Guest Post by Amy Lambert: Generous Faith

The following was originally posted on the blog called "The Mustard Seed" by Amy Lambert.  Years ago we attended the same church fellowship.  Amy is currently living and serving the LORD in New Zealand. 

The thing about learning to hear the voice of God is that He will often ask you to do some extreme things, things that we wouldn't normally do because they require more faith and trusting in Him alone. Now, before I tell this story, I want you to know that I have been praying for a while about how much detail to share. However, God challenged me to be transparent because people in the western world need to see examples of faith in the areas of materialism and finances. So, please know that my aim is to glorify God, not myself, and hopefully inspire others to surrender all to Jesus and trust in His provision alone. He is worth everything!

On a Wednesday night, my sister Anna (her actual name will be kept anonymous) came to me and handed me an envelope containing all of her money. She told me that God had asked her to give it away 2 weeks prior, but she had been holding on to it because she was afraid that she wouldn't have what she needed. She said that God told her to give it to me and that night with tears in her eyes, she handed me the envelope and chose to be obedient no matter what the cost. I thanked her, comforted her and took the money, wanting to support her obedience to the Lord. I then prayed and asked God what He wanted me to do with it because I actually didn't need it, I have more money than most of my younger missionary sisters and brothers here because I worked for 4 years saving up. I felt like the Lord told me to hold onto it for 3 days and then double the amount and return it to her.

The following day during worship night our leaders wrote on a whiteboard how much students and staff still owed for outreach funds and we were to ask God if He wanted us to support each other financially. Anna's name was on the board needing $3,000NZD. During worship I asked God what He wanted me to give and I felt like He was telling me to pay the full amount for her. While I prayed for confirmation (silently with my eyes closed) suddenly Anna came over and held me in a big hug. She had no idea that I was praying about what to give her and at this point she didn't even know that I would be giving her the money back that she gave to me. I started weeping in her arms because I knew this was God thanking me through her for my obedience to Him. So, I silently agreed to pay for her full outreach costs. The funny thing is that in my mind $3000 seemed like so much money when I thought about what else I could do with it, but once I agreed to give it away, it felt like mere pennies (this is God's grace in sacrificial circumstances).

About 20 minutes later, still in worship, I asked God if that was all He wanted me to give, I didn't want to hold anything back from Him because everything I have He gave to me in the first place. You see, I confess that I had been relying on finances as my security for the sake of what I called "being responsible." The more money I had saved in the bank, the more secure my future seemed. But, God revealed to me that it had become an idol in my life because I was placing my confidence in something other than the almighty God. I have learned repeatedly on this DTS that my Heavenly Father wants to provide for me and when I am fully trusting in Him, not leaning on my own resources, He ends up getting all the glory when the provision comes. Freely I have received, so freely I should give. I would rather be rich in faith than have financial security. So, I had a thought that I should give Bob (again, his real name will be kept anonymous) $2000. The more I tried to worship and pray, this thought persisted and I finally figured it was the Lord's prompting. Again, my brain tried to reason its way out of giving this huge amount of money but the Spirit persisted with the truth that we can't out give God and He always blesses generosity and He will provide for me in whatever His future plans are for me. There is no better investment for my savings than for my brother and sister to go spread the Gospel on outreach because this will reep eternal rewards! Besides, I told myself, I have a car at home I can sell so I can continue as a missionary next year, if God calls me back. The Lord told me again that it is a good thing to rely on the support of others because it is a blessing for them to join in His work in my life; I am blessed and they get the rewards of giving as well as attributed to the fruit of the ministry through me. So, I agreed to give the additional $2000 to Bob. This was an amazing night because I gave out of my abundance, but other students gave even though they had nothing to give, they just obeyed the voice of the Lord to them without questioning how He would provide (living example of 2 Corinthians 8:1-15). At the end of the night I had so much joy, freedom, and peace through being obedient to the Lord and the $5000 felt like pennies.

