To Share Or Not To Share

 Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured unto you. Luke 6:38

Recently I bought a container of breath mints that had two openings on the lid. One a small opening said "to share" and the other larger opening said "not to Share". This struck me as funny in a society that tends to be all about me, me ,me. This implies take more for yourself and do not give them away.

 Many places in God's word we are told about sharing and giving to others. Reaping and sowing so to speak. We should not share to get things but we should share because we know as Christians that is the right thing to do.

Is your heart stingy or is it giving? Remember the things we have are all God's anyway. Now go share something.

PRAYER: Help me open my heart to those in need and even to those not in need just because I want to. I pray for people who are recipients of gifts to be grateful for them and realize it is a blessing from God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LOOK WHAT I DID!

Have you ever given those in need something be it a donation, food card, drink of water, a warm coat? Do you go out after you do this good deed and tell everyone about it? Tempting I know.

1 Corinthians 13:3(NIV) reminds us 'If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.' If your goal is to be like Christ when it comes to loving others then according to this verse that is a big “no no“. If you can not display love and kindness to those you come in contact with on a daily basis, all that "giving" is virtually worthless. We can be this wonderfully charitable person and even put ourselves in situations not in our comfort zone but afterwards if you can't resist telling everyone, then watch out. What is the motive for sharing and being kind anyway?

Do you have the kind of Christ like love to be able to give away those things dear to you? This verse above points out to the reader basically that if you do all these wonderful things but then go out and hurt a friend, are rude to a clerk or telemarketer, and basically treat others unkind then you really are not walking in the love of Christ. Christ can help you change if you call out to Him.

PRAYER: I really do want to have your love for ALL people. People may rub me the wrong way Lord but I know you want me to be kind and show your love regardless. Help me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LAST CHANCE

I received many emails towards the end of 2013 reminding me it was the "last chance " to donate for the year for tax purposes. Over and over these emails and snail mail reminders came. But really truly we always have a chance to make a difference in God's kingdom. Do not do it just in tax season. Every season is an opportunity to give in God's kingdom.

We give because we want to give or at least that is the way it should be. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7(NIV) we are told of the cheerful giver. It says in those verses 'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'

Hopefully you do "sow" financially into God's kingdom and not just for the tax benefit. Your heavenly benefits are much greater than anything our tax system will do for us. But remember to do it cheerfully and not be thinking "I hate having to give this". If you have trouble giving what is really God's blessing to you anyway, check your heart and see if He, in fact, really does have first place.

PRAYER: I thank you for all your blessings give us in abundance each and every day. It is easy to let money consume us and then to forget to give you any of what we have earned. Thank you that I know it all belongs to you anyway. Give me a generous heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHEERFUL GIVER

Christmas is more than gifts, although it seems many people hyper focus on that aspect of it. They feel bad if someone gives them a gift and they have nothing to give them back. The whole point is to do what is in your heart and not stress over it. If you don't feel like buying gifts then don't. But if you do give gifts, do it cheerfully and not in a mandatory frame of mind. Also when you are given a gift receive it with joy and do not feel bad.

It is sort of like offering time in church. There may be those who feel obligated to give but in their hearts do not want to. When it comes to money and offerings in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7(NIV) it says 'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'

Enjoy the Christmas season for what it truly is, Jesus' birthday celebration. The Life is Good company has a motto that says "Do What You Like, Like What You Do" and that sort of goes for gift giving. Do not try to live up to someone else's expectations but relax and enjoy this time of year and try to keep the peace of God in your heat. Step back and ask what is truly important.

PRAYER: Thank you for the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. At this time of year help me Lord not get so wound tight that I can not truly celebrate. Help me receive joyfully and give joyfully but best of all to not worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BLACK FRIDAY, SAYS WHO?

Here in the United States, today is the major shopping day before Christmas. Some camp out in lines for days in front of stores which are offering a super sale on limited qualities of supposedly "must have" items. It is nice to be excited about Christmas and shopping but do we lose the true meaning of Christmas when we try desperately to get a good bargain or a must have item? Just some food for thought.

