Something that I found interesting was the fact that just the forums went down. The audio, text, and video sermons were all still accessible.
Then I started contemplating how much time I spend on the forums - and compared it to how little I give back in relation to that which I have been given. Is it possible that God was warning us that we need to support that which He has so freely provided? When He gives us a house, we spend money to maintain it. When He gives us children, we put out money to feed and clothe them.
I shake my head in wonder at how willingly we put forth cash for electricity, and telephones, and internet service - but how tight fisted we become in giving to things which edify Him. Somehow we get into the mode of thinking that He should just give us everything for free.
But there is a problem here. The money also belongs to Him. He has given us the money that we have, and it is meant to flow through us unto others. I keep getting this vision of a stagnant pool - if we allow that which He gives to flow out, He will bring forth a fresh inflow. But if we try to hold on to that which He gives, just keeping it for ourselves, it will just stagnate - like in a pool of standing water. Becoming infested and putrid, and eventually drying up for lack of fresh provision.
As I write this, I am having to apply these concepts to myself.
:-(
