Giving to Get

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

I saw Mike Murdock talking about how you should expect blessings from when you give. The blessings discussed were financial. He said if you are tithing you should EXPECT (a lot of extra money) back.

It sounded like he was priming the pump for donations, but I'm probably still very jaded. Which leads to a separate post.

But this is the question. Should you give to God in order to get back tenfold? I give and try to forget the idea of a return of any kind, though I still keep an eye open for one.

JustRachel · Apr 6, 2019

Sounds like the prosperity gospel to me. I don't like that. I give because God wants me to, not because I expect anything. I have, however, been wanting God to show me where he wants my resources. I've been taken before and now I'm hesitant.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

JustRachel said:
Sounds like the prosperity gospel to me. I don't like that. I give because God wants me to, not because I expect anything. I have, however, been wanting God to show me where he wants my resources. I've been taken before and now I'm hesitant.

I too prayed asking God what he wants me to do. After a few days I came across an old "Thank You" card from World Vision, where someone had donated to them in my name. That is where I give my money now. Also the little church I found that looks like they actually NEED the money for repairs etc.

Gregory Thompson · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
I saw Mike Murdock talking about how you should expect blessings from when you give. The blessings discussed were financial. He said if you are tithing you should EXPECT (a lot of extra money) back.

It sounded like he was priming the pump for donations, but I'm probably still very jaded. Which leads to a separate post.

But this is the question. Should you give to God in order to get back tenfold? I give and try to forget the idea of a return of any kind, though I still keep an eye open for one.

I researched the premise for this type of teaching in the scripture and found that seeking God's wisdom instead of earthly riches in exchange for giving of yourself has a way better outcome.

Seeking to give money to get more money is a good way to shipwreck a faith journey.

Gregory Thompson · Apr 6, 2019

Another good thing to seek other than money is to always be connected to God, in giving away the parts of your heart that are covetous and greedy, it gives more room for God to enter continually through trust.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

Michael Collum said:
I researched the premise for this type of teaching in the scripture and found that seeking God's wisdom instead of earthly riches in exchange for giving of yourself has a way better outcome.

Seeking to give money to get more money is a good way to shipwreck a faith journey.

The same speaker, that reminds me, also said that wisdom is the most important thing you can gain from The Word.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

Michael Collum said:
Another good thing to seek other than money is to always be connected to God, in giving away the parts of your heart that are covetous and greedy, it gives more room for God to enter continually through trust.

Yes. My biggest fear is becoming untethered. When I first returned to God and quit drinking, I opened the Bible and found a passage about God giving a barren woman a baby she should name John, and he is never to let alcohol pass his lips as it keeps the Holy Spirit away. Yes! How can a drunkard have God in his heart!

Gregory Thompson · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
The same speaker, that reminds me, also said that wisdom is the most important thing you can gain from The Word.

Luke 6 is a good chapter for the giving to get topic, especially the last half.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

Michael Collum said:
Luke 6 is a good chapter for the giving to get topic, especially the last half.

Thanks! I'll read it. He was also quoting Luke on the topic. He was saying if you can't believe God about the rewards from giving, then you can't believe him from anything else.

Messerve · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
I too prayed asking God what he wants me to do. After a few days I came across an old "Thank You" card from World Vision, where someone had donated to them in my name. That is where I give my money now. Also the little church I found that looks like they actually NEED the money for repairs etc.

That's a great idea about choosing that little church to help with donations! I've never really thought about giving to another church aside from the one I attend, but it's really not a crazy idea. I would probably get familiar with what they teach before I'd start giving them money, but I'm sure plenty of little churches would qualify.

Gregory Thompson · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
Thanks! I'll read it. He was also quoting Luke on the topic. He was saying if you can't believe God about the rewards from giving, then you can't believe him from anything else.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

You don't need to give to church to be rewarded, you can give yourself and your time to seek Him, and be rewarded also.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

Messerve said:
That's a great idea about choosing that little church to help with donations! I've never really thought about giving to another church aside from the one I attend, but it's really not a crazy idea. I would probably get familiar with what they teach before I'd start giving them money, but I'm sure plenty of little churches would qualify.