According to my search sources The Philadelphia Police Department first coined the term in 1966 because of the mayhem, confusion, and accidents on this day caused by a surge of shoppers. Years later merchants did not like the negative connotation of the original meaning so decided to make it have a positive meaning as "being in the black" a term used by accountants to indicate profit. Although as crazy as it sounds, fights still break out and there have even been deaths. What a way to welcome in the season of the Saviors birth.

Why not try to start this season having peace on Earth and good will to men? A novel idea wouldn't you say? Do not think you have to keep up with the "world's" standards, for after all we are celebrating the birth of the King, a child in a manger. Try to make this time of year different if you have been caught up in chaos and confusion.

Do not focus so much on needs and wants but try with God's help to make things different this year.

Hebrews 13:5(NIV)'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has a said"Never will I leave you or forsake you."'

PRAYER: I am excited about Christmas, not for the sake of getting gifts but for the love of helping others. Forgive me Lord if II have lost my focus at this time of year. Help me not be greedy. Help the love of Jesus shine through me to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MONEY....IT IS NOT OURS REALLY

Why is it when a preacher gives a sermon on money or a Bible teacher on TV or radio mentions donating to their ministry it does not set well with people? We know there have been a few "bad apples" who have led others astray and misused money but frankly that is between them and God.

All we have is from God. We are only to be good stewards of it. It is God who gives us the power to get wealth. If you do not have a heart to give and just grudgingly put a dollar or two in the offering plate as it passes by, then God would rather you keep your money as your heart is not in it.

Money is indeed a reflection of where our heart is. If you were to die and someone saw your checkbook ledgers what would they "say" about your life ? Where did your money primarily go? Would it show you had a heart for helping others or only helping yourself? The Bible says "Give and it shall be given to you, reap and you will sow".

The following are all verses on money. Read them all and then search your heart and if you do not have a giving spirit ask God to change that. Do not give to show off as that displeases The Lord. Give even if no one ever knows and try your best not to "toot your own horn" and point out what you have done. Ask the Lord to keep you humble.

So here are your money verses:
Psalm 112:5 'It is well with the man who gives generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.'
Proverbs 10:4 'Poor is he who works with a negligent hand , but the hand of the diligent makes rich.'
Proverbs 13:11 'Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles but the one who gathers by labor increases it.'
Psalm 23:1 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.'
Philippians 4:11-13 ' For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry of facing either plenty of poverty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within.'
Hebrews 13:5 'Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have.'
Psalm 37:21 'The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.'
Proverbs 22:7 'The rich rule over the poor and the borrower becomes the lenders slave.'
Luke 6:38 'Give and it shall be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use it will be measured to you.'
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 'Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.'
Matthew 6:21 'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'
2 Thessalonians 3:10 '...If a man is unwilling to work then neither should he eat.'

There are many, many more verses dealing with money. This gives you some to read and ponder and decide perhaps that you need to maybe make some changes when it comes to "God's money".

Go now and share what God has blessed you with. Make a budget even if you do not need to and put Jesus first. Next set aside savings for your emergencies as we should not live like the government needs to help us. Share with others. For instance, right now there are many opportunities to help Oklahoma tornado victims. And finally take care of your bills and
then go do something fun. God will bless you for helping others before always thinking of yourself. Try it and see! It kind of makes you feel good to be unselfish with the treasures God has given to you.

PRAYER: It is is easy and human nature to want to hoard, be stingy, and be selfish with my monetary assets. I know all I have was given to me by God. He is the one who gives the power to get wealth in the first place. Satan is selfish and wants me to follow suit. Help me Lord remember that it is you who have poured blessings upon me. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A HEART FOR GIVING

Here in this month of thinking about hearts and love we come to the
issue of giving. Giving gifts to the one we love is easy. When you
love someone you want to give them nice things. God gave His only Son
so that we might have life. That in fact was the ultimate gift of
love!