The next day it was time to give Anna her envelope of cash back. I wrote her a little note, put in the double portion, and left it on her bed. At lunch she came with tears and hugged me telling me how she felt like Abraham sacrificing Issac and God provided in the last moment for her when he saw that she had been faithful. That evening I was washing dishes and a brother (who had just returned from snowboarders DTS outreach so he didn't know me) said God gave him a word for me. The Lord told him that I worship in extravagance, like Mary in the Bible who poured out her costly perfume on Jesus feet, pouring out my inheritance to Him. He said it might look crazy to other people, but to me I am just expressing my love for the One whom I am so in love with. Now, everything I had given was in secret, so I took his word as direct confirmation from the Lord that He was pleased with my obedience.  Anna and Bob don't know that those donations were from me. Also, the financial support I received from others before I came was enough to cover my outreach costs this year, as well as my flight home. So, thank you to those of you who partnered with me in this way.

This week's lectures are on the topic of the Holy Spirit and one point that our speaker made is that life in a Spirit-filled community is very generous and characterised by giving (Acts 4:34-no needy persons among them). God has definitely confirmed this truth through my experience in the YWAM community this season. So, all glory to God for His awesome economy where the more we give away to others, the greater the blessing we receive. He is the ultimate example of this principal by giving the most costly gift of His Son Jesus in order to save humanity. I hope this testimony challenges you and results in a greater faith/trust in God.

You can read more from Amy Lambert by following this link.

Waging War

During the drive home from church last night I asked Abel, "So what do you think about the new house?"  After pausing a moment he said, "I really like it - except for the roaches."  I have not discovered any evidence of an infestation, but few mornings begin without me finding a roach or two lying belly up somewhere in the house.  Since recently moving in I have laid down a generous amount of barrier spray around doors, windows, and skirting inside and out.  Some people are fine with a bug here or there, but when I see a roach or evidence of mice I go into warfare mode.  I want to unleash the strongest, industrial strength poison on the unsuspecting squatters - keeping in mind the health and safety of my family!  I spare no pains to do damage on any filthy critter populations that try to move in and establish themselves in my house.

Roaches in a house are like sins in the heart.  They can find their way in no matter how vigilant one may be.  They may even be able to evade barrier spray laid down at suspected high traffic areas.  But when one roach comes to our attention, we can either ignore it, run away from it screaming, or wage war.  Bugs will not just "go away" on their own when you are supplying them shelter, food, and supply of water.  The cost for neglecting to eradicate a stray roach or mouse can lead to an infestation which could cause great damage to property and health.  Even when the evidence of bugs and pests is reduced, it is not time to slack off.  When the battle turns in your favour, it is not time to celebrate yet.  With tenacious discipline we must continue to observe the perimeter, check in cupboards, under furniture, and carefully monitor bait stations.  If we will use the right baits, poisons, and make necessary repairs to holes, even an infestation can be brought under control.

After being born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, a Christian must wage war upon the sins that creep into his mind and heart.  Self-examination is critical as we observe our thoughts, the use of our time, our actions, and attitudes.  One sin allowed to remain unchecked is too many.  We are called to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and refuse to allow Satan a foothold in our lives.  We must wage war on sin, for those who have been freed from it should live no longer therein.  Christ has imputed unto us His righteousness.  After being filled with the Holy Spirit we must remain vigilant, for it does no good to sweep clean our hearts but leave the door wide open for anything to enter.  I really like life on earth - except for sin.  When God brings it to our knowledge through the scripture and conviction of the Spirit, let us spare no pains to kill it off.  Show no compassion for sins Christ died to save us from.  Sin brings death, but Christ brings light and life to all who believe.

The True Christmas Miracle

I was touched by an effort of generosity and goodwill by WestJet.  Their video of Christmas giving has gone viral, no doubt prompting various responses.  It made me profoundly happy, seeing the shocked faces of people who were happy to receive their gift requests.  Check out the video below.

While I was genuinely blessed by the depiction, I realise Christmas and even apparent acts of "goodwill" are viewed these days with increasing cynicism.  For everyone like me there may be a skeptic who humbugs the idea, questioning the motives of a company for giving.  It's nothing more than propaganda, some might say.  It's a glorified commercial.  WestJet did not do this out of the goodness of their hearts because they are in the business of making money.  Think of the business this stunt might net them!  They probably could afford those gifts because they overcharge people with fees and bag restrictions, some might scoff.  The points by the skeptics and scoffers may be true.  I have no knowledge of the true motive behind the "WestJet Christmas Miracle" or how the idea came about.  But this video nails one thing square on:  Christmas is a time for giving and receiving.  But it is a gift far greater than electronic gizmos, toys, or apparel.  Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given man may receive.  Let every heart prepare Him room.

Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given because He is God made flesh, the Saviour we need.  He is the Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins.  We cannot grow out of Him.  He does not need batteries, power cords, or software updates.  Through Him we have access by one Spirit to the Father.  The salvation and everlasting life Jesus Christ provides is beyond price, but He has given Himself to all who believe at His own expense.  He is the gift we always needed but never in our wildest dreams could have expected.  Jesus has been given not as a ploy to make a few bucks or improve customer loyalty.  He was not sent as some Divine manipulation to trick us into allegiance or service.  Jesus Christ was sent and became a sacrifice for sinners because of love, mercy, and grace from God towards man.  When Jesus was born the angels shouted, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men."  God has given peace to men from a heart of love.

Though the WestJet "miracle" was thoughtful, generous, and kind, there is nothing to suggest it was love that motivated their giving.  Santa knew the names of the children (because he had their booking information!) but we do not know that he loved them.  People all over the world give and receive gifts during the Christmas season not motivated by love at all!  We can be motivated by traditions, obligations, greed, and all manner of unwholesome and unholy reasons to give or receive.  The Bible teaches that Jesus demonstrated His motive of love through His death on the cross for our sins.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  The cynics may grumble, the skeptics might scoff, but the truth of God's Word endures forever.  For those who receive the Gospel and are born again by grace through faith in Jesus, nothing can separate us from the love of God.  What a miracle, that God would humble Himself to put on human flesh to save sinners!  Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, and one we should receive and celebrate always!

The Heavenly Perspective

It is natural for our gaze to be drawn away from Christ.  In the midst of the storm the wind-tossed waves look threatening and imposing.  All our senses become focused on escape and self-preservation.  Jesus promised His followers in this world we will face tribulation, but exhorts us to be joyful because He has overcome the world.  God allows pain, trials, satanic assault, and trouble to compass Christians on all sides.  We can be joyful even in the midst of difficulty because Christ has already overcome all.  He is in control.  I am His, and He is mine.

When Stephen was brought before the religious leaders falsely accused of blasphemy in Acts 7, his fear of God swallowed up all fear of man.  Moved by the Holy Spirit, the truth he spoke infuriated the chief priests.  Upon hearing his scathing rebuke they were cut to the heart.  There is no doubt in my mind Stephen recognised their murderous intentions.  Instead of focusing on the multitude of angry faces with murder on their breath, he looked to the LORD.  Acts 7:55-56 says, "But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ⁵⁶ and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" They dragged him outside the city, removed their cloaks, and took up stones to slay him.  Even as the stones and boulders found their mark on his body, he continued to look to God.  In that moment Stephen did not pray to be spared a brutal death or seek divine vengeance upon his enemies, but on his knees pleaded with God to forgive them - even as His LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ had done from the cross.

Sacrificial love, grace, and forgiveness are the fundamental characteristics of every Christian.  To walk accordingly, we must turn our eyes to Jesus Christ in simple faith.  If our eyes are fixed upon the stones which have been thrown at us, if our ears are tuned to the accusations hurled in our direction, if our focus is on the angry faces of our enemies, we will lose the heavenly perspective.  We can walk in the power of the Holy Spirit only when we deny ourselves, walk in obedience to our Saviour, and look unto Jesus alone.  One might expect Stephen to be graced with a heavenly vision after fasting and prayer, yet he was ushered into the very presence of God through the indwelling Spirit in the midst of a fiery trial.  Perhaps you tremble at the prospect of future trials you will face.  If we will tremble before the LORD in adoration and worship, in the midst of the trial God will reveal Himself in greater glory still.

Let us decide to turn our eyes to Jesus and trust in Him.  A true vision of God brings our issues and the fearful unknowns into our lives into proper perspective.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom!