Points are shared on government, religious liberty, and the price believers must pay to have a presence as a community of faith. The work of any government is the making and keeping of agreements (we say, contracts, covenants, treaties). Every legitimate government acknowledges that its population requires the full spectrum of human needs be met, including those that are carnal, emotional, financial, intellectual, psychological, sexual, social, and spiritual. Throughout human history, government as a tool of the World has been used both to support and to suppress religious expression. A necessary goal for every community is the continuation of its own existence; and some tasks unselfishly undertaken now are intended to benefit later generations, and their offspring they will never live to see. In addition to providing money and human resources for things concrete, mundane and pedestrian, there must be a focus upon things that are conceptual, speculative, and unseen. Included are benefits for minorities (e.g., children, ethnic groups, veterans, women) that will not be delivered directly to everyone; normative conditions and services we acknowledge as having benefit, therefore, ought and should be available within the community (e.g., hospitals, libraries, preschool); unmet needs; possibilities; and a controlled process that will carry all into the diverse experiences of life. An angry writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “nepaliasianman”, (Level 3 with 1,667 points, a member since June 03, 2015) posted the following:
Why don't the government demolish all the churches since their not paying taxes?
If churches are not a bussiness than don't donate your money to Preachers and Pastors?
If you don't large amount of money to these people and make them rich than it is a bussiness organisation and should immediately start paying taxes or fined. If not demolish the damn Church?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 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, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts 4: 32-35, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving?(10/24/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Attending Church? (11/13/2012)
“nepaliasianman”, you have a friend in high places who is willing to tell you that, those who are angry against the church usually do not have sacred knowledge that comes from divinity, and are strangers to the true nature and work of believers. Struggling with the hostile view that comes from such sources as academics, complainers, disbelievers, gossips, neighbors, and public media, the church is taken to be an excuse, or explanation (we say, scapegoat) for serious failures, losses, and problems within a community. Seen “up close, and personal,” the day-to-day life within the church is seen to operate strictly upon the basis of loving acceptance, godliness, sacrifice, and suffering. Please consider the following:
(1.) The shared commitment to permanently live together as a sovereign collective to be known as a commonwealth, municipality, state or nation is one to combine and equitably distribute goods, merchandise, real property, and other resources to ensure communication, exchange, growth, health, prosperity, security, and survival.
(2.) The many goals expressed by government as the establishment of personal freedom also correctly include allowing and encouraging the full development, maturation and participation of all its citizens. Thus, included are provisions for individual expressions of conscience, faith, “peace of mind,” and spiritual development (we say, religious liberty).
(3.) Funding of operations for churches and their programs that address the quality of life as they serve the community include the full range of expenses seen with every institution within the state. Money must be privately raised for such recurring expenses as mortgages, rents, insurance, property taxes, cooling/heating, indoor plumbing, lights, sanitation, and repairs to say nothing of food, clothing, water, rectory, books, informational handouts (we say, programs), instruments, sheet music, advertising, or media broadcasts. As with many businesses, the church and its members also come under the attack of deceivers, false brethren, liars, plunderers, robbers, thieves, thugs, and vandals.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and patiently taken into account. (For example, (4.) The service provided by religious communities often are called intangibles, for they pertain to immeasurable and irreplaceable aspects of a community’s life and value. Included are its reputation (we say, name, track record) for compassion, discipline, farsightedness, honor, integrity, intelligence, maturity, stability, soundness, strength, and trustworthiness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
(12/17/2013) On Being Good Stewards
Charitable and holiday giving, and our roles or service as godly stewards are topics, today. Also there is more on attending ministry events unaccompanied. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “angelica” (Level since December 16, 2013) posted the following that was originally asked on Yahoo Answers Philippines:
God creates us to be stewards.. How could we be a good stewards?
HIII.... yeah i know god created us to be stewards but how could we be good at it?......
PLEASE someone answer this... This is so Hard .... PLEASE PLEASE i am begging you :'(
Thank you in advance if you answered seriously :D
THE BATTLE AXE: Going It Alone? (12/16/2013)—The disciples of Jesus were trained to go out in pairs. This is in line with legal requirements for testimony in judgment and determinations of truth (in the mouth of two or three let every word be established as in Deuteronomy 17: 6 and 19: 15; Matthew 18: 16; 2nd Corinthians 13: 1, KJV). Using pairs promotes teaching through demonstration and dialogue. Additionally, wisdom dictates the use of large groups and assemblies when making decisions that would have long-term and widespread impact. Government and rule will best prosper through collective strategies (see Proverbs 11: 14, Proverbs 15: 22 and Proverbs 24: 6, KJV). Also, there are Scriptures that promote teams of two as having needed advantage, while teams of three are stronger and more difficult to divide or separate (see Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12, KJV). A pair along with Jesus or his agent, the Holy Spirit, is able to function in dialog and council. Such teams are mechanisms for individual members to receive added information and guidance, correction, encouragement, and immediate response to concerns. With their unique contributions, team members are equipped to respond against unanticipated, unintended, and unplanned for challenges, events, and setbacks (see Isaiah 9: 6, John 8: 12-19 and 28-32, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14: 15-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); GOD Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star (12/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)
“angelica”, I have been having a tough time responding to the “Christmas spirit” of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday selling along with choosing a gift for my sisters upcoming 50th Anniversary, and the many end-of-year fund raising letters and requests from school alumni organizations and charities that I try to monitor and assist. At the moment, I feel paralyzed, frozen, and unable to give anything, to anybody, or encourage the holiday season at all. Even so, here are a few points you might find helpful:
(1.) Where the duty of a steward is to oversee household finances, the flow of money and necessary supplies, the keys to success are called “discipline,” “advanced planning,” “staying on budget” and “sticking to ones plan.” When you reach your limit, you plain have to accept it.
