God’s kingdom is not a spectator sport. Jesus wants us to participate in it.
15% of Jesus’ teachings are on money and possessions, more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined. We may try to divorce our faith and our finances, but God sees them as inseparable.
You can’t take it with you – but you can send it ahead. Every day is an opportunity to buy up more shares in His Kingdom.
Mark wants his audience to see that we are invited to participate in the miracles of Jesus.
Mark 6:30-44 NLT
THIS STORY TEACHES US THREE VALUABLE LESSONS ABOUT OUR INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MIRACLES OF JESUS.
1. SMALL GIFTS CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT
It wasn't a big gift, but it was all the little boy had. In the hands of Jesus, a small gift is more than enough.
The feeding of the five thousand was a domino effect triggered by the donation of a young boy. The miracle of multiplication started with participation.
We’re never more like God when we’re giving.
God doesn't just want you to witness His purpose; He invites you to take part in it. God doesn't just want you to see miracles; He wants you to participate in them.
Regardless of the size of your contribution, God will bless it.
2. DON'T COMPARE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
We can easily let comparison get in the way of our contribution. We often think others are more gifted, wealthier, or worthy.
When you give your gifts to Jesus, He will bless and multiply them: your time, talent, and treasure.
Regardless of the size of your contribution, other people will benefit when you take small steps in generosity.
3. GOD BLESSES YOU WHEN YOU BLESS OTHERS
WHAT MIRACLE DOES GOD WANT YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN TODAY?
Whatever it is, participation is required. The Kingdom of God is not a spectator sport. You need to get some skin in the game. God's giving you an invitation to participate.
When we participate, God replicates. God will bless you and bless others in the process. Jesus blesses others in extraordinary ways through the faith-filled movement of ordinary people.
The potential for God-triggered miracles is all around you, so step out and help make miracles happen. A miracle might be on the other side of your next move. So, get out there and move!
Live for the line, not for the dot. It's much easier to live on 90% of your income inside God's will than live on 100% outside it. God is entrusting us with the money he gives us not to build our kingdom on Earth but to build His kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.