Money or the Box?

Money makes the world go round - so it's been said. The level of collective attention towards wealth creation is astounding, yet only about 3% of people control 97% of the money in the world. The love of money, as the Bible says, is the root of evil. Wars are being fought as I write this over control of oil reserves and diamond fields. Money to many represents security. So why would God want us to give of our money?

1. God wants to be your source.

In reality, God is the source of our income. Businesses and bosses are only channels by which the money gets to us. God wants us to realise and acknowledge him as our source so that he can give us more.

2. You're not ready for something if you can't give it away.

This is true for more than just money. If you clutch on to anything other than Christ with dear life and fear losing it, you're not ready for it. When you have the confidence that you deserve it and you can get it again should you give it away, then you have gained the mastery over it. You trust that God who provided the first time will provide again as long as you are operating within the boundaries of his will; in love and by faith.

3. God wants you to be a blessing

God’s method of meeting the needs of people is through other people. When you participate in the cycle of giving, you are participating in God's blessing agenda and you become a recipient of more because you are an effective channel.

4. God wants you to experience true joy

The highest level of joy is in meeting the deep needs of other people. You may enjoy buying a new car or house, but the joy of having alleviated the pain of someone else, doing something totally life changing for them is indescribable. When you are significant to someone and they absolutely cannot and will not pay you back and you know it from the onset, you experience the true meaning of giving. God wants you to experience that.

5. God wants you to be like him

God is a giver. He loved the world and GAVE his only son to die for us that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Every good and perfect gift comes from him. He wants you to be like that, to share in the grace of giving.

Try it out and see if you will not be fulfilled. It is completely refreshing and liberating. This is what's in the box. I'd say go for the box!

Have a great week.

5 Things You Need To Know About Your Thoughts

Most of us by now have come across the saying, "You become what you think about." If you haven't, I encourage you to take interest in personal growth material. You may be asking how your thoughts are constructed. I'm glad you did! Input.

1. You think the most about the things you see the most.

When you watch a lot of television, your thoughts are greatly influenced by the programs that you watch. Your thoughts are often driven by the kind of programs you watch, even your dreams. Watch what you watch!

2. You think along the music you listen to.

Music is powerful. You may find yourself speaking to yourself and others using song lyrics that you have been listening to.  You may even feel depressed or excited because of the music you're listening to. Be careful what you listen to.

3. You're the average of the people you socialise with the most.

Spending time with people gives them access to your thought pool. They can have positive or negative influence. It's better to stay away from negative friends. You may think that you will influence them to be positive but very few people are able to do that. In most instances we only find ourselves already sunk into the negative thoughts and wondering why we feel so low.

4. Reading positive material gives you a positive attitude.

Make a habit of reading. I don't mean those mind corrupting books full of erotic scenes. Positive self actualisation books and of course, The Bible. That will give you clear positive thoughts.

5. Your self-talk determines what you believe.

After all is said and done, we only do the things we believe we can. What we believe we can't, we either avoid or sabotage. Our beliefs are shaped by what we consistently say to ourselves. That is shaped by all the above listed factors.

As you can see, what you put into your mind through the eye and ear gates determines who you become. Make a deliberate choice to make the right input.