From Pastor Tom - Needs Or Greeds

There is an incredible promise in Philippians 4:19-20.  The verse reads:

      “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

Look closely at this verse.  It doesn’t say, “My God might…” or “My God may …” it says “My God will supply every need of yours…”  This is a written fact.  God has given his word.  He has put his character and reputation on the line.  “I will meet your needs.”

Does this mean rent?  Yes.  Car payments?  Yes.  Utility bills?  Yes.  It includes all of our needs.

Now, realize that this verse does not say, “God will meet all of our greeds.”  There is a big difference between needs and wants.  He is not going to give you everything you want.  If he did you would be spoiled to death.  However, he has promised to supply your needs.

If God has promised to meet our needs, why is it then that so many people struggle in the area of finances?  Did God fail?  Did he lie?  Did he exaggerate?  No!  But, with every promise that God makes, there are conditions and requirements.  Here are six conditions:

 1.  We need to ask God for help.

            “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, it will be opened to you.”               Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

2.  We need to ask with the right motives.

            “You do not have, because you do not ask.  You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on you passions.”  James 4:2b-3 (ESV)

3.  We need to learn to be content.

            “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”  Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

4.  We need to practice sowing and reaping.

            Every farmer knows that you can’t harvest what you have not sown.  The same is true with God.  If you do not give him what he requires how can you expect to get anything from him?

            “Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best, then he will fill       your barns.” Proverbs 3:9-10a (Msg)

5.  We need to be honest.

            “God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.”  Proverbs 16:11 (Msg)

6.  We need to trust God with our life.

            “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you          everything you need.”  Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

This last verse says, “He will give you everything you need.”   It may not be everything you want.  There is a big difference between needs and greeds.  God will supply your needs.

May God Bless

Pastor Tom