Cool Devotions

Get Down with Warren B.

published Jul 07, 2006 12:00

http://www.633main.com/dev251.htm Get Down w/ Warren B. "Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce" (Proverbs 3:9). We often hear sermons on tithe and stewardship, but how many of us really get the concept? Sometimes its hard to receive the message because it comes from a preacher, who has a conflict of interest - he is an employee of the church. So to get us over that hurdle, I'm the preacher today, and you aint paying me a dime! Now, last week, if you pay any attention to the news you heard the name Warren Buffett, the second riches man in the world, only behind Bill Gates himself. He just became a hero of mine because he give away 85% of his fortune, most of which would be going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Although he didn't give away his money to church, his philanthropy is envious. We could stand to learn something from his unselfish act. Warren B. has been quoted saying, "I only know how to make money, I don't know how to spend it." And this is true of most of us, well maybe not the part on how to make it, but definitely the part of not knowing how to spend it. LOL And here lies todays lesson. Here is what I found to work in my life:"Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce" (Proverbs 3:9). If you want to be financially free, dedicate all you earn to God. Now this takes alot of faith. But realizing that everything you have is because of the Grace of God, will actually allow you to stay out of debt. God asks us to return to Him only 10% of what He has given us, and to give a faithful offering. This is so important to me, I return to God more than 10%, because owning my own business, I don't know exactly how much money I make, so I just give alot just to make sure I don't dip below 10%. I'm not bragging, but my investment in God has paid off, not only do my business profits continue to grow, my life and health is blessed! So today, here is the prayer I ask you to pray with me, "Father, thank you for your love and mercy. Lord cleanse us of our sins so that we may clearly hear your Holy Spirit, leading and guiding us. Help us Lord to have enough faith to return to You what is yours. Help us Lord to be the Financial beacons of light you will have us to be to our brothers and sisters in this world. In Jesus' name, Amen." -Eric Lusain, Cincinnati, OH