ONE GREAT TRUTH: God has called on His people to give from a willing heart with the promise that whatever we give, He can multiply.

We are experiencing difficult economic times, the likes of which the present generation has never really seen before. Some who lived through the late 70’s have seen recession, inflation, and unemployment hit a peak. And perhaps a few of you can remember the Great Depression, but the generation that is growing up now has not seen it yet. So what do we normally do when things get really tough?

• We panic and feel hopeless or desperate.
• We begin to try to plan our way out of it and horde.
• We foolishly ignore it and suffer.

What should we do? Pray, save, work hard, and give.

THREE THINGS GOD MULTIPLIES…

1. He multiplies my treasure.

God asked them to bring every kind of fine material – linen, stones, wood, and precious metals. And they brought.

2. He multiplies my time.

This is perhaps the greater sacrifice for many. In fact, some would make the excuse, “Well I don’t have much time to give, but here’s a check.”

3. He multiplies my talents.

God has given every one of us natural abilities as well as supernatural abilities (those who know Christ) to be used for His glory and for His Kingdom.

God’s Kingdom isn’t really that affected by recession. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, the Bible says. He doesn’t need your money or even your time. But He invites you to invest in an opportunity that promises an amazing return.

ONE GREAT TRUTH: God promises His presence to His people, but we experience His presence in a real way only as we remain in step with Him.

When I was little, I used to have 2 tendencies when keeping up with my Dad… I would either move very slow and trail way behind, or I would run over his heels, which he always loved!

Israel had the problem of either lagging behind or running ahead of God. We do the same, don’t we? We often make our plans and rush ahead, or we fall out of touch and lag behind. But God wants us to really experience His presence in a real way on a daily basis by staying in touch with Him.

HOW TO REMAIN IN STEP WITH GOD…

1. Be aware of His presence… by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

2. Be listening for His will… by reading His Word.

3. Keep together with God’s people… by remaining in fellowship with others.