wedding and money-

There are a lot tradition we follow as we do "weddings". Some tradition are pagan and some are biblical. 
Did you know that The Bride maids tradition is actually a pagan tradition-The role of the bridesmaid dates back to pagan times, when evil spirits were thought to attend wedding ceremonies. By surrounding the bride with “look‐a‐likes” it was thought the bad spirits wouldn’t be able to single out the bride. Some are tradition made up by people, for example, its an American tradition that the Bride pays for the wedding, however, i found that un biblical. In Genesis, when Rebekah was being chosen to be the bride for Isaac, they put on
gold rings on her nose and gold bracelets on her arms, and they gave her camel to ride on ...
its about honoring the bride.
I feel bad for the person who did not feel honored in her own wedding 50 years ago, she is trying to pass it down to the next generation by holding her belt tight and not giving the bride a dime nor any gift. She is wrapped in her own little world and its sad.  I am glad she doesn't have a daughter, or else her daughter should feel really neglected and unloved.

^{Genesis 6:47} “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’

“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’

“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, ⁴⁸ and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. ⁴⁹ Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”

Which bride wouldn't want to be to honored, the point is not the gold bracelets, or the nose ring, its about knowing that the Lord chosen this special bride for one's beloved son, the giving of the gold jewelries are a symbol of acceptance and honoring Rebekah, for she has proven to be the rightful and Godly wife for Isaac.

also, i have been thinking about the gift we received from the wedding
and i believe this is what i suppose to do. based the scripture.
I was a bit hesitant to give 20% but now i think its something we must do to be a good testimony. and it releases me from being controlled by the money.


Proverb11

²⁴ One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

²⁵ A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

²⁶ People curse the one who hoards grain,
    but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

MIssion and Money

James Hudson Taylor Quotes

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”

 

I thought this is a question i would like to explore a little....

 

One lady whom i know labeled herself a mature believer, however, when i raised the topic on mission or being a missionary, her first concern is "it cost alot money".
The statement she made puzzles me, it does cost a lot but not all mission trip cost alot. It depends on whom, or when or where you are going to. Also, the question one should ask should not be about "lack of money", the first question one should ask is "Did God call me to go and reach this specific people group?"

I like what Hudson Taylor said regarding God's provision, and i have to daily remind myself that when God calls He will supply.

 

Matthew 6

New International Version (NIV)

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

I really dislike cake with columns...