“ Goer… Sender…Intercessor “ these were the three roles given by Pastor Joebert Ramos (Senior Pastor of His Life Ministries) way back when I was a 3rd year university student, when he gave his altar call. I felt a tug in my heart to stand up – as a SENDER. So strong that my heart beat went faster and there was nothing I can do, but obey. So there I was, I stood committing myself as a sender to fulfill the great commission.
While I was standing up, I asked God how can I be a sender when I didn’t even have enough money for my education – I would often write promissory notes every time it was enrollment or examinations time; not enough money for my allowance – I had to sell goods to make sure I have money for my next day’s transportation and money to pay for my school projects – in simple terms, I was telling God “Lord, how can I be a sender when I’m poor?” And God in HIS still small voice told me “ It’s my problem, not yours.” So with that I was assured that if God wanted me to be a sender, then HE WILL MAKE SURE IT WILL COME TO PASS, in His time and in His ways.
Yes when I became a Christian, we were in lack. That was the time when my father lost his job and my mom was the only one working. With 6 of us kids going to school, can you imagine the cost of education? It was just so hard to let both ends meet. But it was in those times that the Lord taught me the real essence of tithes, offerings and sacrificial giving. I remember selling pastillas, macaroons, frozen goods and a whole lot more just so I can have money for my allowance. But there was one thing I never missed – tithing. Pastor Joebert taught the church of
MALACHI 3:10 and there I was, faithfully paying my tithes, believing that God will honor His word. In my “not enough” financial status, I would give offerings, and believe me, my pockets were empty but my heart was full.
When I graduated college, I immediately had a job as an Engineer in Laguna. I believe that job was given to me as my harvest for the years I have faithfully sown into God’s Kingdom. I continued paying my tithes and gave my offerings to the work of the Lord through our church Alabang New Life. My giving intensified because this time, I only didn’t pay my tithes and gave my offerings, but I also learned about first fruits – where we are to give not only 10% BUT 100% of our first fruit when we start a business or land in a new job. This took a greater step of faith, but I took it, together with my boyfriend Joey (my husband now).
As husband and wife Joey and I still walk the path as senders. We support Pastors, missionaries and works of the church. We’ve seen God’s hand in every step of the way and we can testify that HE IS TRUE TO HIS WORD in
Malachi 3:10 - 11.
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.
We know that we are yet to see a whole lot more harvest or shall I say SO MUCH BLESSING THAT THERE WILL BE NO ROOM FOR IT. And God will make sure what He entrusted to us will be protected.
God is my source…the source of ALL my resources. Everything I have is HIS, nothing more nothing less. I am merely a pipe where HIS flood of blessing flows. As a pipe, it’s but natural for me to get wet. And the only time it flows out of me is when I’m already overflowing.
To God be the GLORY FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE… and yet to do.
SOME THOUGHTS ON GIVING that made a great impact in my life:
The reason you’re sitting in Church today is because somebody gave their money to buy those chairs.
(Pastor. Joebert Ramos)
God is not a waiter, don’t give Him a tip.
(Pastor Emilio Henares)Every Christmas my children give their last year's toys to the less fortunate, that way they will be trained to give and not be attached to the gift, but to the giver.
(Pastor Jo Alfafara)When people enter your house, give something to bless them, so they would know what it’s like to live in heaven here on earth.
(Pastor Jo Alfafara)
The moment I stop preaching about giving, is the moment I start robbing people their opportunity to be blessed.
(Pastor Paul Chase)After all, it is more blessed to give than to receive =D
April 29, 2007
