In wisdom, God generously enables our lives, the world says this is foolish (Matt 5:42)

Luke 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back.

Luke 6:34-35 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. / But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

I've been thinking about where we get our wisdom. Our pastor is doing a series on Proverbs, "un-common sense." We either follow ourselves (flesh), follow a guru (world), follow wickedness (devil) or follow God (godly life).

• Tasteful, sunny disposition brings glory to God (Psalm 34:8, Matthew 5:13-16)
• People have four dispositions, three are toxic, one is from God

I love 2 Peter 1:3‭-‬11 NLT that talks about spiritual power and growth, through coming to know God and his great and precious promises. We make every effort to respond to God's promises by supplementing our faith with generous provision of moral excellence. 

We see a progression of love in action, in our Matt5-13 series: 

• Matthew 5:42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
• Matthew 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
• Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
• 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
• Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Principles taught throughout scripture

• Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
• Deuteronomy 15:7-11 If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...
• Proverbs 21:26 All day long he covets more, but the righteous give without restraint.
• 1 John 3:17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Acts 20:35 In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

• Jesus explains working in his kingdom is about giving not taking (Matthew 19:30-21:17)
• When we give we are blessed, principles on giving

We need the unction of God, only by prayer with faith, hope, and love everything needed has been given to us. 

• Study universal holiness of life, Men are God's method

James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. / Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving

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Having a giving and a forgiving spirit

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:17, a good tree bears good fruit, it's what we're known for (in deed and word Matt 12:33-37)

Mark 4:24
He went on to say, "Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.

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When we give we are blessed, principles on giving

2 Cor 9:6-7;Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:9-10; Gal 6:6; Deut 15:11; Proverbs 3:9-10; Luke 12:48

Why, where, when should we give? What does God expect from those he has blessed?

AIM: Because our hope is in God, we enjoy a rich life, fully invested in people

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to 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 treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

Principles on Giving:

• Planting generously yields generously. Decide in your heart how much to give - not reluctantly or in response to pressure (God loves a cheerful giver - Prov 22:8) - 2 Cor 9:6-7
• Give and you will receive. The amount you give determines what you get back (Luke 6:38)
• Our lack of faithfulness brings a curse to our community Malachi 3:9
• Our faithfulness in giving to God brings blessings from heaven we can't contain Malachi 3:10

Where should we give?

• Students share good things with teachers of God's word Gal 6:6
• Share freely with the poor and others in need Deut 15:11

When should we give?

• Honor Lord with your wealth, the best part of everything you produce, you'll be blessed - overflowing Prov 3:9-10

God's gifts and our commitment are bonded by love (Romans 12:1-21)

What does God expect from those He has blessed?

• Given much, much is required in return, entrusted with much - even more so (Luke 12:48

Peter's letters explain how faith, grace, and hope work in our lives

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Become a Bible Study Ninja and learn how to grow in faithfulness to God

Biblegateway has a free dictionary of Bible Themes.
Expand the "study this" tool

then scroll down to the dictionaries and click Bible Themes

Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

faithfulness, to God
The proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own faithfulness to the covenant. Encouraged in all believers, it is especially important in leaders.

Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people
God’s covenant with his people requires faithfulness 1Ki 2:3-4 See also Ex 19:5; Dt 5:32-33; Dt 10:12-13; Dt 29:9; Isa 1:26

Faithfulness to God seen as marital fidelity Hos 2:20 See also Isa 54:5; Jer 2:2; Eze 16:8; Eph 1:1; Eph 5:22-25

Faithfulness to God reflects God’s faithfulness Dt 7:9 See also 1Sa 2:35; 1Co 10:12-13; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:23; 1Pe 4:19

Faithfulness is seen as steadfast commitment to God
In unwavering devotion Mic 4:5 See also Jos 24:14-15; Lk 9:62; Rev 2:10

In obedience Dt 11:13; Eze 18:9

In service 1Sa 12:24; 2Ch 19:9; 2Ch 34:10-12 pp 2Ki 22:4-7; Eze 44:15; Eze 48:11; 1Ti 1:12

In giving 2Ch 31:12 Faithfulness to God is expressed in giving to him for the benefit of others; 2Co 8:1-5

