When God's House became a ghosttown

Today: Nehemiah 12-13

Here's a very sad story from today's passage: God's House became a ghost town (again). Take a look at Nehemiah's words here:

And then I learned

that the Levites hadn't been given their regular food allotments.

So the Levites and singers who led the services of worship

had all left and gone back to their farms.

I called the officials on the carpet,

"Why has The Temple of God been abandoned?"

Why was the House of God abandoned?

God's people neglected to give...so the Levites (the equivalent of pastors/teachers/church leaders) couldn't dedicate their lives to full-time service. Instead, they had to abandon the work God had called them to so that they could survive.

The good part of this story is that God's House didn't remain a ghost town. Nehemiah came back, called the people out on their neglect and set things right. God's House was never designed to be a ghost town. It was always intended to be a place of giving--a place where people give in worship to God and a place where simultaneously, God gives us glimpses of His presence.

Tomorrow: Esther 1-5

The tithe and the turnaround

Today: Nehemiah 10-11

This passage is fairly short (and this entry will be as well). However, one of the things that I noticed is the amazing turnaround of God's people. They went from completely neglecting the God, the Temple and their entire country--to giving the first and the best 10% of their wealth to God's House. Wow!

From what I've seen and experienced, the tithe and the turnaround are often tied together. People's lives are transformed by God's love and power and their natural response is to obey Him and bless His House through tithes and offerings. On the flipside, the very act of tithing is transformational--it's an admission that, "Everything I have comes from God. I choose to obey and honor Him through gratitude and giving." Giving repositions our hearts in submitted obedience to God's authority. Giving also positions us to follow in God's footsteps--we learn to become loving when we surrender "our" stuff and our selfishness to be generous instead.

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 12-13

The heart of generosity

Today: Deuteronomy 14-16

It's amazing to me how the worst of times can sometimes bring out the best in people.

I was reminded of that this week when I watched reports about Haiti and America's involvement. Often, America is criticized around the world for its military or a tendency to "butt in" to world affairs. Yet, in this crisis (and others), America is one of the first countries to respond. The American military has provided critical security, air traffic control, medical support and supplies. Our government has pledged over $100 million to help the people of Haiti (significantly more than most). Even former political foes like former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have come together to help raise money.

I'm NOT saying that America is better than other countries--but I would argue that the United States is one of the most generous nations on the planet. The current crisis in Haiti illustrates the heart of my country and its people--to give to those in need.

Take a look at what today's passage said about generosity:

Give freely and spontaneously.

Don't have a stingy heart.

The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God's,

blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures.

There are always going to be poor and needy people among you.

So I command you: Always be generous,

open purse and hands,

give to your neighbors in trouble,

your poor and hurting neighbors.

Here are a things I think we can take away from these verses:

• First and foremost, generosity isn't about money--it's about your heart: The first part of these verses (and actually, the verses that precede them) address the importance of avoiding a stingy, selfish attitude.
  
• But if you're going to have an "open purse" [ or for my male readers, wallet or "murse" :) ], you need tangible resources: I'm not saying here that to give to others, you need to be a bazillionaire. But I am saying that you can't give what you don't have. To be generous, I think you need to first manage your own finances well--following basic concepts like "don't spend more than you make." For some people, this concept may be freeing--God doesn't judge or reward your generosity by the amount you give, but by level of sacrifice and your attitude.
  
• God wants to bless those who bless others: It may seem strange, but when you give to others, you are often blessed back. Sometimes, the blessings come back tangibly--but at other times, you're blessed back with things money can't buy (e.g. a better attitude, joy, peace, etc.).
  
• Look for those who are poor or hurting: Often when we think of the poor and hurting, we picture those who are financially desperate or physically hurt. They definitely need our help. However, there are people who are poor and hurting who may be in the middle or upper classes. They may have poor relationships or self esteem. They may be emotionally scarred or depressed. Don't underestimate their needs--or your opportunity to "shine a light" and help them. Sometimes it doesn't take a word--you may help someone else by just listening or being there to care.
  
• There are always opportunities to be generous: Sadly, there is no shortage of people in need or good causes that need your support. Look for opportunities to be generous. You may not be able to give money to every great cause, but you may be able to give your time, smile or prayers to help someone in need. Just do it.

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 17-20

"No more gifts. Seriously."

Today: Exodus 36-38

"We're no longer accepting gifts today," he says with a sparkle in his eyes. "We have everything we need and more!"

Normally, he would tirelessly ring a bell in front of your local Target or Safeway. His red bucket would chime periodically with the sounds of change. But this year, he's stopped ringing the bell. The bucket is nowhere in sight. Why? The Salvation Army has received more money than it needs or even knows how to spend.

"There aren't any more families in need. There's no more human trafficking in the world. Drug and rehab centers are fully funded and functioning for participants. And through your contributions, we've even made it possible for every child in public schools to learn how to play a musical instrument. No more gifts. Seriously."

I REALLY wish this story were true. How incredible would that be?!?

Sadly, many non-profits continue to see need for their services increase, while contributions decrease. I realize that many of us have been hit by the effects of the economy. Or maybe we've got school loans, mortgages, bills, insurance, rent, cars, etc. to pay. We all have excuses. But if you're reading this post on a computer somewhere, my guess is that you are far wealthier than you think (first, you're reading and secondly, you're near a computer and electricity). You're probably very rich compared to 80% of people in the world who live on less than $10 a day.

What could happen if you and I chose to be more generous? How could our churches change? How about our communities? What would happen on this planet?

I realize my questions may seem a bit "pie in the sky." But an equivalent to the Salvation Army scenario I described above actually happened (at least once). In today's passage, we read about the generosity of God's people toward His house:

All the artisans who were at work making everything

involved in constructing the Sanctuary came,

one after another, to Moses, saying,

"The people are bringing more than enough

for doing this work that

God has commanded

us to do!"
So Moses sent out orders through the camp:

"Men! Women! No more offerings for the building of the Sanctuary!"
The people were ordered to stop bringing offerings!

There was plenty of material for all the work to be done.

Enough and more than enough.

Can you imagine? What would it be like if you heard a pastor say, "Today, we're not taking up any offerings. This church has everything it needs. Our city is filled with people who know God. Everyone in the world has heard about God and His love--and they've seen it in action through their healthy and vibrant communities."?

I would LOVE to see that scenario happen some time. Wow! What a statement of love that kind of giving would be. Many of us would be thrilled to see the sick healed, to see children in poverty grow into healthy, educated adults who know that God loves them. It would be a miracle. But frankly, miracles often require us to take practical steps--in these cases, we might have to first give generously. I believe it's possible (especially if God's involved!). It happened before, why not make it happen again?

Tomorrow: Exodus 39-40