October seems to be all about money. Households are looking at those last few paychecks. Businesses: Year-end revenue and getting in the black. Nonprofits: Donations vs. Expenses. Everyone: Next year's budget.
Money is on our minds, and when money comes to the front, it's important that we put God in the center of our financial picture. And maybe the place we should start before we fret over our financial woes is remembering that God desires to bless us. Paul says, "God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches" (Philippians 4:19). The Psalmist says, "Trust in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:3-4). The Lord affirms this, saying, "I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare, to give you a future with hope." (Jeremiah 29:11).
These blessings are intimately connected with prayer. God continues, "Call upon me and pray to me; I will hear you" (Jeremiah 29:12). Paul says the same: "Don't worry about anything, but by prayer let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). Jesus promises us, "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive" (Matthew 21:22).
This month, with money at the forefront, get bold in your prayer! Repeatedly ask God to bless you, like the old woman did with the judge (Luke 18). Tell God every day about the blessings you expect and the blessings you need.
But don't just pray. Believe God will provide. And not just believe in your head; live out that belief. God says, "If you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me" (Jeremiah 29:13-14). Again, God says, "Bring the full tithe (10%) and offering, and put me to the test; see if I will not open the windows of heaven and give you an overflowing blessing" (Malachi 3:8-10). Again, Moses promises, "The Lord will command the blessing upon you, so keep the commandments of the Lord and walk in his ways" (Deuteronomy 28:8-9).
We at Trinity need you to pray and to live in that belief, because we have real financial decisions to make this year as a congregation. One of those decisions is whether each of us will step up our offerings. You don't need to jump to tithing (10%). Simply step up one percent. Take your monthly income, move the decimal place over by 2, and add that to your regular contribution. Together, 1% will make all the difference in the world.
The leadership is praying. One of our prayers is for God to bless us with the gifts we need. And maybe God will send those gifts from unexpected places. But maybe you are the answer to our prayers. Let's put God to the test and see what happens!
~Pastor Tyler