Raising Money for God's Work? Watch Your Motives!

A lot of the fund raisers/raising on Christian TV based in the U.S. give me the "creeps". It does not feel like it is based on pure motives. I have had the unfortunate experience to see some weird people on TV the last few days, making promises of "wealth and miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit if you go right now to the phone and call us with your credit card in hand." He/they might ought to go back and read the stories in Acts 5 and Acts 8. Peter said, "May your money perish with you because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." (Acts 8.20-23) I recommend that we avoid tying the Holy Spirit and his Gifts to money.
When you have the opportunity, read 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12. Paul said that the anointing he had from God was based on the fact that God had proven him - tested him and his motives - and found him to be trustworthy in the things listed out in this passage. One of those things was "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed - God is our witness."

I am not judging anyone in particular, but I have often heard them (several of them) say, "You can't be happy, you can't have joy, you can't have peace, if your bills are unpaid."

I am here to testify that this statement is wrong. That doesn't mean I like it when I face difficulty or that I want to be behind in my bills. But I can testify Jesus has been more real to me when I didn't have anything, than when we were flush with money and in good times. He has filled me with Joy and Glory and his Presence and being/abiding in him, made me forget all my troubles.

I have laughed hysterically under the power of the Holy Spirit right in the middle of the worst situations of my life. Psalms 23.5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." (Look that chapter up in Moffat's Translation.)

I have been years at a time where we did not have any extra money for anything but our most basic needs, but God was our companion and I didn't care if the sun came up!

I highly recommend that everyone - rich or poor or anywhere in between, "Make the King and his Kingdom your first priority." (Jesus Christ ... he is the king!)

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6.17. Wow! and by the way, he will come through for you and meet your needs, but ask him to help you to FOCUS on Christ. That is the Holy Spirit's favorite assignment.