EVERY WORD OF GOD FOR DAILY LIVING BY PASTOR PAUL RIKA:
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide
TITLE: HANDLE GOD’S RESOURCES IN YOUR CUSTODY WITH UTMOST CARE
DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 2ND, 2021
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 8:16-21
16) But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17) For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18) And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19) And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20) Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21) Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
KEY VERSE: PROVERBS 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
God’s resources in your care must be handled with utmost care and diligence; otherwise, you may not be guiltless in His sight. The following are the
responsibilities the leaders of the church have over the finances and property of the
church.
(a) Teach members on Christian giving that they may know what God expects them
to do as faithful Christians. Let opportunity be created for them to give in
demonstration of their love for God and the brethren.
(b) Take care of church money and property to avoid wastages, losses, unnecessary
damages etc. Wisdom must be employed in the use of church funds and property.
Those to be appointed to manage church money and property must be men and
women that hate covetousness; who are trusted and proven. There should be
accountability and record keeping. Ministers are stewards over the money and
property of the church of God and will give account to Him. Truth, righteousness
and holiness should characterize every transaction with church funds and property.
(c) Diligence must be exercised over church money and property that they may not
be stolen, embezzled, misappropriated or personalized. The name of the Lord is on
His money and property. Careful consideration must be taken before taking a loan
for church use so as not to bring the church of God under bondage to creditors. To
treat church money and property carelessly or embezzle them shows one has no fear
of God. Such a person will suffer God’s judgment.
(d) Do not impoverish the people of God through excessive demands. God wants
His people to have food to eat, clothes to wear and a house to live in. Believers who
cannot feed their families are worse than unbelievers before God. It is a sin for any
minister to overburden the people of God with financial demands to the point that
they cannot care for themselves, provide for their family, and acquire the necessities
of life. The people of God should not become prey to their ministers. Their souls
should not be destroyed for the purpose of material and ministerial achievement.
(e) The church must endeavour to pay its workers well and timely. God is a righteous
God and will want justice to be done to everyone working in the church, from the
greatest to the least
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Serve God with diligence and decency.
SONG FOR THE DAY: Make me holy (3x)
BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY: Psalm 68-69; Romans 3