Written by Jason Bentley, Lead Pastor, HighPoint Church, Covington, Washington, on Friday, 30 May 2008

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Are we in a recession? Officially, that's up to a nonprofit group of economists at the National Bureau of Economic Research to decide. While their declaration is based on facts and figures, we can look around to determine whether we are already in the midst of the big "R." Gas prices are higher than ever, restaurants are not as busy, golf courses are empty, there are fewer shoppers in retail stores, travel is down, real estate values have diminished (in the Northwest), and the stock market is inconsistent.

Even as a Christian, it is easy to look around with fear and uncertainty. The first thing we want to do is react in a similar manner as our peers. However, we must keep in mind a few Biblical truths. There are no recessions in God's economy. Those of us who are citizens of the kingdom of God can prosper and live the elevated life even while a recession plays out in the secular world around us. Our blessing is not determined by the economy of our state or country. Our provision and reward is not predicated on the rise or fall of the stock market. We can enjoy prosperous living during a recession.

At this very moment, all of the presidential candidates are attempting to secure votes by using our economy as a point of debate. Everyone is making promises, accusations, and threats so that they will be chosen in November. However, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, Jesus Christ remains in full power and authority. He will always preside over the affairs of his kingdom. As long as he is your Lord, Savior, and Provider, you do not have to lose sleep over who will be traveling in Air Force One. He will make sure that you are taken care of and enjoying abundance in your life. We cannot lose sight of the sovereignty of our God. He will supply all of our needs according to his riches and glory.

Furthermore, it is perfectly normal and acceptable for people to eliminate extras from their budgets during a recession. Therefore, if you have to stop going out to eat, start carpooling, or get rid of your cell phone, it might increase the balance in your checking account. However, if you really want to enjoy prosperous living during a recession, whatever you do, do not stop giving your tithes and offerings.

Since God established the law of reaping and sowing, this truth remains a solid rock in the shifting sand of evolving cultures and uncertain economies. If you continue to sow your financial seed into the body of Christ, you are guaranteed to reap a great return on your investment. God did not say "give and it will be given to you only when the dollar is worth more than the euro." Nor did he say "I will open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing you cannot contain only when there is a bull market." The promises transcend time or season.

Some give when the money is flowing and the interest rates are just right. Some stop giving when the gas prices go up and a gallon of milk is expensive. However, our giving must never reflect the trends in our secular economy. Maybe you're not buying stocks and maybe you're not going on vacation but keep giving faithfully and cheerfully. Maybe your co workers are now close fisted and worried but your faithfulness in giving to the work of God continues.

At HighPoint, I watch certain people in our church continue to experience blessing during this current economic downturn. On the other hand, I have watched others limit the favor of God even when the economy was doing well, because they did not tithe or give offerings. God blesses giving. When you give during a recession, you will prosper. When you give in a good economy, you will prosper. Seed produces harvest. Sowing produces reaping. Giving produces blessing.

Enjoy prosperous living and keep experiencing the Elevated Life!

To learn more about HighPoint Church and Jason Bentley, visit www.thehpchurch.com

Last update: Friday, 30 May 2008

Published in : NCO Blogs, Guest Blogs

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