup you empty in His name and honor His Word!
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For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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