(2.) Success when serving GOD always requires we be alert to opportunities that call forth and apply divine gifts. So to speak, “When you got ’em, take ’em out and smoke ’em.”
(3.) Even when you may not give or share materially, you should continue to participate spiritually. Rejoice; keep a positive attitude; speak comfort and encouragement. Exhort to correct action. Acknowledge the giving and works of others.
(4.) Often, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Similarly, the Spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. We cannot personally answer every homeless person we may encounter on the streets; and we may have to be satisfied by our gifts to organizations and volunteers who maintain that as their ministry. Instead of weeping at what we may not do, we are to rejoice in what others are accomplishing.
There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) The poor are always with us, however, not to depress us, send us on guilt trips, or shame us. They are to touch our hearts in an experience of divine love from within ourselves. They are to call forth compassion, pity and respect from the deep wells of our inmost person that otherwise would not be stirred. They are to challenge us to continue mature and unselfish efforts in support of life. They are to further connect us to GOD in praise and prayer.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
God creates us to be stewards.. How could we be a good stewards?
HIII.... yeah i know god created us to be stewards but how could we be good at it?......
PLEASE someone answer this... This is so Hard .... PLEASE PLEASE i am begging you :'(
Thank you in advance if you answered seriously :D
THE BATTLE AXE: Going It Alone? (12/16/2013)—The disciples of Jesus were trained to go out in pairs. This is in line with legal requirements for testimony in judgment and determinations of truth (in the mouth of two or three let every word be established as in Deuteronomy 17: 6 and 19: 15; Matthew 18: 16; 2nd Corinthians 13: 1, KJV). Using pairs promotes teaching through demonstration and dialogue. Additionally, wisdom dictates the use of large groups and assemblies when making decisions that would have long-term and widespread impact. Government and rule will best prosper through collective strategies (see Proverbs 11: 14, Proverbs 15: 22 and Proverbs 24: 6, KJV). Also, there are Scriptures that promote teams of two as having needed advantage, while teams of three are stronger and more difficult to divide or separate (see Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12, KJV). A pair along with Jesus or his agent, the Holy Spirit, is able to function in dialog and council. Such teams are mechanisms for individual members to receive added information and guidance, correction, encouragement, and immediate response to concerns. With their unique contributions, team members are equipped to respond against unanticipated, unintended, and unplanned for challenges, events, and setbacks (see Isaiah 9: 6, John 8: 12-19 and 28-32, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14: 15-21, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); GOD Bless America? (09/12/2013); Law, Slavery and Redemption (09/13/2013); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); About the Star (12/24/2012); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)
“angelica”, I have been having a tough time responding to the “Christmas spirit” of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday selling along with choosing a gift for my sisters upcoming 50th Anniversary, and the many end-of-year fund raising letters and requests from school alumni organizations and charities that I try to monitor and assist. At the moment, I feel paralyzed, frozen, and unable to give anything, to anybody, or encourage the holiday season at all. Even so, here are a few points you might find helpful:
(1.) Where the duty of a steward is to oversee household finances, the flow of money and necessary supplies, the keys to success are called “discipline,” “advanced planning,” “staying on budget” and “sticking to ones plan.” When you reach your limit, you plain have to accept it.
(2.) Success when serving GOD always requires we be alert to opportunities that call forth and apply divine gifts. So to speak, “When you got ’em, take ’em out and smoke ’em.”
(3.) Even when you may not give or share materially, you should continue to participate spiritually. Rejoice; keep a positive attitude; speak comfort and encouragement. Exhort to correct action. Acknowledge the giving and works of others.
(4.) Often, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Similarly, the Spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak. We cannot personally answer every homeless person we may encounter on the streets; and we may have to be satisfied by our gifts to organizations and volunteers who maintain that as their ministry. Instead of weeping at what we may not do, we are to rejoice in what others are accomplishing.
There is far more to be said, correctly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, (5.) The poor are always with us, however, not to depress us, send us on guilt trips, or shame us. They are to touch our hearts in an experience of divine love from within ourselves. They are to call forth compassion, pity and respect from the deep wells of our inmost person that otherwise would not be stirred. They are to challenge us to continue mature and unselfish efforts in support of life. They are to further connect us to GOD in praise and prayer.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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