BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Do you know what Paul called that? He called it the “grace” of giving; and he encouraged other believers to abound in it by following the Macedonians’ example. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:6-8). Start Paying Attention Think about this: Those verses were written, not about rich people but about the poorest of the poor. They were written about people in deep poverty who had almost nothing to give except themselves. Yet, Paul said God would multiply the seed they sowed until they were rich enough to abound to every good work! “Well, I just don’t see how that could happen,” you might say. Then you need to read Matthew 14, because the Bible shows us there exactly how it happens. It tells about a time when Jesus made His own disciples rich enough to feed thousands of hungry people, even though just minutes earlier those disciples didn’t have enough for dinner themselves. You probably remember the story. It took place out in the middle of the desert. Jesus had gone there to be alone and the multitudes had followed Him. He was so moved with compassion for them that He ended up having an all-day healing meeting. About sunset, His disciples started to get nervous. After all, they were out in the middle of nowhere—no food, no water, in a dangerous place. So what did they do? They interrupted the meeting. They came up to Jesus, who for hours had been healing people of all kinds of sickness and disease, and said, “This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals” (Matthew 14:15). At the time, I’m sure the disciples thought this statement made perfect sense. But in reality, it was ridiculous. Did they really think Jesus, who had been working miracles all day, would be unable to figure out what to do about supper? Did they think He had lost track of time, or that He’d forgotten they were in a desert? The very idea is ludicrous. Yet, if we’re honest, we have to admit we can relate. We all know what it’s like to face problems that seem so big they’re all we can see. We’ve all felt the pressure that comes from thinking panicky thoughts like, If I’m late on this payment, they’re going to come get my car! What am I going to do? Here’s a good thing to remember: When you start thinking, What am I going to do? you’ve already missed it. You need to stop and realize that God isn’t dependent on your ability. Just because something looks hard to you doesn’t mean it’s hard for Him. For Him all things are possible! **article continued on page 9** **************** Partners Agreeing in Prayer Our agreement in prayer is one of the ways God uses our partnership to get things done for the advancement of His kingdom. Please join us in prayer in the following areas: 1. Persecuted Christians Pray for believers being persecuted for their faith worldwide. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” (John 15:20-21) 2. America and her leaders Pray for America and her leaders, present and future. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) 3. Expansion of Spanish ministry and opening a KCM office in Costa Rica “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, New King James Version) Please connect with us and let us know how we may join in a prayer of agreement with you. 24 hours/7 days phone: +1-817-852-6000 web: kcm.org FEB '14 : BVOV : 7

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