Nydia Garcia Schmidt: Invitation

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.” Exodus 25:1-2

“It is important to remember that God takes the lead to invite generous offerings. It is not Moses or the leaders of Israel that come up with the idea to ask for free will offerings…It is a story that provides richness in biblical principles that can be learned for ministries and churches seeking generous offerings from the Church.

The invitation from God to Moses happens also in a moment of isolation and spiritual discernment for Moses. Moses had been with God forty days and forty nights on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18). This was a time for Moses to isolate himself from leadership responsibilities and spend time in communion with God.

The nation of Israel is three months old (Exodus 19:1), it is a time of beginnings and time to establish a foundation. Moses as God’s appointed leader needed this time away. God speaks, Moses listens. God will instruct Moses so that he in turn can instruct the nation…

In the story of building the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-2) we see that it is God Himself the Initiator of asking for voluntary offerings. In any invitation to generosity how important it is to remember that God Himself should lead the process and that God shares His desires to someone that is submitted to God, as Moses was.

Moses had been with God forty days on Mount Sinai. We can then note two important aspects: God initiates the invitation to generosity and shares his desires to Moses. Moses having spent time with God has understood God’s will and desires and communicates this to the nation (Exodus 35:4)…

In all, about 14 different types of gifts are mentioned, not just gold and silver. The rest of the chapter describes how the people went away to their tents and eagerly and promptly identified the gifts and brought them in abundance. So much that they had to be stopped from giving (Exodus 36:6).”

Nydia Garcia Schmidt in “God – He Invites Generous Giving” on Ministry Fundraising Network blog dated 20 May 2021. My good friend Nydia brings up many good points in this piece. Let’s reflect on two of them more deeply.

Firstly, if you are in leadership roles, you must not take the lead but spend time with God to discern direction. This is very important so that you are taking people where God wants you all to go. Moses went to a place of “isolation and spiritual discernment” to cut out the noise and hear God’s voice.

Secondly, if you are part of God’s people, remember that the call to give comes from God and not God’s servant. And he directs the people to give what they have. The people had 14 kinds of gifts and not just one kind. When everyone gives what they have, there will be more than enough.

Will you respond to God’s call to give generously?

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. Exodus 14:13a

“These words contain God’s command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut up on the right hand and on the left; what is he now to do? The Master’s word to him is, “Stand still.” It will be well for him if at such times he listens only to his Master’s word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions.

Despair whispers, “Lie down and die; give it all up.” But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in his love and faithfulness.

Cowardice says, “Retreat; go back to the worldling’s way of action; you cannot play the Christian’s part, it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles.” But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it if you are a child of God. His divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What, if for a while thou art called to stand still, yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time.

Precipitancy cries, “do something. Stir yourself; to stand still and wait, is sheer idleness.” We must be doing something at once—we must do it so we think—instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something but will do everything.

Presumption boasts, “If the sea be before you, march into it and expect a miracle.”

But Faith listens neither to Despair, nor to Cowardice, nor to Precipitancy, nor to Presumption, but it hears God say, “Stand still,” and immovable as a rock it stands. “Stand still;” keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, “Go forward.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon in Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (Albany, Oregon: Sage Software, 1996) morning reading for for 24 July.

As we endure “extraordinary difficulties” and hard times, will we in response listen to Despair, Cowardice, Precipitancy, or Presumption? Or in Faith will we stand still with the confidence of Moses that God will show up and that we will experience His deliverance.

How does this relate to generosity?

Our posture of cheerfully and patiently awaiting for God to show up gives those around us a gift that is worth more than money. It gives hope and that is priceless. In a year when our word is ‘remember’ let us remind those around us who is in control by standing still.

Lord, as we stand still, show up in a powerful way, and for your namesake, lead and guide us. Amen.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

“It’s not obvious what generosity looks like in a time of Covid-19, when our usual patterns of life have been disrupted. The dictionary defines generosity as the quality or virtue of being liberal in giving, to the extent that one gives more than would be expected. Biblically, however, generosity is a way of being that is rooted in ‘agape’ love. This biblical love is described in the passage above. ‘Agape’ love is orientated towards others and is central to God’s character.

There are several practical steps we can take in order to become more generous. Firstly, we are to be rooted in our relationship with God – ‘God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them’ (1 John 4:16). We become more like our loving God as we spend more time drawing near to Him. Secondly, we can spend time praying for ideas and inspiration if we need them – God is a creative God! Thirdly, we need to have the courage to take action.

