Shortly after Dallas Theological Seminary was founded in 1924, it almost folded. It came to the point of bankruptcy. All the creditors were ready to foreclose at twelve noon on a particular day. That morning, the founders of the school met in the president’s office to pray that God would provide. In that prayer meeting was Harry Ironside. When it was his turn to pray, he said in his refreshingly candid way, “Lord we know that the cattle on a thousand hills are Thine. Please sell some of them and send us the money.”
Just about that time, a tall Texan in boots and an open-collar shirt strolled into the business office. “Howdy!” he said to the secretary. “I just sold two carloads of cattle over in Fort Worth. I’ve been trying to make a business deal go through, but it just won’t work. I feel God wants me to give this money to the seminary. I don’t know if you need it or not, but here’s the check,” and he handed it over.
Knowing the gravity of the situation the secretary immediately took the check into the prayer meeting and handed it to the Chairman of the Board. Looking at the signature he recognized the name of a well-known cattle rancher in the area. Turning to Dr. Ironside, he blurted out, “Harry! God sold the cattle!” True story.
Isn’t it awesome when God moves and meets needs in our life? He is so faithful and sometimes humorously creative. I want to thank you for your faithfulness in giving to our church and to the Lord’s work. Without your faithfulness we could not do the work God has placed before us – and there is much to be done.
Malachi 3:10 says… “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
Listen, this isn’t a promise from God that if you tithe you will get rich, and it’s not insurance against future trials either – like having life insurance to protect our family. God is saying, over the long term, a person who faithfully gives back to me will receive more blessings in life than those who don’t.
So, thank you for partnering with us both here in the Willard area, and even for missions work around the world. As we remain faithful to give back to Him, may He take what we offer and use it to add more souls to the population of Heaven one day!
Leave a Reply