grace

Giving: Between You and God, Not a Dollar Score

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

1. God Sees the Heart — Not the Amount

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture shows that God measures the heart, not the size of the gift.
When Jesus watched people giving in the temple, He didn’t praise the wealthy donors — He honored a poor widow.

“She put in two small coins, yet she gave more than all the rest. For they gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.”
— Luke 21:1–4

That story shatters the idea that God keeps a dollar scoreboard.
Her gift had no financial power — it was the faith behind it that moved heaven and earth.
Faithful giving is an act of trust and worship, not a transaction.

2. Giving Is Between You and God Alone

Jesus made it clear that your giving is private, sacred, and personal — between you and God.

“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”
— Matthew 6:3–4

That means:

  • It’s not for show.
  • It’s not about impressing a pastor or congregation.
  • And it’s definitely not a negotiation for a blessing.

Your generosity becomes a holy conversation between your soul and your Creator — a reflection of gratitude, faith, and love, not a financial strategy.

3. Blessing Comes Through Faith, Not Finances

Nowhere in Scripture does God say, “Give Me money, and I’ll give you more back.”
Instead, He says, “Believe, and you will see My glory.”

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
— Hebrews 11:6

Faith opens the door to blessing — not money.
If blessings could be bought, they would no longer be a gift of grace.
Grace means unearned favor; it’s God’s goodness given freely, not bought with tithes or “seed offerings.”

“You cannot serve both God and money.”
— Matthew 6:24

The so-called “prosperity gospel” confuses cause and effect.
Faith doesn’t grow because you give more money — faith gives because you trust God more.

4. God’s Economy Is Not a Business Transaction

Some preachers teach that giving money is like investing — “sow this seed, and God will multiply it.”
But that’s not how God’s kingdom works. God doesn’t run a financial exchange. He runs on love, trust, and obedience.

“Freely you have received; freely give.”
— Matthew 10:8

If someone tells you that you must give money to be healed, to get a breakthrough, or to earn favor — that’s spiritual manipulation, not Scripture.

The truth is simple:

  • You cannot buy a blessing.
  • You cannot pay for faith.
  • You cannot purchase God’s favor.
    What God wants is your heart — not your wallet.

5. God’s True Reward

God blesses faith, humility, and obedience.
Sometimes blessings are material, but often they’re peace, strength, guidance, or joy — things money could never buy.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33

When you walk by faith and not by sight, you position yourself for real blessing — the kind that lasts eternally, not temporarily.
You don’t give to get; you give because you already have — grace, salvation, mercy, and love.

6. The Early Church Understood This

The first Christians didn’t give to earn divine returns. They gave because they were transformed.
They understood that generosity was a natural outflow of gratitude.
They lived as if everything they owned already belonged to God.

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
— Acts 2:44–45

That wasn’t forced giving or seed planting — it was faith in action. They did not seek to be blessed, but because they already were.

7. The Real Measure of Generosity

God is not counting dollars; He’s counting love, faith, and compassion.
A heart that gives out of faith is infinitely more valuable than a hand that provides out of guilt or fear.

World’s ViewGod’s View
Give more, get more.Believe more, trust more.
Dollars measure devotionFaith measures devotion
Blessing is financial gain.Blessing is spiritual fullness.
Giving is an obligation.Giving is worship

8. The Heart of the Gospel

God gave His Son freely — not because we earned it, not because we could repay Him, but because love gives.
Our giving should mirror that same spirit: free, loving, and without condition.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
— John 3:16

That’s the model.
Giving out of love — not pressure, not performance, and never purchase.

When you give quietly, faithfully, and from a sincere heart, God smiles — not because He’s keeping score, but because He sees trust.
Blessing flows from belief, not balance sheets.
Faith moves mountains; dollars do not.

1. The Early Church’s Heart for Sharing, Not Accumulating

The Didache (c. A.D. 70–120)

One of the earliest Christian manuals — used to teach converts — says:

“Do not be one who opens his hands to receive but shuts them when it comes to giving.”
“Share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own.” (Didache 4:5–8)

This reflects the same spirit as Acts 2:44-45 — believers cared for each other so that no one suffered lack.
There’s no mention of tithes to clergy or “seed faith” gifts — only mutual support and practical compassion.

2. Justin Martyr (A.D. 150) — Worship Through Giving to the Needy

In his First Apology, describing Christian worship to the Roman Emperor, Justin wrote:

“Those who have and are willing to give freely what each thinks fit. The collection is deposited with the president [the elder], who helps the orphans, widows, those who are sick, or in prison, and strangers sojourning among us.”