When you think of giving what comes to mind? For some it may be
money. I think of giving an offering or a tithe. The Bible says lots
about giving. In churches when a message on giving is preached often
people bristle and say 'there he goes begging for money again.' News
flash! It all belongs to God anyway. We are to be good stewards of
what is entrusted to us.

In the book of Luke 6:38(NIV) it says 'Give and it shall be given to
you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will
be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be
measured unto you.' Luke 11:11(NIV) says 'Which of you fathers, if
your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?' It is like
the story of the Prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32. As you may
recall this son had left home and squandered all his father had given
him living an immoral life style. When he was destitute he returned to
his father's home only to be received warmly and treated like royalty.
The father rejoiced because this son had been "lost" but had returned
home.

When you give money to help others does it make you feel good? 1 John
3:17(NIV) reminds us 'if anyone has material possessions and sees his
brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in
Him?' So you see there that giving is in fact equated with love. We
have come full circle then.

Today and every day show love to those around. Speak in a kind manner.
If you are blessed don't be stingy but learn to share from the
abundance God has given you. Remember what it says in Matthew
6:21(NIV) 'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for all you have blessed me with. Help me
be alert to those around me who have legitimate needs and try to
assist when necessary. I realize the money is really yours as you
alone give us the power to get wealth. Money is not bad but being too
attached to it can be a hindrance. Help me learn to be generous. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

SALVATION ARMY BELLS

 

This time of year, if your community is still blessed, and atheists have not tried to stop it, one of the best Christian charities around and their familiar bell ringers, are in front of some stores such as Wal Mart, ringing their familiar bells and taking donations up in their familiar red kettles. I admire the ones who have to stand out in very cold places up north, such as in my recent trip to the windy city, Chicago, and one enthusiastic ringer had two bells really going at it probably to stay warm.

I look forward to seeing Salvation Army out there and being able to give to them. Some places in recent years banned them, which indeed is sad. This organization does one of the most worthy things during Christmas and year round.

Speaking of bells, I am the unfortunate sufferer of noise in my ears otherwise know as tinnitus. It can really drive me nuts if I let it. Sometimes it is a buzzing, a humming, a roar, sometimes it sounds like crickets but this past week, oddly enough, it has reminded me of Salvaton Army bells. I found this humorous in a way. I am very thankful to God that I can hear this buzzing and ringing as if I were totally deaf there would be no sound at all. On the particular day I heard that rhythmic bell ringing in my head it just made me smile. I said, 'do I dare use this in a devotion or will someone send men in little white suits to come pick me up and take me away?' It is a good illustration of the gifts of God to us and being able to help others so I said, 'why not!' 

Do you like to give or do you just do it out of obligation? Giving should be a fun thing and not because we feel at Christmas we "have to do it" or what if I give and it makes someone feel bad since they did not give back to me. The point is, we give because we love and some people have the gift of giving. If you receive a gift from someone and do not have something for them, do not despair. That person, in the spirit of Christmas, wanted to bless you so leave it at that. It is a joy to give but equally a joy to be a cheerful receiver. Do not feel bad if you are empty handed. 

Enjoy this Christmas season but try to let the spirit of Christmas go on throughout the year. Find ways to be kind to people and bless them. It does not have to cost you any money.  Give a smile. Open a door for someone. Do little act of kindness. Be polite. Be creative. Do not let Christmas stress you out because that was never Jesus' intent do you get so frazzled that you hate to see this day roll around each year. Be thankful for family, friends and what God haas given to you. All that we have is from God anyway. 

Luke 6:38(NIV) says 'Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,will be put in your lap. And the measure you use it will be measured back to you.'  I heard a story on the radio recently about a young 7 year old boy who when asked what he wanted for Christmas simply said for his family to give the money to missionaries instead of buying him gifts. Now that indeed is an unselfish giving spirit. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for all your gifts to me. I thank you for Christmas as it is a reminder of our giving to you and to others. Forgive me if I let the worlds'  way of celebrating take away from the real meaning of this special day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOUR CHECKBOOK

Your checkbook ledger tells a story. What does yours tell about you? Where do you spend your money in other words? If you were to suddenly pass away and your family and friends saw your check book ledger would it show a kind and generous person or a Scrooge? When we do good deeds we are not to announce them on the street corners it says in Matthew 6:2. Read it for yourself. But in fact, if someone were to see where your money went would you be proud of it or embarrassed?

