Generosity-Ownership-Stewardship

Here's something that just came to me last week and I wanted to share it even though I'm still researching it. The issue of stewardship versus ownership presents an interesting quandary regarding what our generosity reflects. Sometimes a discussion regarding generosity can seems to focus on the benevolence of our heart.

While God's end goal is the transformation of our hearts. The first step in that process may be our simply obedience. If we accept the fact that God is the owner and we are simply stewards of His possession, then our primary job is to be responsive to His directions, preferences and prompting for the use of his possession.

Faithful stewardship requires that we manage His possession in manner that reflects the heart of the owner, even if that does not yet reflect our own heart. The owner is generous. While we are getting there we should still act as faithful stewards. The priority of our giving should be to respond to God's will rather than our own.

However, God desires that over time our heart would reflect His heart. It is far easier to execute one's stewardship when your heart is in it. God gives His possession to us as part of His plan to transform us to become like Him, to make us generous. He enriches us that we may abound in good work. He enriches us to increase the harvest of our righteousness. He enriches us that we would become generous.

2 Cor 9: 8-11

Larry

Prayer Request

More Than The Gift’s presence on the internet has been facilitated by my use of Apple products. Over the past 2 years years the web message has reached:

53 States or U. S. Territories
93 Countries Outside of the U.S.A.
6 Continents

My prayer is that God uses the information to change perceptions, hearts and behaviors. While I’ve received over 20,000 hits, I’m aware most viewers pass by too quickly to grasp the distinctiveness of the message. However, on average, every other day someone chooses to spend an hour or more reviewing my sites, considering what God has given to me to share. I thank God for each seed planted but especially for those that take root and grow. I can’t express how humbled I am that God allows me to participate in His plan to draw us closer to Him and closer to each other.

The immediate hurdle before me is this: midyear Apple will cease support of the primary software I use to create my website and post my podcasts, iWeb. I don’t fully understand what this will mean other than knowing that my process for communicating my messages is about to change drastically. I know other software tools exist, but the great benefit of the Apple tools were their simplicity. Their ease of use and seamless integration allows me to focus on content rather than technical issues. All of the Apple products were linked so I’ve never had to worry about coding/upload/import issues. I’ll spend the next few months planning and praying about the transition. I have no doubt that God will get the glory. I don’t ask that He protect my comfort zone. I simply ask that I remain in His will. Please join me in prayer.

Your Brother In Christ,

Larry

Ministry Next Steps

It is not news to any of you that we are experiencing very tough economic times. It probably doesn’t surprise you that in response, some churches and some church members are pulling back from God’s call under the banner of good stewardship. Surveys have documented that Christian giving is down in 2011 and churches are hurting. While the symptom is financial, the problem is much deeper. Somehow, we are convincing ourselves that it is ok to balance our personal accounts by giving less to God. Churches are cutting budgets, reducing ministry efforts and reducing salaries to balance the books. Yes, Jesus calls His church to execute good stewardship, but we cross the line from stewardship to disobedience when we failed to answer His call on our lives or failed to execute the ministry to which He has called us. There is no blessing (for our churches or their congregants) in members seeking to balance their personal budgets by under-funding church support. Such an equation never balances. I'm reminded of the account in Haggai when the remnant returning from exile chose to give priority to their personal financial affairs rather than restoring the temple.

Haggai 1: 4-6

Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvest little. You eat , but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.


This warning seems so appropriate. Even those who have retained their jobs in this economy are feeling strained, frustrated and dissatisfied. Many have seen their home values and savings diminish over night; as if they were putting money in bags with holes. I think we are at a critical juncture. In times of hardship, the church needs to do more not less. Local churches will be tempted to strengthen their funding raising efforts to address their short falls. However, the real need is to raise disciples rather than raise funds. While, the subject of my message is offertory giving, I’ve never considered fundraising it’s purpose. It is not. It is a tool of discipleship, a message of relationship. It is our relationship that is under attack, not simply our budgets. Our giving is a mirror of the relationship. It let’s us see on whom we depend. It let’s us see whom we love. It let’s us see whom we serve. Jesus’ words still ring true; we cannot serve both God and money.