In prayer Ro 12:12; 1Th 5:17

In patient endurance 2Ti 2:11-13; Heb 10:36; Rev 13:10; Rev 14:12

In fulfilling vows Nu 30:2; Dt 23:21-23; Ps 22:25; Ps 61:8; Ecc 5:4; Jnh 2:9

Faithfulness is especially important in leaders
1Co 4:1-2; 3Jn 3 See also Ex 18:21; 1Ti 4:13-16; 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 1:13-14; 2Ti 2:2,15; 2Ti 4:1-2
Leadership

Encouragements to faithfulness
The call to faithfulness 1Co 15:58 See also Pr 3:5-6; Isa 26:4; Jn 14:1; 1Co 16:13; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:13

God watches over the faithful Ps 97:10 See also Ps 31:23; Ps 37:28; Ps 86:2; Pr 2:8

God rewards faithfulness 1Sa 26:23; Mt 25:21 pp Lk 19:17 See also Ps 101:6; Pr 28:20; Mt 24:45-47 pp Lk 12:42-44; 2Ti 4:6-8; Rev 17:14; Rev 20:4

Lack of faithfulness
Hos 4:1 See also Ps 12:1; Ps 78:8,37; Hos 1:2; Hos 5:7; Hos 9:1

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Money and the gospel

Matthew 6:1-4, don't give for others to see. Give for God to see.
Acts 2, learn from the beginning

Matthew
Talents: Money is a tool for others.

But why do rich people kill themselves for more money?

Jim Carey, "I wish everyone could have all the money they ever wanted so they would know it doesn't satisfy. "

Money as a drug for self, (verses).

Bennett to giving
1. Unleashes God's blessings on a community. Acts 2, people have because hearts were changed.
- No needy people among them.
- everyone contributed... out of this world!
- favor with all
- favor with God, "being saved"
2. Protection from worry and anxiety. Matt 6:25-30,33
- Giving to and living for the kingdom of God is the way to living worry free.
- Luke 16:13, one master to serve

3. Money brings self reliance, God teaches reliance when we trust Him with our lives.
Acts 20, "blessed life that no one wants" giving.
- when we give we get more, Talents
2 cor 9:11, enriched brings generosity
- am I experiencing this rhythm in life?

4. Prepares us for Christ's return
Luke 12:47-48, much given much required
- case study in management
- a wise manager knows she's not the owner
- a foolish manger believes accounting is far away (long journey)
Application: I want to be ready to open the books and give an accounting for what I've done with the gifts given.

Giving is a matter of trusting God
- when you don't give your hurting yourself
- not a tax break

2 cor 9:7, giving decided in their heart, not reluctantly. Planning, not thoughtlessly.
- not raising money but maturing his people
- take giving seriously, maturity is generosity
- last thing baptized is the wallet

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Romans 12:6‭-‬13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.12.6-13.ESV

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Knee work cultivates and bears fruit

My mom has at her desk a sign she made that says, "Knee work bears fruit." Its a reminder to rely on God for all that we want to see in our lives and the lives of those we love. Martin Luther famously said, "I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." I've added the phrase "cultivates" and got to thinking, Biblically how does this play out.

In John 15:1-4, Jesus gives the analogy of himself being the grapevine, his disciples being the branches and God being the gardener who cuts of branches not producing fruit and prunes branches to produce more.  He says the disciples had already been pruned by the message Jesus gave them and simple says, "Remain in me and I will remain in you for a branch can't bear fruit unless you remain in me"

In Genesis 4 we see God wants our affections, our love (Abel)- not what we produce (Cain). He wants us to come to him in faith like Abel (Hebrews 11:1-6). Cain's sacrifice may have been on automatic bill pay but it wasn't done in love. This is explained in 1 John 3:11-24: We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.

Lord help me to see myself and others with your eyes of love, compassion and mercy. Help me to pray, remind me of your purposes. Give me your heavenly vision to be accomplished on earth, in your time. Give me grace to follow where you lead, keep me near your heart. In Jesus name amen.

Much Fruit
CULTIVATING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Why did God accept Abel’s offering but reject Cain’s offering? Why did Cain then kill Abel?
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/martinluth390009.html

on a side note:
John 15, got me thinking of the old song, "I heard it through the grapevine". My exposure to the song was with the California Raisins (a commercial using that song - but only the phrase out of context). I wondered if this had any Spiritual roots to John 15, but it was traced back to "a phrase associated with black slaves during the Civil War, who had their form of telegraph: the human grapevine"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Heard_It_Through_the_Grapevine

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