The money we have is God's anyway. We are not to keep it all to ourselves but then again tyrannical governments are not to come in and confiscate it either pitting the well to do with the poor. It is not the governments money but OUR money. This scenario, I am sad to say, may be transpiring as a result of this last election in the USA, where voters were subjected to class warfare tactics.

As a believer we are not to be jealous of another's wealth. He or she has worked hard for what they have. Those who have not often are envious of this not knowing the whole story. We are to be cheerful givers and as I often say to myself if we can not be cheerful then keep your stinking money. If you have problem hanging on to your wallet too tight then ask God to help you in this area.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7  (NIV) says the following: 

Remember  this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

So today take a look at your checkbook ledger. What story does it tell about where your heart is? 

'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'  Matthew 6:21

PRAYER: Lord thanks you for providing  for my physical needs. Help me share with others in need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DO YOU FEEL MERRY?

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! There are many people out there who feel like saying 'No, No, No, go away Christmas!' Perhaps because of the commercialization of this time of celebrating the Lord's birth many become distraught. When merchants start to bombard us with TV ads and store displays as early as August, it can wear on us. Many tend to overspend and become in debt only for a gift that someone "has to have". Maybe you feel you "have to" do certain things expected of you. Because of this you run yourself ragged and just can not wait for this time of year to fade away and put everything back to normal in the new year. So where is this "peace on Earth' as you do not feel any of it.

Why not take this time of year to attempt to really be '"Merry" in the Lord. Start new traditions but do not take on so much you are too wiped out to enjoy the birthday of Jesus. There is nothing you "have to do." Your first priority is to relax and to celebrate the birthday of the King of kings and Lord of lords. If you are too worn out making everything "just so" it is quite possible you will be too frazzled to enjoy this season. Take a lesson from Martha and Mary. (See Luke 10:38-42).

Try this. Get up each day and say thank you to Jesus for another day He has given you. You do not have to have a Christmas activity planned each and every day. If you are a family with children try to make the emphasis "Jesus and giving" and not "Santa and getting."

Let this Christmas season be filled with peace, joy, giving, loving, kindness, and shining for Jesus in your daily life and you will truly feel "Merry".

John 1:1-11 says 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.'

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your birthday we get to celebrate. Forgive us when we have put too much emphasis on candy canes, Santa, snowmen, and toys and not enough on you. For it is your birthday after all. In Jesus' name Amen.

Click on link below to worship and praise God in song.

http://youtu.be/zQWXfHzOKUU

LESS THAN A MONTH

 'Oh gracious! Less than 30 shopping days til Christmas. Whatever will I do?' Is this the sentiment in your home these days frantically thinking of decorations, gifts, parties, food, and a host of other things? And this past Friday was a big shopping day called "Black Friday" and today is "Cyber Monday." Is shopping the only thing that consumes you this special season? Hopefully your response is no!

I think back fondly on family memories of going to live Nativity scenes with our children or Christmas programs complete with live animals in a church out in Phoenix. Then there was 'Walk Through Bethlehem' at another church out there which was very memorable. Singing Christmas carols at The VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio with our Bible study group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base was very special. Driving to see Christmas light displays depicting the Real Christmas has been high on the "to do" list. Cutting down a live tree in zero degree weather followed by hot cider and cookies is also a fond memory. My younger son used to say getting out the "red and green M and M's" was the official start of the Christmas season.Even when children are grown and gone and when married starting their own traditions those reading this who are married still need to keep Jesus birthday first and foremost.