I have been developing a teaching outline for a bible study on my material. It summarizes the key components of the message that I believe God has given me and includes sample scriptural support for each component. It represents the most current synthesis of that message. It is a 6-7 week study (1 – 11/2 hr sessions). It expands on what I taught at Wheaton Bible Church and Second Baptist Church of Wheaton over the summer. I believe God is calling me to more aggressively pursue opportunities to teach this series. I ask that each of you prayerfully consider whether you can assist in securing opportunities for me to get the message out. If you feel moved to help, contact me. The need is great.

Yours In Christ!
Larry

Praise Report

I apologize for my absence. Over the summer, God granted me opportunities to teach the More Than The Gift message at both my current church (Wheaton Bible Church) and my former church (Second Baptist Church of Wheaton). Each opportunity was a multi-week series. I've been busy formatting the material into modules suitable for bible classes. I believe that God uniquely blessed each session . I want to thank Elder Mel Preiss for inviting me to teach the Covenant Class at WBC. They have posted portions of the lessons on the Internet. I also want to thank Pastor Kevin Williams for inviting me to share again at SBC. The More Than The Gift Ministry was birth at SBC and this message is uniquely theirs. Please pray with me that the seeds planted will bear fruit.

I believe that these types of opportunities will increase in the future and that God is preparing me for the next phase of this ministry effort.

Your Brother In Christ

Praise Report - Book Signing

Thank you for your prayers. God's presence was evident during the book signing. Hearts were stirred, books were sold and God was glorified. The agent for the other author even asked if I would join them at their future events. I believe we are entering a new season for the ministry. I expect new doors to open, but please pray that I exhibit spiritual discernment to distinguish between the call of God and the call of man. This is about Him not me.

Monday's Meditation - March 21, 2001 - The Giver's Stewardship (Repost)

Jesus begins the parable regarding an unjust steward ( Luke 16) with a master telling his servant that the servant must give an account of his stewardship. Like that servant , a day of reckoning will come for each of us. On that day, our deeds will declare our allegiance and answer Jesus’ implied question: Whose steward are you?

In today’s episode, we continue to affirm the importance of what the gift reveals, even though God is actually interested in more than the gift itself.

I invite you to receive Monday’s Meditation as “food for thought “ for the week, then let it become “fuel for action” for the weekend and beyond.

The full audio podcast is available on my website: morethanthegift.net and the iTunes Store. Links are provided in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.

After listening to the podcast in the iTunes Store, I encourage you to offer a review and to send an invitation to a friend or loved one to listen also.


Use this blog for your comments, questions and testimonies regarding the episode.

Keep praying with me!

Monday's Meditation - March 14, 2011 - The Giver's Understanding of God's Ownership

Genesis records that God entrusted mankind with stewardship of the earth. The trap that mankind falls into over an over again is that we (like Nebuchadnezzar) confuse stewardship with ownership. Whatever dominion God allows us to experience represents delegated authority not a transfer of title. That which we seemingly obtained through our efforts still belongs to God. Failing to reconcile the issue of true ownership leads to confusion in our relationship with the Lord and our response to Him. When we fail to acknowledge God’s ownership, we tend to behave like we are out of our minds.

In today’s episode, we continue to affirm the importance of what the gift reveals, even though God is actually interested in more than the gift itself.

I invite you to receive Monday’s Meditation as “food for thought “ for the week, then let it become “fuel for action” for the weekend and beyond.

The full audio podcast is available on my website: morethanthegift.net and the iTunes Store. Links are provided in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.

After listening to the podcast in the iTunes Store, I encourage you to offer a review and to send an invitation to a friend or loved one to listen also.


Use this blog for your comments, questions and testimonies regarding the episode.


Keep praying with me!

Monday's Meditation - March 7, 2011 - The Giver's Gratitude

Ten lepers stood by the side of the road, at a distance, calling in a loud voice to Jesus for mercy and grace. Ten lepers demonstrated their faith by following Jesus’ instruction that they behave as if they were healed even before their healing visibly manifested itself. Ten lepers received a miracle and yet only one returned to acknowledge his healing. Only one threw himself at Jesus’ feet. Only one used his loud voice to render praise and thanksgiving. Seeing this, Jesus asked his disciples “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” This biblical story reminds me that each day, each one of us should consider whether we are more like the "one" or more like the "nine"?

