A Heart Like Jesus

Study the life and heart of Jesus and you will clearly see two things emerge: service and generosity. That is also how He encouraged us to live our lives. He made it clear that the way “up” was “down” and that the way to success was by giving and serving.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (NIV)
Matthew 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." (NIV)
Luke 9:25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? (NIV)
Things in Jesus’ economy are so different than that of the world. Jesus' method of happiness is different than what is taught by popular culture. Our culture would teach these principles this way...
Blessed are the self-made men, for they are their master of their destinies.
Blessed are those who never mourn, for their life will be a bed of roses.
Blessed are the aggressive, for they'll get whatever they want.
Blessed are those who make up their own rules, for they'll answer to no one but themselves.
Blessed are those who show no mercy, for their enemies will fear them.
Blessed are those with hearts of stone, for they'll never be hurt.
Blessed are those who win the battle, for their enemies will become their slaves.
Blessed are those who compromise their convictions, for they'll never offend anyone.Blessed are those who keep everything they earn and never share, for they will no loose what they have.
Blessed are those who are recognized for their greatness and elevated to the status of celebrity, for they will be worshipped by many.

God has seen fit to bless us in so many ways and to allow us to be in the RICH of the world.
This past Sunday I opened our message on HIGH DEFINITION FINANCES with the words of Paul to Timothy: I Timothy 6:17-18.
“Command those who are rich in this present world, not to be arrogant, nor put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment, command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of life that is really life.” (NIV)
As we unpacked this verse we realized quickly that our hope was not to be placed in what we had but into the one who allowed us to have it. God who “richly” provides us with everything….desires that we do good with what we have (smart financial practices) and are generous and willing to share (tithing, giving, blessing others). It is true that we will only have a window of time in which we will be given much – and it is imperative how we use what we have been given.
The key to high definition finances is trust in God and hope in Him. Life works best when God is given first place in our lives and we seek HIM and HIS Kingdom first. When this world is our priority and when possessions begin to possess us – we loose out on what God has provided for us – I believe we loose our faithfulness to what He has given to us and thus we loose getting more and more from God.
Matthew 25:21
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (NIV)Question: How faithful are you with what God has placed into your life? Your finances, time, abilities, talents, connections, assets. Think if through – what are you doing with what you have?
Are you being faithful with what you have or do you believe you are the source of all things you have? Look at the following verse and see if you need some adjustment in your thinking. Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
“You may say to yourself, my power and strength in 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…” (NIV)
The call from God for each of us is to live a blessed (happy) and prosperous life. He does not bless us so that we can simply have more, but so that we can give more and share more.
Acts 20:35
‘In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (NIV)Don’t let the stuff you have own you. Allow God to make shifts in your heart as to the things you have.
One person stopped me following this past Sunday’s message and said: “Pastor Bernie, it is easy for me to give my ten percent and a little above. I have no problem doing it, I do however have a difficult time being generous to others, releasing my time to help others or to give additionally. Your message got me thinking – I am doing my duty of the tithe but what else is God asking from me?” I share his story with you since this may be where you are struggling. What is God asking you to give, do, share, right now and you are saying: NO! What are you allowing to grip your heart and life rather than release to God? It is time to be more generous than ever and live in High Definition Finances.
For sake of reminder, here is our verse for the week.
Hebrews 13:5.
“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be satisfied with what you have.” (NIV)
Let’s live God’s way and God’s best in every area of our lives.
Let's be generous in our giving, sharing and our serving. Let's follow the life of Jesus.