Assistance

The last couple of weeks I've noticed a real upsurge in requests for financial assistance and spiritual advice regarding money across social media.  Although I don't consider myself to be wealthy, I do know YHWH is my provider, provides well, and I'm debt free, but I am still in this world and like it or not, some things require money.  I'm heading off grid to eventually pay no electric bill, but to do that requires me to purchase a battery bank, and even if I could make solar panels and wind turbines, I can't make them out of air and rocks.  I do know there is a day coming in which buying and selling will not be an option without the mark, therefore; I am investing now for what I think we may need then.

I offer financial assistance in some situations and in others I offer products as a gift, but truth be told, some situations actually need financial management instruction and work ethic motivation.  I do not subsidize poor money management.  I can't afford to!  As long as we are in this world, before Messiah returns, we have to accept the fact that life in this world is not free.  Of all things the public education does not teach and parents tend to not prepare children for is budgeting.  Oh, I grew up being made to have a savings account and tithe, but other than being told how much and when, I was clueless.  I had to learn by trial and unfortunately error . . .

That is why I truly want to help people, not just throw money at them and certainly not judge them.  Many folks have not been taught good financial planning or budgeting, and sadly today there are few examples of a good work ethic.  Knowing, my entire adult life, I had to make it on my own, I really would like to help folks budget for independence and develop a strong work ethic that will carry them through their life.  Yes YHWH does provide, but part of His provision is giving us talents to use to make a living.  It's not about "making money" it's about using our talents to provide for our life and family.  Some of that provision will involve money, but much of our life really doesn't need to.  We just haven't really been taught a good way of money management and prioritizing is difficult for nearly everyone.

I realize any of us can fall on hard times and the economic condition of our country is alarming, which is all the more reason to learn a better way of money management and less dependency on our current system.  I am not advising people to exchange their dollars for silver, at this time, but I wholeheartedly recommend whittling down the number of dollars you depend upon in life.  We have to prioritize and the priorities are shelter and food to start with, then other things.  David wrote that he'd never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging . . . Paul penned that we are to be content with what we have, where we are.

We've been programmed to believe our worth is based upon our possessions and the terms rest and entertainment have been exchanged in the connecting term "leisure."  This nation has produced two generations, going on three now that are of age for the work force, but programmed to believe their leisure time should be their top priority.  Scripturally, leisure time isn't even an issue and a good life provides it's own entertainment!

No Donation Button

I have a ministry website, an online store, as well as a state license for old fashioned storefront business and . . . heading for expansion, so there's no need for a donation button on my site.  I've noticed a number of ministry websites that also have a store or sell merchandise, and have a donation button and to be honest, I don't get that.  Recently, we featured a video link from Paul Nison on the subject of the ministry conflict between claiming to trust G-d while asking for money.

After 20 years of ministry, I can state clearly, if Adonai has ordained something, His projects do not require begging for funds, although others may want to willingly participate without being solicited.  Those folks should be welcomed to share in the blessing!  I truly believe the website "donation" button can be a hindrance.  I have noticed some sites that have set up specific requests for someone else and when that goal is reached, they announce that, thank everyone who participated and remove the request.  That's a different matter and I support those who take the time to discover needs and find a way to collect for others.  I think there are a number of us who keep a few dollars in a paypal account to offer assistance when a need like that comes into our awareness and touches our heart.  I have no qualms about buying a product or book in support of certain outreaches as well, but selling products and collecting donations sounds confusing at best and a tax nightmare at worst!

When the Goshen Gazette first began, I looked for contributors who did not solicit funds.  I still do look for that in our regular links, but as the links have increased, I'm sure donation buttons appear on occasion.  I would like to offer a bit of advice for those who are considering expanding a ministry outreach, but unsure of the coverage of cost.  Make it a serious matter of prayer before adding that donation button.  Abba is amazingly creative in His provision.  I can't tell even begin to count the number of times, I've read about a health issue or emergency that I simply responded to with either product or a few dollars, that have turned into regular customers and regular contributors, and often the blessing of new and lasting friendships.

The donation button limits what we can receive from our Creator.  He is so good, so great, and so creative, His provision is manifest far beyond a few dollars in PayPal or Western Union.