This type of generosity is desperately needed in a time of crisis, especially in our present situation, when many people around the world are isolated and are feeling vulnerable or anxious. We might be feeling fearful ourselves, but it’s important that we reject the harmful actions that fear might lead us to take, and instead see the opportunities we have for taking positive action in response to the fear around us…

This outward-looking generosity could take a variety of forms in a time of lockdown – sharing our resources with others, showing concern or praying for them and giving them encouragement. There are many other examples highlighted in the media each day as well, including public encouragement for health workers and others in critical roles at this time. Whatever action we choose to take, our generosity must be rooted in the love that we have received from God.”

“Generosity in a Time of Crisis” is a Tearfund PDF. This is a great little article. Click to download it.

This article provides great advice for growing in generosity in a time of crisis. Focus on the love of God. Pray and follow God’s leading. Take action in a way that focuses on serving others in an outward-looking manner.

It also comes with a good warning to not let fear slow us down and to get creative with giving beyond just money. I reached out to a friend yesterday to catch up and encourage him and was blessed beyond measure.

God fill us with your love and guide us by your Spirit so that our generosity looks like Jesus. Amen.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

“It is said that the giant redwood trees of the Western United States have a relatively shallow root system. Their enormous weight is supported, in part, by the interlocking of a tree’s roots with those of the other trees around it. As Christians we need “interlocking roots” with other believers in the church to withstand the enormous weight of life. We need others spurring us “on toward love and good deeds”…”

George H. Guthrie in Hebrews (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998) 352.

Sophie made me feel so special as a dad yesterday by getting me out to a Colorado Rockies game at social distance (ballpark pictured above). It was interesting to see a game at quarter capacity but really good to spend time together.

We can tempted to give up meeting together in these crazy times, but I learned that the experience was about growing “interlocking roots” as the winds and storms of life are great. Do what you can to get together with someone this week.

It might be hard. You will likely have to wear a mask and may put yourself at risk of COVID. But the benefit is worth the gain. I feel like I am good at spurring others on from a distance or through my writing but not so good in person.

God help me spur others on to love and good deeds face to face. Spirit give us interlocking roots in the process. Jesus help us all grow in this area as we await the Day of your return approaching. Amen.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19

“In a recent public talk, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby reflected on the temptation to withdraw inward at the time of crisis. He said that if we look inwards we ‘will only reveal the limits of our own resources and lead to deeper fear and selfishness’, but that ‘to console others, we must find our own consolation in God’.”

Justin Welby in “Generosity in a Time of Crisis” PDF by Tearfund. This is a great little article. Click to download it.

This is sound advice. We must not look inwardly in these crisis times lest we be locked up in fear and selfishness. When we find consolation in God, we experience consolation and joy that transcends circumstances and reminds us of the abundant care and unfailing love of God. This also opens us up for rich generosity.

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 1 John 3:17

“God’s Word teaches a very hard, disturbing truth. Those who neglect the poor and the oppressed are really not God’s people at all—no matter how frequently they practice their religious rituals nor how orthodox are their creeds and confessions.” ‘

Ronald J. Sider in Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity, revised and updated (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2015) 62.

Someone asked me recently for advice on helping the poor in these crisis times. I said repeatedly that doing nothing is not an option. I also added not to give handouts that create dependencies but a hand up that builds disciples.

Admittedly, I said this in part because of my work with GTP. When we had great need, Jesus did not send help, He came. Then He taught a small group of disciples the way and told them to multiply themselves. Support ministries that do that.

But remember, if you do nothing, it shows there’s no love of God within you. This may be a very hard truth, but it is one we must all ask ourselves, especially in times when the rich have gotten richer and the poor have gotten poorer.

The rod and a rebuke give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. Proverbs 29:15

“Don’t forget one of the most effective forms of child abuse: parents giving their children whatever they want.”

Randy Alcorn in Lord Foulgrin’s Letters (Multnomah Books, 2001) 29.

Don’t wait to teach kids about their role as stewards. Help children discern the difference between wants and needs.  I think it was my great grandfather who said, “I have everything I need because I have learned to control my wants.” I thank my parents for echoing that to me.

What should you teach them? Help them learn to spend (they don’t need help learning this), to save (learning not spend everything that comes to them but setting aside money to create margin for giving and for larger purchases with cash) and to share (that the giving part).

If you have already raised your children, think how you could pass on these ideas to your grandchildren. To fail to do this is an effective form of child abuse, because in stewardship terms, the children never grow up. Start today. Don’t give your children everything they want.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8

“If our values have not been converted, we have not been converted. Valuing what God values shapes us and directs us. In naming Christ as Lord we honor ourselves. As a second-century Christian put it, “Whatever you honor most will rule you. Honor what is best that you may be governed by what is best.” People render themselves worthless by investing their lives in worthless things.”

