As I have grown closer to the Lord over the years, my idea of giving has changed a lot. I have always considered myself a giving person but after some careful reflection or maybe through some convicting conversations with God, I realized that I still had a ways to go in this area. God wants us to be generous in our giving. That doesn't mean He is telling us to give away all of our money...He may...but a lot of times He does not. In the Bible God instructs us to be a cheerful giver. We should be cheerful whether we are giving a little or a lot, whether it be money or in time or talents, & above all it should be done to the Glory of God & not so we can boast in ourselves. So now when God instructs me to give I try not to even hesitate about it. I may not even know why He's instructing me to give a certain thing or at a certain time that may not make sense to me but I need to trust in His plans & His ways & be obedient. The following is a devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah on giving & helping others.
Ten Dollar Bill
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18 NIV
Recommended Reading
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Traveling home from Georgia, a man saw a family walking on the side of the road; so he pulled over to see if they needed help. He discovered they had just lost their home in a fire the night before, and they were almost to their neighbor's house where they would stay temporarily. Seeing that they didn't need a ride, the man pulled a ten dollar bill from his wallet, handed it to the family, and drove away. The Lord began to speak to him though, reminding him of his thriving business, palatial home, bank accounts, and investments. He pulled over and emptied his wallet into his hat. He then drove back to the family and handed them all of the money, which amounted to several hundred dollars.
In the face of disaster, we have witnessed many generous people reaching out to those who've lost everything. This spirit of sharing should be evident in the lives of believers all the time, but especially in times of great need.
Be warm and merciful and let no one go from you empty-handed. The least you can offer is your time and patience, your affection and prayer.
Anonymous
3 comments:
Kathy, You are such a giving person, with your kind words, your spirit and prayers. I thank you so much for all the giving you have given us. You are a true blessing to anyone who has ever gotten to meet you. God will bless you for all you do.
I am humbled by your giving! Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words but I can not take the credit for it is not me...but He who lives in me.
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