Romans 8:28

2:06PM  Started on Spanish Break (Last week sometime and just finished it tonight :)

So, after selling a few things to move here and donations, I have settled down and was trying to figure out how to tithe appropriately on what God has given me.  This post isnt about whether to tithe but rather about how much to tithe and exactly what am I tithing on that I have received.  I asked a few Christians I work with (that I trust) what they do with donations, peso checks, etc and how they handle their tithes to get some "takes", and then I emailed 3 leaders in my life asking them what they do/would do in their personal lives.  A few things were still up in the air and one of my leaders said "pray on the ones you arent sure of", so that is what I did.  Sometimes we just like for someone to give us the answer to what to do and sometimes we just need to let God do that.  I think that is what it was saying, either way I wanted to say screw that, just tell me.  :) For weeks I have heard God say give church 800.  I kept putting it aside until I could sit down and try to figure out donations, last paycheck from my school, my student loan payments the Durden's are paying, and some other things.  Roomie and I discussed whether to tithe on the sale of my car or not and we didnt really come to a decision.  We figured I tithed on the money to make monthly payments the last few years already, so why tithe on the final sale of it?  Once again, 800 kept showing up in my head to give.  I kept telling God, I'll sit down and work out the numbers, you are shooting high, Buddy. If you know me I am a C in the DISC model.  And, uhhhh, D when I have to be :)  I didnt know why I kept seeing that number, so I honestly wanted to check out the calculations. 

So, God is also teaching me that He will provide and to just LISTEN.  My whole life now is "just wait and listen."  I love reading the O-team's blog of waiting and listening (http://www.lukeandnaomi.com/).  I find God saying that over and over again---just wait. "You dont even take care of yourself, I ultimately take care of you."  Jesus knows my heart, I will always do as He asks, even if I squirm a little-- the pull to do what He intends is far too great for me to go the other way...even if I hesitate to make a decision.  So, I got up this morning and started to figure out money.  I included what I would tithe on the sale of the car, too, just to see how it all adds up.  This isn't my money.  I do not own it.  I am a steward of what God places in my hand and path.  That being said, I can never give God too much money.  If I want God to take care of me, then I need to do it His way.  I can't say, "I'll handle this" and "God, You can handle that over there."  I want to trust that my Lord is going to direct my every move and provide in all ways, including money.  I would be stupid to want to provide for myself or hold onto money, when HE CAN MAKE IT RAIN cash.  :) 

I forgot, also, I felt God telling me to give to 2 new missionaries at RPC.  I wasn't too sure about that either.  I can want to be generous, but I want to be God directed.   So, I stuck with the amount I felt Him saying and threw it all in the calculator.  The total????  $800.70  I busted out laughing with God.  I turn on Pete Wilson's latest sermon and it is about money.  Ha.  I havent listened to this pastor in 3 months since I moved here.  The very morning I pray about all this and there it is :) 

I thank Him for validating that I hear Him.  I know I do, but sometimes He talks in a manner I am still learning.  If I rely on my Spirit for wisdom and guidance, I need to learn that when He says wait or do this, HE MEANS wait!  Or, do this!   I pray (talk) to God telling Him that I want what He wants for me.  I want to do what He wants for me to bring Him the woot! woot! the Look at how awesome HE IS!! 

Side-note:  I cant say that everyone can rely on feelings and thoughts as sound judgement.  You have to use your own call with that one.  Charles Stanley said that you cant use your conscience to guide you until you are tapped into the HS.  We live in a society of self-satisfaction and self-reliance, watching out for #1, climbing that ladder, and gratifying our wants.  We can't just satisfy the hunger we have, even if it feels so natural to do so.  That is still hard for me to grasp.  But, I believe Christ transforms us to something new and we are capable of not giving in.

So, I have learned that I know that if I feel a "pause,"  I have to back off and stop.  It is God.  He has placed it there for a reason.  No doubts, He is DOING SOMETHING.  Even if it appears to be the best opportunity and it's perfect!  I can't do it.  I have had this happen twice in the past month and I am thankful that God is teaching me this right now when my vision is in the baby stages.  I need to get this down to do EXACTLY as He ordains with what is to come.  I will screw it up with my own plans.  I will never be able to do the things He can orchestrate. Even if something "looks right," is the "right price," or a "door opened," I am learning I am not suppose to just walk through because it seems so right.  If He pauses me to wait, I have to do just that.  Sometimes, I holler up to the sky asking WHY?  This doesn't make sense!  Let me proceed!  Lift the "no" pressure or the "wait!"  Thankfully, He doesn't UNTIL He is ready and usually when I have learned to do as He asked.

He is working something ELSE out.  Something that is in line with His will and I am glad He never listens to me.  Romans 8:28.  I believe that if I follow Him with all decisions, He will work it out for His purpose.  He said He will, and... well, He has. 

He will.