I was reading chapter nine of first Corinthians today. Paul was talking about how he doesn't demand payment or preach for money. He does it because "I am compelled by God to do it." - 1 Corinthians 2:16. I try to remember to follow that example in my life. God always has taken care of me and he always will - especially if I'm doing what he wants me to do, so I don't need to worry about charging people. I like to use the gifts God's blessed me with the help others; and I believe I'd lose some of the blessing if I did it for money. After all, every non-Christian that exists charges for their products, services, or help. We're supposed to be different than the world.

The main reason I started thinking about this was because I've seen a lot of ministries that look more like businesses. In this same chapter Paul says that Christian workers deserve their pay (1 Corinthians 2:14). But I've seen a lot of people that take it a little too far... it doesn't seem like they do anything for free or to help others.

I want to encourage you all to try to find ways to use YOUR gifts to help others; not for personal gain - but because you love the Lord.

David I believe you have the wrong scripture because
1 Cor 2:16 say's
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

in other words. Who can instruct God? No one can! is like when God was talking to Job

Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
or
Isa 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him?

obviously no-one can know the mind of God!

more on your subject! you are correct a lot of ministries fleece their flock from their money, but Jesus said to feed the sheep not fleece them. I have seen one so called pastor say that "God is offering a deal today if anyone would give money to him the Lord will multiply is 40 times over! First of all who can direct the hand of God and force him to comply with this? No-one! this pastor was not feeding them but fleecing them. I hate to be him on Judgement day! I saw another pastor (last name price) say that he wishes that the Lord delay his coming because he is having the time of his life spending all the money he has! sad sad world we live in.

Thank you David for your work here, and I love the way you have mixed in PHP with Jesus! awesome work! thank you for your tutorials and God Bless You!