*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*WHEN THE ONLY CURRENCY IS FAITH.*
*Scripture Treasure.*
Luke 10:4 *Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.*
*Insights and Highlight.*
There are times when God requires more faith be exercised when what we need most is not made available.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
If you think some units of currencies are hard currencies, think again about faith.
In the course of ministry, there are times when the called of God will be in ministry lack and the only currency available is faith.
Paul went through this. He suffered a need by what he went through in the course of ministry. He says in Philp 4:12 (NIV) *I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.*
Though the early church had needs to meet, Jesus, through His blessings upon the people, met the needs of the Church.
So, the people did not lack, and God expected them to meet the Apostles' needs for the mission work.
The Apostles worked in expectations of the people who would provide for ministry work, and by their sufficiencies, they met the needs of the Church. Acts 4:34-35, 1 Cor 9:13.
These purposeful people sold their properties and brought them to the Apostles' feet Acts 4: 36-37
Some of the early missionaries (if not all), some to Africa and other nations of the world, went without purse or scrip (i.e., without food, money, or a place to sleep).
It still remains today that missionaries, people God called, leave their nations, not knowing what will befall them.
Before things got better for many of them, they were very rough.
For everyone called, there is a humble beginning when faith is the only food to eat, the only currency to spend, the only shelter to sleep. This is because there was no designated place to sleep or any known food to eat and no provision of money to spend.
To every elect of God, be encouraged.
To everyone planted in the Church, God looks up to you to support His work.
Jesus said in Luke 22:35 *And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.*
Luke reminded us Jesus's word, encouraging us to give in Acts 20:35, saying *,"....remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.*
To the elect of God, there may be nothing now, but there will be more than enough tomorrow.
Do not despise those small beginnings.
Job 8:7 *Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.*
Therefore, do not give up!
*Remorse corner.*
Jesus gave the vision and mission, so He also made provisions for the Church through the people's abundance.
Acts 4:34-35 *Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,*
*Call to Word action.*
When faith is the only currency available, James says ,*"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17
In other words, if there is no ministry support, faith as a "currency" is dead being alone.
*The Christian clarion duty.*
You can excel others in giving to support God's work. A man called Barnabas stood out among many.
Acts 4:36-37 *And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,*
*Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.*
*Prayer.*
Lord, use me in ministry support in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and have a blessed day today
God bless you.