
I bet if we could go back and capture Y2K moments, everyone was talking about it then too. Or when Hitler was in power attempting to eliminate the Jews. But when it is going to happen and should we be afraid?
I watched a Christian TV network yesterday and I heard some things that I had to shake my head at. I even laughed and made fun of some of the things. I think it's important for any person to discern and ask God directly for wisdom. I think it's important that every person get into the Word of God. The BIBLE and seek God's face. We have to stop feeding into fears. I heard a very well known Pastor talk about we have to buy 8 gallon containers of pancake mix so when end time comes we will have good tasting food. But maybe it's not end times, maybe it will just be a hurricane or something. Or when Social Security runs out and we have no money. Oh brother... why are you spreading fear in God's name to earn a dollar?
Now, I am not against tithing at all. I think you should invest your money into good places. But what concerns me is that we are confusing people by preaching "money" all the time, we are being asked for money around every corner and for every need or want. Money is not what makes God work. I sure hope you know that. Money helps missionary's work. It helps church doors stay open, it can feed the poor, it can dig wells for fresh water. But money does not buy a ticket to heaven, or faith in God.
I am just a little ol' Christian, with no Pastoral Leadership or Degree. I am not pretending to be someone spectacular like Dr. Phil, or Oprah. I am "just Ang" with a great big heart for God, who believes that you cannot take money in exchange for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a FREE gift. You don't have to call anyone to get it, you don't have to be a Pastor to receive it. You don't even have to be good. You get it by asking Jesus into your heart. Anywhere you are at, at anytime. Jesus didn't die for money....remember Judas? He died to save you. He didn't remain dead. He rose, and is now sitting at the "right" side of his Father. He freely gave the "Holy Spirit" to us so that we may live a life of abundance. Not in money, but in spirit.
Acts 8:18-24 New International Version (NIV)
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”