This is crucial — in the second century, giving was voluntary and its purpose was clear:
Supporting people with low incomes, not enriching leaders or building luxury.

3. Tertullian (c. A.D. 197–220) — Condemning Greedy Teachers

Tertullian, one of the earliest Latin theologians, said of Christian gatherings:

“Every man once a month brings some modest coin, but only if he is willing. There is no compulsion; it is all voluntary. These gifts are not spent on feasts or drinking, but to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls destitute of means and parents, and of old persons confined to the house.”

(Apology 39)

This demonstrates that giving was modest, voluntary, and compassionate — directed to people in need, not for personal gain.

4. Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 190) — Against Wealthy Preachers

Clement warned believers not to confuse wealth with blessing:

“It is not in the power of the rich man to possess much, but to use much rightly.” (Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?)

He rebuked those who hoarded money under the name of religion, teaching that true wealth is found in mercy and righteousness.
His message: God entrusts wealth as a tool, not a trophy.

5. The Apostolic Constitutions (A.D. 250–300)

A later manual describing how churches should operate:

“Let the bishop distribute the offerings to those in need… for the orphans, widows, the afflicted, and strangers in distress.”

Again, the focus was not on luxury or personal enrichment, but on pastoral stewardship — caring for the vulnerable as a sacred duty.

6. Summary — What the First Christians Believed About Giving

Early Church EraPurpose of GivingMethodRecipients
Didache (1st century)Sharing and equality among believersFreelyFellow Christians in need
Justin Martyr (2nd century)Charity as worshipEach gives what he decidesPoor, widows, orphans, prisoners
Tertullian (2nd century)Mutual aid, not indulgenceVoluntary monthly offeringsPoor, elderly orphans
Clement of AlexandriaStewardship, not greedMoral teachingThose suffering
Apostolic Constitutions (3rd century)Pastoral duty to serveCommunity-managedNeedy and afflicted

7. Why This Matters Today

What you see in those early writings is a radical contrast to modern “prosperity gospel” culture.

  • No one demanded tithes or promised blessings for donations.
  • Church leaders lived modestly, serving others first.
  • Generosity was the fruit of love, not the price of a miracle.

The first Christians believed that faith without compassion is dead (James 2:14-17).
They measured devotion not by what you gave to a building or preacher, but by how you loved your neighbor.

1. What the Bible Really Says About Tithing

Old Testament context:

  • The tithe (Hebrew: ma‘aser, meaning “a tenth”) was part of the Mosaic Law.
  • Israelites gave 10% of their agricultural produce and livestock to support the Levites, who had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21–24).
  • There were actually multiple tithes — one for the Levites, one for festivals, and one every third year for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:22–29).
  • It was a national, agricultural system designed for Israel’s theocracy, not a command for New Testament believers to give 10% to a church.

Key verses:

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” — Malachi 3:10

However, note that this was addressed to Israel, with the intention of maintaining the temple and priests.

2. The New Testament Standard for Giving

Jesus never commands Christians to tithe, but He affirms generosity, sincerity, and care for others.

  • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus tells Pharisees they tithe but neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

“These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
His point was not “tithe or be blessed,” but “don’t think money replaces love or integrity.”

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Paul gives the most straightforward New Testament principle:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The emphasis is on freedom, sincerity, and love — not pressure or manipulation.

  • Acts 2:44-45 – Early believers shared everything so that no one among them was in need.
    Giving was voluntary and communal, focused on people, not luxury or hierarchy.

3. Why God Doesn’t Tell Your Pastor He Needs a Jet

God’s Word never endorses the accumulation of wealth for spiritual leaders.
Scripture consistently warns against using religion for financial gain:

  • 1 Timothy 6:5–10

“…people who think godliness is a means to financial gain… For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
Paul’s warning is specifically directed against those who exploit faith for personal gain.

  • Titus 1:11

“They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach — and that for the sake of dishonest gain.”

  • Matthew 6:19–21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus contrasts worldly riches with eternal values.

A pastor claiming “God told me I need a plane or a Rolls-Royce” contradicts these teachings. God doesn’t need luxury to advance His mission — He desires humility, stewardship, and service.

4. The True Biblical Spirit of Giving

The Bible emphasizes compassionate generosity, especially toward the poor and oppressed.

  • Proverbs 19:17

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”

  • James 1:27

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.”

