We’re all experiencing it!
Panic is widespread!
Hoarding is now full scale and shortages of toilet paper and food supplies are prevalent almost everywhere.
How we should respond as those who are Kingdom people?
The word of God says, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, ” (Matthew 6:31-32a, NLT).
Jesus was clear: Hoarding is a carnal response motivated by fear from those who do not know and trust their Provider.
Living in the Kingdom demands implicit trust and complete reliance on the King.
Why is this?
It’s simple!
Because He is utterly faithful and we can trust Him! “…Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32b-33, NLT).
Kingdom living is the antithesis of the world’s way of thinking and conduct. The Bible declares, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty” (Proverbs 11:24, NIV).
Think of Cornelius the Roman Centurion. He is characterized as “…a devout man of extraordinary character who worshiped God and prayed regularly, together with all his family. He also had a heart for the poor and gave generously to help them” (Acts 10:2, The Passion Translation).
His spiritual devotion and benevolence toward the poor secured the attention of the Lord Himself. “All of your prayers and your generosity to the poor have ascended before God as an eternal offering” (Acts 10:4b, The Passion Translation, emphasis added).
The word translated “eternal offering” in the original language speaks of a memorial offering which elicits the following responses from the one receiving the offering or gift:
- to be mindful of, to remember, to call to mind
- to think of and feel for a person or thing
- to hold in memory, keep in mind
- to make mention of
Cornelius’ lifestyle was an act of worship that pleased the Lord and attracted His attention. As a result, God would both heed and help Cornelius.
Do you know that the same holds true for you? Your faithfulness to God, all of your praying and holy living has not gone unnoticed by heaven! You will be paid for your financial gifts and help for the poor and needy.
It’s not because of our goodness, but because of the grace and faithfulness of the Father who has promised: “For God, the Faithful One, is not unfair. How can he forget the work you have done for him? He remembers the love you demonstrate as you continually serve his beloved ones for the glory of his name” (Hebrews 6:10, The Passion Translation).
During a time when many are hoarding and holding on, let’s be a people that help others – especially the poor. Solomon the wisest man who ever lived said, “Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done (Proverbs 19:17, The Passion Translation).
Right now, I am raising funds to purchase rice for families in Southeast Asia who have no food as a result of lockdown and unemployment related to the coronavirus. Their government is doing nothing currently to assist them. I know many of these people personally and can honestly attest to the fact that they are going without food.
Would you please give to help them.
Give online https://awakenations.org/donate