In the past few years Nativity Scenes have been outlawed by some local governments. The Christmas vacation is called the "holiday vacation" and you go to "holiday parties" instead of Christmas parties. Santa is glorified and put on a pedestal more than Jesus. Whose party is it anyway? Christmas is for giving, symbolic of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. But do not become so frantic and consumed by all the commercialism of the season. Maybe start the tradition of truly giving to a needy family since. Fill up that Salvation Army kettle every time you pass it. Give a toy to Toys for Tots.Fill up a Shoe Box for Samaritans Purse to give to a child in a Third World country.

Try to decide here and now you will not get so caught up in things you think you "have to do" and try to reflect on peace on earth good will to all men. It is hard to have peace rushing about trying to do everything just so. Do not let your frantic pace make you too busy for your morning time with the Lord. It is his birthday after all.

Isaiah 9:6 says 'For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. And the government shall be on his shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace.'

Today and each day of this season try to maintain peace and joy.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am excited about your birthday. I pray for those people who do not celebrate the meaning of this season. I pray for governments who try to take Christ out of their countries. Lord Jesus I choose peace this season and all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a song to get you in the mood for the "real" meaning of this season.

http://youtu.be/URXxNIUQT1U

GIVE ON!!

Are you a giver or a taker? When it comes to giving money in church or hearing sermons about tithing do you cringe and say "Hear goes the money talk again. The preacher is begging for money". Giving shows the attitude of our heart. We should want to give. It is up to the ministries you give it to and between them and God if they misuse it. It is all God's anyway as it is He who gives the talents and skills to get work. We are to give it back and be good stewards of it. Many find that if they tithe first like you should that you have plenty of money left over for other things.

 When our sons were small we tried to instill the 'God first' mentality in their little heads. I had 3 small Tupperware cups. One had a cross on it. One had a dollar sign on it. Finally the last one had a picture of them on it. We taught them the J.O.Y. principle in giving or in other words, 'Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last'. The three cups symbolized giving to God, then saving money and their fun money. We pray as adults they still have that in their minds today.

The Bible has much to say about giving. Giving should not be just so you can get a tax deduction but should be because you want to. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says to us "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." If your heart is not in it keep your money because it is given for the wrong reason.

When we do give we are blessed for it. Scripture says in Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Scripture also tells us about helping others when it says in  1 John 3:17 when it says "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" In Proverbs 19:17 it says "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." Now this verse may be wrongly used by a tyrannical government to justify redistributing wealth but that is not what it is saying because it also says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "if a man does not work he should not eat." So those who think government should give them everything are wrong.

Your treasures should be laid up in heaven where your real reward will come from. Things down here on earth perish and decay. You should take care of the men and women of God who feed you God's word. The Bible says in Matthew 6:21 that "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

1 Chronicles 29:12 says "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all."

Are you stingy and keep all your money for yourself or do take care of the body of Christ and ministries where you are taught the word of God? Examine your heart today. Are you are giver or a taker? Now go prove it and write a check and drop it in that offering plate or send it to your favorite Christian ministry today, but only with joy and not compulsion in your heart and not to prove something to whoever is sitting next to you. God knows your heart.

PRAYER: Father it is my desire to share what you have given to me when I have the opportunity and to also be faithful in tithing to the kingdom of God. I know I will reap what I sow financially. I know you want my heart to be right. Forgive me for hoarding all my money and thinking I am doing a favor to God by putting one dollar in the offering plate. Give me a heart that wants to give. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful message in song.
http://youtu.be/_TDikh4lFJs

GIVING CAUSE YOU WANT TO( NOT JUST FOR THE YEAR END TAX BREAK)

 
The end of the  year is fast approaching as are the final few  days to mail a year end donation to a  favorite charity, ministry  or religious organization. Usually at this time of year your mailbox is filled with last minute pleas to get that valuable year end tax deduction. Of course this is the wise thing to do to help out at tax time on April 15th but we should be giving out of the generosity of our hearts to something we have a passion for and not simply because we can write it off at the end of the year.
 
