I have sat in quite a few churches, watched many tv preachers, and have received quite a bit of christian literature in the mail. Out of all this exposure I kept hearing a very similiar message. "Sow your seed into our ministry and watch the Lord bless you and make you financially prosperous."

I have to admit that this approach turns me off immediately and you should hear what unbelievers think of all of this. How are we presenting ourselves as ministers of the gospel? Are we hungry for money or souls? Do we have the faith to trust God for the finances or do we manipulate those listening to us to secure financial backing and security?

Its a tough question. Its not just a question of heart motive or of the image we project to those who don't yet believe. Its a matter of faith.

I was studying the history of the Azusa Street outpouring. In the account that I'm reading it presents the life of Frank Bartleman a leader in the 1907 visitation. What struck me the most about this man was his determination to live ALL aspects of his life by faith.

That included his financial provision. He told no one of his financial needs but the Lord provided for him on many occasions. He didn't need to make a tithing call or to remind people that they needed to tithe into his ministry. He simply trusted the Lord.

Personal and Church revival is not going to come about by sowing of money here and there but by the same means that sparked that visit from the Holy Spirit so long ago.

Contrite saints on their knees in humility and prayer, seeking the face of God with all of their might...that is what starts revival and renews the fire of passion in the Body of Christ.

God bless!