The Power of Giving!

"Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 drachmas of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. Some of the heads of families gave to the treasure for the work 20,00 drachmas of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. The total given by the rest of the people was 20,000 drachmas of gold, 2,000 minas of silver and 67 garments for priests"(Nehemiah 7:70-72).

After Nehemiah took the census of the people of Israel, he them moved to give an offering unto the Lord and bless the treasury. Nehemiah being the example gave fully unto the Lord and the other heads of families followed his lead. Now the question is why did he do this? It would even seem unfair that the Children of Israel to give after sacrificing so much and their homes still were not built. If he lived in our post-modern world, we would have called him a false prophet who is taking advantage of the people during a vulnerable time.

However, there is a deeper principle that is working here than just giving. Nehemiah understood the dynamics of the Word of God. He was operating on the principle of sowing and reaping. If the Children of Israel were to be established and move to the next level, they would have to sow. The word of the Lord shares, "Be not deceived, God cannot be mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). If the Children of Israel were to prosper financially and affirm the covenant of God (See Deuteronomy 8:18), they would have to sow unto the Lord. Why finances? Because it is a clear indication of where their heart was. Jesus shared, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). If they were serious about rebuilding,, restoring and renewing their lives and the community, they would have no problem investing in the rebuilding, restoring and renewing. Moreover, Nehemiah understood, that whatever you sow it will come back to you in the measure that you give. "...Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (II Corinthians 9:6). The Children of Israel and Nehemiah's giving was to ensure their birthright and covenant with God to walk in the fullness of the Father (See Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

If we are serious about rebuilding, restoring and renewing our lives and our communities, we should consider investing of our resources into the Kingdom of God. When we give we are making a statement that we are serious about our desire to build the Kingdom; Moreover, we are also ensuring that we have a harvest of blessing as well. Let me be clear, giving should be done out of gratitude to God, it is an act of worship. However, we do have a right to expect an harvest and God wants to bless us with His highest and best.

Will you consider planting a seed in our rebuilding, restoring and renewing? You can plant a seed by going to www.powerfaithandliving.com We stand in agreement for your harvest.

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!
Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father bless my seed that I sow.
May it bless your people.
I thank you for my harvest.
In the Name of Jesus and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!