  • Matthew 25:35–40

Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me food… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

God wants your heart more than your money.
Giving to help a struggling neighbor, feeding the hungry, supporting honest missions, or serving your community — that is the essence of godly giving.

5. Summary

False Prosperity TeachingBiblical Truth
“You must tithe or God won’t bless you.”God blesses from grace, not payment (2 Cor 9:8).
“Sow a seed into this ministry to get a miracle.”Giving is never transactional; God can’t be bought (Acts 8:20).
“The pastor deserves luxury for his faith.”Leaders must be humble servants (1 Peter 5:2–3).
“Money equals faith.”Love and obedience show faith, not wealth (John 14:15).

Bottom Line

God calls us to give freely, wisely, and compassionately, not under compulsion or manipulation.
The measure of your faith isn’t the size of your offering, but the sincerity of your heart and love for others.

Robert Bruton is a multifaceted creative visionary whose work spans literature, photography, and filmmaking. As an author, Robert's captivating storytelling delves into the mysteries of human nature, life's challenges, and the pursuit of purpose. His written works resonate with readers, offering profound insights and inspiration from his journey of perseverance and creativity.

https://www.amazon.com/author/robertbruton

In God’s Time: When the Impossible Turns into Destiny

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

There comes a point in every journey when you start to wonder if God is still listening.
You’ve prayed until your words run dry. You’ve waited until your heart feels numb. You’ve watched others receive the very things you’ve dreamed of — love, purpose, a breakthrough — while you’re left standing in the quiet, asking, “What about me?”

But here’s the truth: God is never late.
He’s not ignoring you. He’s preparing you — and preparing what’s meant for you.

The waiting is not a punishment. It’s a refining fire. And in that fire, God forges your faith.

The Silent Work of God

When nothing seems to be happening, something always is.
You can’t see it yet.

Behind the scenes, God is weaving details together that you wouldn’t even know to ask for. He’s aligning hearts, opportunities, and timing. He’s maturing your character so that when your moment arrives, you’re not just ready for it — you’re worthy of it.

If you received everything you wanted right now, would you be ready to hold it? Could you sustain, nurture, and protect it? God doesn’t just want to deliver blessings; He wants you to become the person who can carry them.

Every delay is a sacred construction. Heaven’s blueprint takes time.

When You’re Waiting on Love or Breakthrough

Maybe you’ve been waiting for that one relationship — the person who feels like the missing piece of your soul.
Or maybe it’s not love you’re waiting on — perhaps it’s the dream job, the calling, the opportunity to step into your purpose finally.

You’ve probably told yourself, “It’s never going to happen.”
And yet… destiny has a way of showing up right after you stop trying to force it.

You meet someone by chance — but heaven never works by chance.
You walk through a door you almost didn’t open — but it was the exact one you needed.
You look back later and realize: every disappointment was divine choreography.

You miss a text message, only to answer at the perfect moment months later.

The relationship that didn’t work out was making space for the one that would.
The job you lost was redirecting you toward a purpose that genuinely fits your soul.
The heartbreak you thought would destroy you actually woke you up to who you were meant to become.

In the Blink of an Eye, Everything Can Change

God specializes in suddenlies.

Moses spent forty years in the desert before a burning bush appeared in one ordinary moment.
Joseph went from a prison cell to a palace in a single day.
Ruth went from picking up scraps to being written into the lineage of Christ.

All it took was one divine intersection.

That’s how fast grace moves — slow, slow, slow… then suddenly.

The thing you’ve prayed for your whole life can arrive in one conversation, one sunrise, one heartbeat. And when it does, it won’t feel rushed — it will feel right.

Faith While You Wait

Faith is not pretending you don’t hurt.
Faith is trusting that the hurt still has purpose.

You can cry and still believe. You can question and still hope. You can feel weary and still trust.
Because faith is not about your feelings; it’s about your focus — keeping your eyes on God even when your heart doesn’t understand.

And here’s the beautiful irony: the moment you stop demanding the outcome is often the moment God delivers it. Not because He’s withholding, but because surrender creates space for His will to move.

The Lesson Hidden in Every Delay

If you could see what God sees, you’d never question His timing.

You’d see how close you are.
You’d see the hearts He’s protecting you from.
You’d see how the closed door today is saving you from the heartbreak tomorrow.
You’d see how your waiting is shaping someone else’s miracle, too.

Because sometimes, the story isn’t just about you — it’s about the countless others whose perseverance, your patience, and your testimony will touch.