Where is your heart today? Do you have a love of giving and sharing what God has blessed you with? It is His money anyway you know and we simply are to be good stewards of it (think of that when you gamble or play the lottery). He gave you the talents and skills you need in life to be able to earn an income. All we have is His so why keep it all for yourself? You should want to give. There is talk circulating now in the US about the government wanting to 'redistribute' the wealth of those who are fortunate to those who are less fortunate. This is a sort of Robin Hood mentality or class warfare. That is the wrong thing to do as people deserve to keep the money they work hard for and they should be able to choose who to give that money to. Our country currently allows us that precious freedom. The government does not own our money although they would certainly like to. But it is up to you to decide where you want to give your donations to and no one is forcing you, which is good. That is the way it should be. No one is telling you that you even have to if you want to be stingy it is your right. Welcome to America.
 
As a believer you should 'want' to give and share with others though. Tithing is mentioned in the Bible but also it speaks of being a cheerful giver and not out of compulsion. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Do you desire to give or do you hoard your wealth?
 
Luke 6:38 says "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Proverbs 19:17 says "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done". Deuteronomy 15:10 says "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Proverbs 3:27 says "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." Deuteronomy 8:18 says "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." Proverbs 11:24-25 says "There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered." So it is the principle of sowing and reaping in a way. You give and it is given back to you in your time of need. Proverbs 22:9 says "He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor."
 
This is a time of year more folks think of giving probably because of the year end campaign for donations by many groups. But before you give, pray and see what God would show you on how to give. Perhaps you have a worthy ministry such as Gideons for instance that could use your year end donation to help supply more Bibles in hospitals, military bases, or hotel rooms. Pray and ask God to make you a cheerful giver or as one version puts it , a 'hilarious' giver. Remember to take care of your local church first then to give above and beyond to Christian groups who may be ministering to you in a special way.
 
Malachi 3:10 says "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."
 
PRAYER: Lord I realize what I have is really yours. I know there are many ministries who could use a donation this time of year to stay afloat. There are many missionary families who could use an added bonus for the end of the year.  You have blessed me beyond compare so help me to reach out and share what you have given me with those groups or people needing a helping hand at this time of year. Put on my heart a group that needs a donation. I know there are many worthy ministries so guide me to one or several who could use a helping hand. Help me though be faithful with my giving throughout the year and not wait til the end of the year when people are pleading for donations. In Jesus Name. Amen.
 
I have included links to several worthy ministries in case you need an idea who to give a donation to. There are many more than this but these are some that come to mind.
www.momsintouch.org
www.gideons.org
www.uso.org (not a Christian ministry but worthy service member organization)
www.samaritanspurse.org
www.ecfa.org is a group that monitors Christian ministries for the ethical use of their monies .
www.focusonthefamily.com
www.salvationarmy.org
www.nationaldayofprayer.org
www.cmf.com which ministers to those those in the Armed Forces
I am simply providing you a list of ideas. There are many, many more fine ministries which I am sure you know of as well. Be blessed to be a blessing .
Disclaimer: These are not necessarily the best but only ideas for those who need an idea.



 
 
 

BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE

It is Christmas time!! This time of year is happy and joyful usually and the time of giving gifts. If you get a gift receive it graciously as a blessing from the giver and do not feel obligated or compelled to reciprocate. Receive the gift with graciousness and consider it a blessing. If you are blessed to get and give gifts be thankful as many families struggle financially and can not put presents under the tree or give them to friends.

Luke 6:38 is often thought of as referring to being for an offering to God but it can be used for people giving other gifts as well and it says "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Sort of a reaping and sowing thing. My motive for giving gifts is not to reap something but I do it because I love and appreciate my friends and it is my 'love language' so to speak. Acts 20:35 says ". . .it is more blessed to give than receive." Another verse on giving says "God loves a cheerful giver who gives from the heart" which is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7. It reads "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." The person who likely gave you your Christmas present did not give it so they would get something back. Keep that in mind. You do not have to feel bad that you did not have something for them.