The first one I went to in town was HUGE! I had a hard time finding my truck after the service. The Trail Church in Southern Oregon. I felt like putting five dollars in the basket was tossing sand at the ocean.

The other one is Prespaterian, very folksy older pastor, not packed and the music is ragged. You can almost picture them singing "Bringing in the Sheaves" on an old pump organ. This one feels like five dollars is tossing sand at the ocean as well, but as in 'it's not enough' I'm going to try to give much more if I can.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

Just Googled "Mike Murdock" and it says he is best known for his "Prosperity Theology" (Hmm...emoji)

Messerve · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
The first one I went to in town was HUGE! I had a hard time finding my truck after the service. The Trail Church in Southern Oregon. I felt like putting five dollars in the basket was tossing sand at the ocean.

The other one is Prespaterian, very folksy older pastor, not packed and the music is ragged. You can almost picture them singing "Bringing in the Sheaves" on an old pump organ. This one feels like five dollars is tossing sand at the ocean as well, but as in 'it's not enough' I'm going to try to give much more if I can.

The funny things is, that kind of little church still singing "Bringing in the Sheaves" is the kind of church my parents decided to attend after getting married. They just needed something where they didn't already have family, and they liked the traditional aspects of the place and the very rural surroundings. Because local families began investing in that place (and having kids) the church actually grew a ton. They had a great Sunday school program for kids and adults, had renowned theologians and Christian speakers teach at special events and completed the first addition to the building since the 1700's!

So no church is too little for God to use it in a mighty way. It's definitely a worthy investment. That all happened in a little church surrounded by cornfields.

paul1149 · Apr 6, 2019

Like most error, there is some truth to that message. You can't outgive God, who is the original "cheerful giver". But the thrice-holy God is not to be used as an ATM either. Our first call is to walk in holiness, by the fear of God, without which no one will see the Lord.

God does require sacrifices, but they're not always financial. He required of Abraham the promised son, not money. And the reward wasn't primarily money either; Abraham became the friend of God. God knows exactly what we need to give in order to progress spiritually, and giving money can even be a carnal defense against giving Him what He really wants.

I'm not trying to put down giving money, just trying to put it into what I consider a broader perspective. If you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to give, you should give.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
Just Googled "Mike Murdock" and it says he is best known for his "Prosperity Theology" (Hmm...emoji)

Wow! Quite a list of scammer accusations, and he is really, really, rich.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

paul1149 said:
Like most error, there is some truth to that message. You can't outgive God, who is the original "cheerful giver". But the thrice-holy God is not to be used as an ATM either. Our first call is to walk in holiness, by the fear of God, without which no one will see the Lord.

God does require sacrifices, but they're not always financial. He required of Abraham the promised son, not money. And the reward wasn't primarily money either; Abraham became the friend of God. God knows exactly what we need to give in order to progress spiritually, and giving money can even be a carnal defense against giving Him what He really wants.

I'm not trying to put down giving money, just trying to put it into what I consider a broader perspective. If you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to give, you should give.

God did make Abraham VERY rich.

paul1149 · Apr 6, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
God did make Abraham VERY rich.

And?

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 6, 2019

paul1149 said:
And?

Never mind. I must have read your post too fast. I thougt you said that God didn't give Abraham riches, but you said it wasn't the primary reward.

Sabertooth · Apr 6, 2019

I still tithe trusting Malachi 3:6-12, particularly Malachi 3:10-11. That isn't a promise to make us "super" rich, just to bless how far the remaining 90% goes. I have seen it to be true in our lives (and that cannot be construed as a "prosperity" doctrine).

I do it as a budgeted expense through on-line banking, so there is no "showiness" involved. As to being a "cheerful giver," I'll just have to smile when I hit the "send" button...

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