Klyne R. Snodgrass in Who God Says You Are: A Christian Understanding of Identity (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2018). And I hope you like the new header photo of a spring sunset over the foothills here in Colorado.

At GTP, in Journey of Empowerment we talk about the fact that most people don’t make an impact in their context because they are conforming to the values of society rather than living out the values of their Christian identity.

Are you investing yourself and the money you steward in keeping with your values? As my friend, Michael Blue says, you should not be thinking about the next 30 years but about the next 30 million years.

You will reap at that time what you have sown today. Name the worthless things that you are tempted to invest in. Do this to make a change that starts today. Sow generously in keeping with your Christian values.

They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:18b-19

“When we know we have freely received love, we are empowered to freely give love. To give from a surrendered place of faith, hope, and love rather than from a posture of expectation of return is a profound risk. We so often think of sacrificial giving as giving till it hurts or giving some percentage of our wealth we think we can’t afford to give. I’m beginning to think that’s just another worldly way of thinking about money. True giving, which is to say sacrificial giving, cannot be measured in amounts, percentage or otherwise. It is the manifestation of a surrendered soul in love for God and others. When giving to God for others is done in this fashion, which cannot be faked, what comes back to the giver from God through others is so surprisingly extraordinary and so completely free that they wonder why they didn’t give more. And they usually do…They have entered into an economy that cannot be explained by mathematical accounting. My best understanding is this is what Paul means in today’s text when he says this to the Philippians concerning their giving.”

J.D Walt in an excerpt of “Why Most Giving Falls Short of True Giving” from The Seedbed Daily Text on 17 May 2021. J.D. Walt is a friend and brother. If you want a daily email that will walk you through the Scriptures, subscribe here.

A common question people ask about giving relates to amount. How much should I give? If you are asking this question, let me offer you this word of advice linked to today’s Scripture.

The kind of giving Jesus celebrated and the kind of giving Paul describes as “acceptable” is sacrificial. It gives more than it can spare showing it is functioning in God’s economy.

So how do I explain it when J.D. rightly notes that it cannot be explained by mathematical accounting? In plain terms, it’s when you trust God and not yourself to meet your needs.

The first step to becoming such a surrendered soul and living in God’s economy is acknowledging your insufficiency and God’s all sufficiency. From there, give Him any and every need you have.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. Philippians 4:10-12

“There are two sets of values that live on two separate planes — one visible and the other invisible. On the visible plane we have wealth and poverty. On the invisible plane there is abundance and scarcity. A person can be financially wealthy yet be possessed by scarcity to such a degree that they might as well be in poverty.

In other words, there are many rich people in the world (on the outside) who live like poor people (on the inside). To the contrary, there are many poor people in the world (on the outside) who live from an incredible place of abundance (on the inside). Wealth and poverty are the external, visible circumstances while scarcity and abundance are the internal, invisible realities. Paul gets this and gets at it in today’s text.

The kingdom of this world is a kingdom of scarcity. The kingdom of heaven is a kingdom of abundance. Some of the wealthiest people I know live in the kingdom of scarcity. Paul shows us what living in the zone of the kingdom of abundance looks like…

There is only one antidote to the cancer of scarcity: radical generosity. People of scarcity get richer and richer on the outside and more and more impoverished on the inside. It’s why Jesus said it was so hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23-24). This is why Jesus instructed the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and give the money to the poor and come and follow him (Matthew 19:21). He knew the rich man’s money had him. This is the sad and painful truth behind so many rich people…

There’s nothing so disheartening than to ask someone of great means for help and to be turned away. On the other hand, there’s nothing quite so gratifying when someone who seemingly lacks the capacity to help you does so in a surprising way. This explains Paul’s exuberant gratitude for the Philippians. Of all the churches he served, only the Philippians came through and helped him. Something tells me they were the least likely. Abundance has nothing to do with how much or how little we have.”

J.D Walt in an excerpt of “The Sad Truth Behind So Many Rich People” from The Seedbed Daily Text on 15 May 2021. J.D. Walt is a dear friend. I read his blog regularly and so do many other Daily Meditations readers who alerted me to this post.

If you are reading this and you possess financial wealth, remember three things. (1) It’s not yours. (2) It can’t save you, bring you satisfaction, or give you the security it promises. (3) The only way to make sure it does not make you poor on the inside is to give it away.

If you say, “It won’t impact me. I can possess wealth and not get tainted.” You are fooling yourself. I know. I did it for years. You don’t figure out until you live it out that God’s design won’t leave you empty but enriched.

Shout out to our daughter Sophie today! She turns 24! For many years she’s grasped the antidote to the cancer of scarcity by living, giving, serving, and loving generously. Happy Birthday. I love you, Sophie. The way you shine for Jesus impacts everyone you touch in profound ways.