As a former colleague and friend of mine said one day during a group noontime lunch Bible study at Fort Knox, Kentucky when I commented on the beautiful red apple in his lunch box he says "Here take it". I said "I can not take it. I was just saying how nice it looked." He said "If you do not take this apple you are denying me a blessing."  I have never forgotten that. So in this season of remembering Jesus and giving just remember to accept the gifts graciously and perhaps drop the person a thank you note which is becoming a lost art,sad to say. But the Christmas season is about giving. You can also give in other ways besides actual presents under a tree. Just be thinking of the greatest gift of all. Jesus!

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for this season of giving. Help me to meet a need or bring cheer to someone who needs a small gift or a word of encouragement. Help me not hoard your blessings. In Jesus Name. Amen!

A HEART TO GIVE

Would you eat lunch at McDonalds but go across the street and pay at Kentucky Fried Chicken? No of course not. But that is what many folks do when it comes to giving. You like what a certain ministry does for instance but never bother supporting them. You are being 'fed' but you are not feeding them so to speak. Maybe during this Christmas season is a good time to take stock of that.

This time of year it seems everyone is in a giving mode. Charities abound to collect toys, canned goods, meals, and just plain ordinary cash to help those less fortunate. The Angel Tree ministry supports children of those incarcerated in prison so their children can try to have a nice Christmas. But you see the point is to give with a heart that wants to give. Many ministries take money in honor of or in memory of someone as well which is an awesome way to 'sow a seed' and remember a loved one in the process. I think of Mercy Flight or Angel Flight which some dear friends of mine had to use when their son was being flown for chemo treatments in Houston. Then there is Make A Wish Foundation as well. There are many worthy causes to give to. USO takes care of the soldiers and once someone actually gave me a card and an ornament at Christmas and said a donation had been made in my honor to the USO since I was a veteran and military family member. This made me cry. Donate Bibles in someones' name to Gideons. These are just some ideas.

There are those who may give only to get tax write off but the Bible says God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This verse  says to not give under compulsion or perhaps meaning not out of a guilty spirit. When you do give you are not supposed to go announce it to everyone and prove how wonderful you are.  Matthew 6:2 says "so when you give to the needy do not announce it with trumpets".

Deuteronomy 15:10 says "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Proverbs 11:25 says "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed". You help others and you will be helped someday when you have a need. The law of reaping what you sow.

 Luke 6:38 says "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."  We should not just give a tithe to church because we have to but because  we want to!! Churches are often criticized for always asking for money. Perhaps they would not if people were cheerful givers and did what scriptures told them to do.

 Proverbs 3:9-10 says "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Also in Proverbs 11:24 it says "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."So you hang on to your stuff and what blessing is that?

So where is your heart this Christmas season? Are you ready to be a giver all year round?

PRAYER: Lord I want to share and bless others because you have blessed me. Help me to not hang on to my wallet so tight that I am not able to share. Give me a heart to give. In Jesus name. Amen!

GIVE ALL THE TIME

The Christmas season is just around the corner. At this time of year everyone seems to get nice. Toys for Tots, Samaritans Purse Shoe Box ministry and Salvation Army are busy collecting for worthy and needy families. There are 'coat campaigns' here locally to help those who are cold and do not have a coat.WAY FM locally has their "Christmas prayers".  Food banks provide Christmas dinners to families in need. Much much more goes on. It always strikes me as odd that everyone gets nice at Christmas. These needy people are needy the other 364 days too. Whether they are truly needy or mooching off society is not the question. Let God deal with hearts there. We are to give and be kind to others regardless. 

What does the Bible say about giving? When we see scriptures we often think of money but it could mean material things as well. Luke 6:38 says "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 2 Corinthians 9:7 says "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Do you like to give? James 2:15-17 says "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Matthew 25:35-40 says in a nutshell "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
So where is your heart today? Your checkbook should tell the story of your life and how generous you are. Look at yours today and see where your money is going and how much of it goes for 'kingdom purposes'.  It is time to say thanks to the Lord for what we have then find a way to meet another's need whether it is Christmas or not.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for blessing me. Help me to bless others. Show me someone who needs some help and help me meet that need. In Jesus name. Amen.