In today’s episode, we continue to affirm the importance of what the gift reveals, even though God is actually interested in more than the gift itself.

I invite you to receive Monday’s Meditation as “food for thought “ for the week, then let it become “fuel for action” for the weekend and beyond.

The full audio podcast is available on my website: morethanthegift.net and the iTunes Store. Links are provided in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.

After listening to the podcast in the iTunes Store, I encourage you to offer a review and to send an invitation to a friend or loved one to listen also.


Use this blog for your comments, questions and testimonies regarding the episode.


Keep praying with me!

Latest Book Review

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net

Be Willing To Give In Faith,

March 4, 2010

MORE THAN THE GIFT: A Love Relationship is clearly scripture driven and easy to understand. The Word of God has repeatedly given us details on how to walk in stewardship and Larry Robinson highlights those scriptures. Robinson organizes this love relationship around three key principles: 1) God is interested in more than just a gift; 2) Our giving is important because of what it reveals; and 3) Our giving is important because of what it accomplishes. The giver must give from the heart with a cheerful attitude that is rooted in faith that only God can provide.

The development of these key principles is centered in reference scriptures, food for thought, and connecting the dots making everything apparent. The illustrations used are common to every believer and easily relatable. The notes, websites and references will provide additional follow-up information. Robinson does an excellent job at telling the story of stewardship and how its rewards provide the gifts of God.

Reviewed by Deltareviewer

for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Book Review - Review The Book.com

The review below was posted yesterday at ReviewTheBook.com : Link: http://reviewthebook.com/index.php/book/view/220/More-Than-The-Gift-A-Love-Relationship.html

In the future, it will also be posted on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Praise God!

Book Review by Bill Hartmann

The Book: The Gift

Author: Mr. Larry J. Robinson

Aventine Press – copyright 2009

ISBN: 1-59330-594-X

LC # 2009930804

Introduction

Larry Robinson is a man with an assignment from God. This assignment is to more fully equip the average parishioner with a better understanding of what it truly means to give our tithes and offerings. He has served in several positions within the church body which have given him a very clear perspective on the issue of tithing and the attitudes that surround this important part of our relationship with God. While checking out his website – morethanthegift.net , I discovered a very passionate and truly inspired man who I feel God is using in a very powerful way. Larry Robinson has demonstrated with this book that he has a very firm grasp on the greater importance God places on our attitude vs. just the physical gift. Mr. Robinson with his wife Sharon and his four sons have served faithfully at four church bodies over the span of his walk with Jesus. God has used their personal journey to shape and define what he wants told to others. In my understanding, God gives important assignments like this to only faithful and devoted people who have a heart of love and grace. In reading this book and web site, this is what I perceived.

Summary

“The Gift” is a 125 page book that takes its reader on a journey of what it’s like to open up our heart and mind and really give from Gods point of view. This book is basically divided into three sections. They are 1) God’s interests in our giving, 2) What our giving reveals, and 3) What ou giving accomplishes. These three areas cover everything we need to understand about giving in general and into ministry. Larry Robinsons book shows how giving is really for and about us. He describes beautifully how God is primarily interested in our relationship with him and not just some legalistic mindless routine which I’m afraid many of the body of Christ fall into over the years.

Review

This writing is well thought out and deals frankly with all the issues of giving that many are struggling with today in the churches across the world. It is filled with family references and has some well placed stories about others who have experience lessons from God in the area of giving and attitude. The frankness is the strong point of this book because it is written narrowly focused with the average church attendee in mind. The author takes us step by step through the process of giving from having a pure motive to understanding how giving actually benefits us the giver multiplied times. He shows us that motive and attitude is everything with God. I personally responded with a favorable feeling after reading this book and it did convict me to read it completely through which by the way took about two hours.

Recommendation

“The Gift” offers a clear and very easy read. I would recommend buying this book to all pastors and use it to teach the true meaning of giving to Sunday school classes and as a give away to church members year round. While many churches struggle with asking their members for tithes and offerings today, this book would easily help with the transition from parishioner ignorance to having a wanton desire for giving. It removes the stereo types that surround this very important aspect of our relationship with God. I thank the author for being obedient to his assignment, and his book “The Gift”, will truly inspire and more importantly bring people a closer more fulfilling relationship with God.