When your moment comes — and it will — others will look at you and say, “How did it happen?”
And you’ll smile and answer, “God’s timing.”

Remember This

God’s plan is not fragile.
It doesn’t fall apart because of your mistakes, your doubts, or your delays.
He wrote your story knowing every detour you’d take — and still, He called it good.

When nothing makes sense, believe this:
He’s not just preparing a path for you — He’s preparing you for the path.

And when it all finally unfolds — when love walks in, when the dream comes alive, when the breakthrough hits — you’ll realize something profound:

God was never withholding your blessing.
He was building you to be able to hold it.

And it all can change…
In the blink of an eye.

Robert Bruton is a multifaceted creative visionary whose work spans literature, photography, and filmmaking. As an author, Robert’s captivating storytelling delves into the mysteries of human nature, life’s challenges, and the pursuit of purpose. His written works resonate with readers, offering profound insights and inspiration from his journey of perseverance and creativity.

https://www.amazon.com/author/robertbruton

Resources vs. Resourcefulness

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

“Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your future. Make your hope. Make your love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.”—Bradley Whitford

In my research, the one common denominator that stood out to me more than anything. Peoples fear a lack of resources. We don’t have the right equipment. I don’t have a proper education. We don’t have enough money.

All great excuses if you don’t want to win. Throw in the towel before you even get in the ring.

Let’s dispel a few things.

The definition of resourcefulness as it appears in the dictionary:

noun

the ability to find quick and smart ways to overcome difficulties.

“his films show remarkable technical resourcefulness.”

You are learning to become clever. If you say you can’t be clever, I am going to scream.

Yes, you can!

Let’s work a couple of scenarios:

You want to start a photography business. You have no gear or at least not too much.

  • Some of the gorgeous photographs taken with a smartphone. Apple®, for example, has photo contests for its products.
  • Have you seen how many commercials shot on the phone? YouTube®
  • Pentax® introduced a new point-n-shoot and shot all the national promotional commercials with it.
  • Rent gear. Several cool shops offer this service for any camera you can think of including Cinema cameras. I should know I rent equipment all the time.
  • Free editing software. I use an editor called Resolve®. It’s free and very robust. Even pay software is not that expensive to use.

With a little research, you can get smart enough to start your business. Besides, most great videographers prefer simple equipment. You don’t need a $50,000 camera to shoot incredible shots. It’s the eye, not the gear! The expensive gear will come, be great the gear companies will come to you!

How about relationships. Who says you can’t find the right person? Say your supper, shy. Social occasions, you freeze, cold sweats, and disaster.

  • In chapter one, we learned volunteers. Do something you are passionate about that helps people. My guess is you do something in your life that you do well, and the shy you fade away. Helping others is a great way to get out of your head.
  • Teach people something. You can go to the library and offer a class. Can you potty train a puppy, do you cook well, can you bowl, what can you do that you could teach someone else to do?
  • Read to kids at the library. Kids are funny and will keep you on your toes.

Find something that will help you strengthen yourself to have confidence. Then we go out and tackle the big fish. Use things you’re comfortable to do to help you develop.

Most people I meet that are shy are afraid of social interaction. Why? Because of a lack of being in that environment. I get there are clinical issues that can go beyond this simple process. What I am suggesting is if you’re comfortable, to try simple things like volunteering. It’s easy to exit these situations if needed.

The more we can put ourselves in situations that allow us to grow from our fear. The less likely we are to fail.

Resourcefulness is fun to challenge the mind to find solutions to the impossible. My favorite comeback when asked what I am doing at work; “I am making Ice Cream out of dog shit.” Talk about resourceful, forget about it.

However, let’s stop for a second. You would have to be resourceful to make ice cream out of dog poo. The extreme that I want to take you too. If we lack in resources, then we better learn to make this ice cream.

How pray-tell do we achieve this smelly task, you ask? Knowledge, read, research, we learn how. Did you know that Warren Buffet reads much of his day? Other veracious readers include Bill Gates and Mark Cuban. My thinking is if these guys gather this much knowledge, seeing what level of success they enjoy. Well, there is something to the power of education.

When we have a lack of resources, maybe gaining knowledge that shows us how to be resourceful to overcome an obstacle will serve us well. Even if we have the resources, would you not prefer to solve a problem vs. writing a check cleverly?

witty, clever, smart

Something I have learned along the way about having funding for a business. Of course, who would not want a million in the bank to begin a business? However, many who start a business with funding often fail. It makes you complacent. Take more risks in advertising, or we need this piece of equipment. When reality says no, you don’t.

