HEADING TO STEER!

I know it sounds kind of crazy--how can you head to a STEER! Isn't that a cow? Well yes, but it is also a fantastic organization that does a tremendous amount of good in our world and, to date, has averaged sending over $1 million dollars to support world-wide missions for several years in a row. This year the conference begins on Friday, October 4 in Bismarck, ND at the Kirkwood Motor Inn. Can't wait.  See more info about STEER below and come and join us! (the photo above is a picture from last year of some of the many volunteers who help share the ministry in their local areas-kudos to them!)

STEER, Inc. has been in the ministry of MULTIPLIED GIVING for missions ever since its founding in Park River, ND in 1957. Evangelical and  Interdenominational in scope, STEER is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.  The goal of STEER's ministry is to assist existing missions organizations in a financial way so that they may follow their calling to bring about world evangelization.  This non-profit organization works to bring together people (Donors) who provide the working capital (UNITS), these UNITS are invested with farmers and ranchers in the agricultural project of their choice. The farmers and ranchers contribution is the feed and care for the project.  This program is especially helpful to farmers or ranchers  who may desire to be actively involved in missions but may lack the capital to expand their herds or acreage in order to support missions like they really want to.  Working together, the Donors and the Farmers and Ranchers help to provide the funds for the Lord's work so that the missionaries and mission projects that are the benefactors of this program can do what God has called them to and that is telling others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

We believe THE GREAT COMMISSION IS FOR EVERYONE.

STEER INC.   -   "STEERing Money To Missions"  

http://www.steerinc.com/

The Challenge

I believe that one of the things that makes our lives better is being challenged. That has happened in a variety of ways since the last time I posted on this blog and I guess this post is a result of being challenged as well; to chronicle all the things in our lives that make a difference and can end up being a challenge to others to cause them to excel. So thanks to all those who have challenged me lately.

One area of challenge in my life is to do what I say I will do. Large or small, our word is (should be) our bond. If we say we will accomplish something then we need to do it. Even if it is difficult. In our world today it seems that it is less and less important for a man to keep his promise, his bond. Let's see what the Bible has to say about this, especially for those who proclaim to be a Christian.

  Keeping  promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.”   It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals (fruitful seed) inside of us.   Integrity, Honor, Self-respect and Honesty means everything to man and to the Lord!  What kind of Christian walk does the Lord desire us to have?  Is keeping one's word really important or do we have the right to alter and change it?  Does the world respect people who break their promises?  A broken promise means a broken trust and relationship.  Trust and respect as well as one's honor is the basis of our relationship with our Lord.   He expects us to keep our word, (vow, oath) to others as well! 

God doesn't accept  altering promises!
    When you give your word to someone you are also giving it unto the Lord.  The Lord teaches us in the Bible that we must not go back on our promises even if we have to pay a higher price to keep them.  Our promises are taken seriously and we will be held accountable for them.  Changing our minds is not acceptable to the Lord! Lev 27:9-10

 A man shall NOT break his word
      Moses, being directed of God, told people that they must keep their promises.  A person's word is just the same as a written legal contract in the eyes of God.  People who by their own free will have given a vow to do something must keep their word!  Only a child's broken promises can be overruled by a parent, but even then correction must be made by the parent to teach the child about keeping one's word.  Numbers 30: 3-8

A broken promise is a sin and will be judged by the Lord.  God punishes the wicked!     
    God requires Christians to keep their word no matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant it may become.  Our word is enough to bind us before God as a promise to someone.  Many times promises involve sacrifices out of our comfort zones.  If you  promised something just by saying you would do it then God expects you to do it to the "best of your ability" as if you were doing it for the Lord Himself. 
     We can't just confess the sin of breaking a promise and think we can go our merry way thinking that we no longer are accountable.  As long as you are still able to fulfill your word (even if it's uncomfortable and you don't want to) you need to go to that person, repent of your sin and make amends by keeping  your promise.  Can you really come into the presence of God knowing that you refuse to keep your word? What kind of relationship can you have with the Lord if your are able to keep your word and don't?  Lev. 5:4-5

Words reveal to the world and to God how honest we are
         Speak words that are pleasing to God and act with honor upon the promises made.  If you have promised something and back out of it then deep hurt can be left behind.  This grieves the Holy Spirit and can cause a wound that may last a lifetime.  We are never to hurt anyone of the Lord's children and when we do then there is a price to be paid.  Can anyone truly stand before Jesus knowing that they hurt someone and not feel convicted? I can't, can you?
God never breaks His word nor does He give us the right to break ours James 3:9-10


Just by saying you “will” do something, you have “given your word!”
         People will come to respect you and  follow your lead if you are honest.  Always be truthful saying what you mean and meaning what you say!  Honor your word so that it will be right before the Lord.  Integrity, honor and respect is the reward for keeping one's word.  Let's all remember to live up to the high standards that the Lord has set before us. Matt: 5:37