Yours In Christ,

Larry

Book Review Talk Show Rescheduled

More Than the Gift will be featured on Thea's BC Book Review talk show. It

>> will air on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 5:00 PM central time. Join us at:

>> www.live365.com/profiles/theasbcbookreview

>>

Keep praying for this ministry!

Larry

Praise Report and Prayer Request

I use a print on demand publisher. This means that the books are printed as needed rather than being printed in advance and stored in warehouses awaiting sale. So, revisions can get to market quickly and overhead costs are minimized. My publisher has uploaded the revised version of the workbook with the printer. So any new copies printed will incorporate the revisions. The revised version will be available from the online book stores like Amazon and Barnes and Noble once their small inventory of older copies are sold. Praise God!

As you know, I am particularly excited about the revision regarding God's plan for the financial support of His ministry. I shared an advance copy with Scott Landon (Director of Finance & Administration for Wheaton Bibe Church). He felt led to quote directly from this material as part of his 201o Budget presentation. I feel honored and humbled as God allows me to see this message resonate with other believers. It is Him not me at work.

Apple is having a problem with the link between my website and iTunes. This means that my podcasts are no longer available on iTunes. Please pray that this condition is temporary. While the podcasts are still available on my website , I don't want to lose my presence on iTunes.

Your Brothers In Christ,

Larry

Praise Report

As of 01/13/10, our internet message has been received in:

45 States or Territories within the U.S.A

51 Countries Outside of the U.S.A.

6 Continents

Last night, someone from Dubai spent over 2 hours on the website. I will never know the breadth of God's purposes for this message, but His activity continues to be manifested. My prayer is that my efforts serve to glorify Him and bless his people.

Praise God!

Larry

Internet Bible Study - January 2010 - God's Plan For The Financial Support of His Ministry

During the last month, I have felt compelled to update the lesson on " God's Plan For The Financial Support of is Ministry". The changes are subtle but important in communicating the message God has given me to share. I believe the discussion flows better and the continuity of God's purposes is made clearer. The progression and harmony of His plan is revealed as we move through the Old and New Testaments. I sense that churches continue to struggle to find the scripture's harmony on this issue. So, I offer the the harmony that I see as the first lesson of the new year. It will be incorporated (along with a few other editorial changes) in the newly printed copies of the published workbook beginning sometime in February.

The role of tithes and offerings are discussed as elements of God’s plan for the support of ministry efforts and ministry workers. However, that support is meant to be the by-product rather than the goal of our giving. The Lord must always be the focus of our giving and that giving needs to be a response to our relationship with Him rather than compliance with external regulations. The work and workers of ministry are God's designated beneficiaries of our tangible gifts. As such they are dependent on our response to Him. As we respond to God, we also respond to them.

Reference Scripture:
Malachi 3:10 (Bring all the tithes)
Supporting Scriptures:
Leviticus 4 (sin offering)
Exodus 30: 11-16 (ransom offering)
Numbers 18:20-24 ( 1st tithe – ministry support)
Deuteronomy 14:22-26 (2nd tithe – pilgrimage)
Deuteronomy 26:12 & 14: 28-29 (3rd tithe – benevolence)
Malachi 3:8 (will a man rob God)
Exodus 25 (freewill offering – tabernacle)
Hebrews 9:11 – 10:18 (Christ’ death all sufficient offering for our sins)
Genesis 14: 14 – 20 ( Abram’s tithe)
Genesis 28:10 – 22 ( Jacob’s tithe)
Matthew 23:23 (Jesus’ sanction of tithing)
Leviticus 27:30 & 32 (tithe belongs to God)
Deuteronomy 14:22 – 23 (so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God)
Numbers 18: 20 – 24 (Levites received no inheritance in the promised land)
Deuteronomy 14: 27 – 29 ( ( remember the Levites who have no inheritance)
Numbers 18: 8 -20 (offerings given to the Levites)

Luke 9: 1 - 6 (Jesus sends forth the 12 disciples)

Luke 10: 1 - 16 (Jesus sends forth 72 additional disciples)
Matthew 25: 31 – 46 (Jesus’ priority on the less fortunate – sheep & goats)
1Corintians 9: 13 – 14 ( those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel)
2 Corinthians 9: 7 (cheerful giver)
2 Corinthians 9: 12 - 13 (Men will praise God for their obedience and sharing)

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.

Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

Please keep praying for this ministry.

Larry

Praise Reports

Thanks for your prayers. My message was well received by St Paul AME Church in Springfield. I was particularly encouraged by the pastor's openness to its principles. She thought it was material worthy of being taught in seminary. She is using the workbook in Wednesday night Bible Class and the new book in a small group Women's Bible Study. She wants me to come back next year and reinforce the message. The regional elder also attended. He gladdened my heart when he observed "We spend a lot of time asking people to give money, but your message is that God wants them to give themselves." Hallelujah!

Last night, I had some time to kill while I awaited the end of my sons basketball practice. I felt led to visit the Wheaton Library (which is nearby). By the way, I never do this. I'm not a library person. I don't have a card. To my surprise, I discovered that they ordered a copy of the workbook in November and someone had already put it on hold awaiting its arrival. Pretty neat. God continues to affirm His activity in this effort and that He is pursuing His plans and purposes. What He is doing is much bigger than me. I seek to do my part but the increase and glory are His.

Yours In Christ

Larry

Internet Bible Study - December 2009 - A Matter of Perspective

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

Following the discussion on ownership is an examination of perspective. Sometimes the issue is not one of true ownership but of physical possession or control. Our society has become comfortable with the assumption of ownership through physical possession. The parable of the unjust stewards is examined to shed light on God’s view of this perspective.

Reference Scripture:

Mark 12: 1 – 12 ( unfaithful stewards)

Supporting Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 4:7 (what do you have that you did not receive)

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.

Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

Please keep praying for this ministry.

Larry

Praise Report

BCNN1.com (Black Christian News) recently chose to list my new book as "News of Special Interest To The Christian Community". The new book was also listed as #9 on their October list of national bestsellers by African-American Authors (Nonfiction - Published by Independent Publishers). Praise God!

Larry

Prayer Request

St Paul AME Church in Springfield has designated November as stewardship month at their church. They will feature my book and workbook (More Than The Gift) during this month of teaching and emphasis. The pastor has requested that I be their guest speaker for morning worship on November 29th at the end of the effort. I request your prayers that God would use me to bless his people and bring glory to his name.

Thanks!

Larry

Internet Bible Study - September 2009 - Ritual or Relationship

Two reference scriptures are used to illustrate Jesus’ view of giving in the context of relationships. In His comments Jesus both affirms the value of giving and emphasizes the priority of nurturing relationships. The focus of the relationship building about which Jesus spoke is our human relationships. The discussion explores how the scripture intertwines the nurturing of our human relationships with the nurturing of our spiritual relationship with the Father.

Reference Scripture:

Matthew 23:23 (you have neglected the more important matters – justice, mercy)

Matthew 5: 21 – 24 (first go and be reconciled with your brother)

Supporting Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 9: 1&2, 12 – 15 (effect of Corinthian giving on others)

John 17: 1 – 3 (This is eternal life)

Matthew 22: 35 – 40 (1^st & 2^nd commandment love God , love neighbor)

1 John 4: 7&8; 12 – 20 (love one another, love comes from God)

John 13: 34 – 35 ( by this shall all men know you are my disciples)

John 17: 20 – 22 (Jesus’ prayer for our oneness)

2 Corinthians 9:7 (cheerful giving)

Book Review - More Than the Gift: A Love Relationship

The new book received a review from The Black Christian Book Review. It reads in part:

"Larry Robinson who has served as budget chairperson in his local church is a gentleman worth listening to when it comes to a discussion on Christian giving or tithing. More Than The Gift by Larry Robinson challenges Christians to examine just exactly what Christian giving is all about--Is it simply giving a ten percent of one's money, or is there more to it?

Your giving to God will become more meaningful after reading More Than The Gift."

I praise God for this positive review.

Larry