Let me share something with you that I thought was one of the most profound statements ever. Robert Stephens, the founder of Geek Squad®, made this vague statement; “Advertising is the TAX you pay for being Unremarkable!”

What does advertising do it begs people to buy your stuff cheaper than anyone else? Have you ever seen a Cartier® commercial that says; THIS SATURDAY ONLY WE’RE BLOWING OUT ALL OUR ENGAGEMENT RINGS AT 50% OFF OUR LOWEST PRICE. Are you kidding me? Cartier® does not even open the store on Saturdays. If you can’t come during the week, you can’t afford to shop there. Moreover, they’re remarkable!

Think about that metaphorically. You could apply this statement for every aspect of your life.

 Are you remarkable?

  • Remarkable Human Being
  • Remarkable Spouse
  • Exceptional Parent
  • Outstanding health

This statement speaks to resourcefulness. People are much more impressed with cleverness than they are any amount of money.

I could hire a ghostwriter, or I can write my books myself. Writing requires me to be smart. If I can’t keep you engaged in the book, I won’t sell to many. Amid this, I still hold down and everyday Joe job that is a stepping stone to my new life.

Learning to become resourceful will help you gain a great many new skills when no choice exists but to do something or try something. As you journey into that abyss, you will retain more because your focus is more.

You can teach yourself to do just about anything. The question is how bad you want your dreams to come true. Are you willing to invest in your success? The question applies to any aspect of your life. A great deal of what I’m writing sounds like a business success story. This information is all-encompassing.

The only way you can ever expect to win is to have more knowledge than the other guy. Allow you the resourcefulness to amaze. When you can solve issues without having to buy your way out or in, my friend that is genius. Who would you do business with a talent or a dude that has a lot of money (keep in mind money comes and goes)? The genius has a higher long-term yield.

Apply this to a relationship. Who will win the girl? The clever man or the guy with money? The clever man will have to work much harder and do even more spectacular things to win a girl’s affection. A good woman is going to weigh out and respect more the guy who must come up with unique ways to make the girl feel special. Money might buy you a good time, may purchase good food, but a resourceful guy wins over the heart.

If people can see your ability to solve problems consistently, that will take you to the finish line every time! Money comes and goes. Intelligence if forever.

I go back to the photography business. It’s not the gear; it’s the photographer’s eye. You can see the subject in a way that inspires. You can give a $50,000 camera to someone that never guarantees a Pulitzer prize.  For that matter, a decent photo.

Being resourceful solving issues, seeing life in a way that you embrace challenge you don’t freeze because things get tough. Seeing the opportunity in all things is our minds destination. For years, I did not, and gave up. No more!

Today I am always looking at how to improve a bad situation. Looking to be resourceful helps me hone my skills.

This is a Chapter out of Tying it All Together. Link to Amazon

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Why the Next 10 Years of Motivations Will Smash the Last 10

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

“Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.”–Bradley Whitford

Are you ready to smash the next 10 years? 

The last ten years of motivations that you have employed in your life. Has set a foundation for you to smash the next ten years.

Why?

Think about what you’ve learned from your experiences. What in hindsight would you have done a bit different? This gives you the edge you need to have a breakaway new decade.

happy, prayer, motivation

After a decade, you now possess the knowledge to plot the course for a new decade. More important than anything else what bit of experience can you deploy right now? Take some action today!

Upon reflection of your past ten years, take the independent powerhouse thoughts, information, feelings, and put those in your repertoire to draw wisdom at will. Now think about what new information you can put into action to boost the old knowledge. What tweaks can you make?

Set a plan. A daily actionable plan. Some examples:

  1. Use a task management tool. I use Google Tasks.
  2. Calander times to work on you, goals, free time. Literally set up times and dates for your life (I’m not suggesting to not be spontaneous). Organize!
  3. Set time limits to achieve certain things. Don’t wake up a year from now and go, “wow, I got nothing completed.” Never confuse activity with productivity!!!
  4. Meditate on the end result. See yourself in your mind’s eye with what you desire to achieve as already yours.
  5. Stay in faith and stay in gratitude always!

When trials and tribulations come and they will. Hold onto #5 with everything that is you. Don’t give in or give up. The tests will pass much quicker if you remain calm and focused. Breathe daily and meditate.

Take some action today, get started. Don’t think, begin!

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