I helped a friend once a long time ago to start a business, I got a grant to pay for two salaries for a full year. I did a huge business plan from a to z.
We had agreed, that because they were being paid with the grant I got, the revenue of the business would go got back into the business to grow the business in question.
Because I did all the paper work, they worked in their field of expertise. Then I find out, unlike we had discussed and agreed upon from the beginning, they kept the money from jobs and kept the money for themselves.
While I was working to make ends meet for myself and others I give to regularly. I then realized I was being manipulated because, and that they would always do the same, and would not change. So I spoke to them and told them to keep the business for themselves, since they didn't need me to make money on there own.
Another time a neighbour whom I knew was in dire straits, I took all his close he slept at my place. Because he didn't have a place to stay that night.He was also very sick.He told me how he needed a cell phone to keep in touch with his doctor.
Because of his financial situation, I got him a phone with a three year contract, he said he would pay for it because he had a part time job. He had now moved in with his sister by that time.
For three months he never paid, I saw him by chance and he shows me this 400.00$ phone that he just bought.
I said to him why didn't pay the 3 months instead of buying a new phone? As he had already a phone when we agreed on the arrangement.
But he never paid one dime on the three year contract. Because I signed for the contract, I had no choice but to pay over 3000.00$ over the spand of the contract. When the contract ended he still had a cell phone as he renewed the contract himself.
All of a sudden he could afford a phone under his name but not when it was under my name.
I was still trying to make ends meet while continuing to give to my obligations of monthly charity. I have shirts that are over ten years old, yet I thank God for these clothes, they don't seem to wear out as much as as I thought they would.
Recently another man came to me with an amazing project. He worked the streets boasting of making 200$ to 300$ a day, and he had a project to share the love of Christ. Being the person I am I agreed to help him.
But when I asked him how he intended to share the gospel to the lost. He told me he didn't want to share the gospel at all with anyone. All he wanted was to get a house near another pagan organization and just be happy. And when I told him how he would pay for such a house, he said he would work to make the money.
I figured at 200$ a day tax free a day or more, according to his claim, he was able to make at least
2000$ a week. The man had been doing this for many years now, so something didn't sound right.
He should have at least have a few hundred thousand dollars by now, why he didn't have any money whatsoever towards this project raised questions, he also said he was thinking about this project for over ten years.
So I figured he would need a mortgage to buy this house. He asked me to sleep at my place, I refused him, as he already had a place to sleep at another friends place.
Because he could not get a mortgage, someone with a steady job would have to sign for him and be on the hook to pay for someones else's dream. Another man involved already has a mortgage of his own. He was not ready to sign also realizing what was coming ahead. We talked about this and he shared with me how some people go after Christians because they are quick to say yes.
Reminded of my past two experiences when I poured myself out for others and never got anything out of it but the blood sweat and tears so others may take advantage of what not only they had but what I had as well.
I promised myself, if someone comes to me and agrees on a thing and that someone shows you something different then what he says, I promised myself I would get out of it before any other binding legal obligations would occur. As I could not afford to pay a mortgage.
Some talk the talk but if they are lead by the Holy Spirit to help this man get a house, land and sign on to pay all utilities, taxes and all repairs and use there own assets to back it up, then amen.
Sometimes you have to say no, because if you don't you end up doing everyone else's job but the one you're called to do.
Just look at Jesus, He could only do what He saw the Father doing, He didn't flinch one iota from His path, even if everyone else told Him not to.
Reminds me when the time came for Jesus to fulfill Passover when He told the apostles He would be sacrificed, die and resurrect on the 3rd day. to redeem the flesh of men, He gave up His flesh. He had to do what He HAD to do. They didn't understand. They didn't even ask. Even today most don't even understand half the spring feasts. much less the fall feasts.
I remember when someone helped me, I didn't ask, I hadn't paid my rent for two months, I couldn't. When a man offered to help, I resisted because he had family. He offered again and I accepted his offer of "tithe" as he said.
If this man were to come to me and ask for his money back, I'll be glad to repay him, I gave more than people know and I got help in return.
For his actions, out of nowhere he received a very nice gift worth a lot more than he gave me for sure.
It pays to help someone, it really does.
But if you're a parent I assume parents say yes to all? Or have to say no once in a while?
All I know is everytime I try to share my work with God, I'm called a liar.
I know I'm not paving the pavement preaching the coming of the kingdom, because I intercede a lot.
And I know I must follow the Holy Spirit.
Some minister to people, I like to minister to the spirits and to warfare. Imagine if the apostles return in our generation and spend there time judging the fallen angels and the twelve tribes?
They would be to busy no doubt pounding the pavement preaching the kingdom.
