Day 34
Message
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd
GIVING in the New Year.
Acts 20:35 [VOICE] “This is my last gift to you, this example of a way of life: a life of hard work, a life of helping the weak, a life that echoes every day those words of Jesus our King, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
THOUGHT for TODAY:
Giving is more than about finances, even though that is a part of giving. As a Christian, giving is about Time, Talent, and Treasure. Giving of my Time…Giving of my Talent…Giving of my Treasure. Too many times the focus of giving is about money. “Giving” is also about your Time and your Talent. Are you giving your Time to serve and help others? Are you using your Talent(s) to better the lives of others? Giving, in the Bible, has to do with being generous. Generous is defined in the dictionary as: showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected; larger or more plentiful than is usual or necessary. Being generous, giving more than is expected, is a goldy trait. God and Jesus always give more than is expected. Giving a generous portion of our Time, Talent, and Treasure for the betterment of others should naturally flow from a heart and life that has been impacted by the Cross of Christ. You are never more like God than when you are giving. Be generous. GIVE!
Scripture
Hebrews 13:16 [AMP] “Do not forget or neglect to do kindness and good, to be generous and distribute and contribute to the needy [of the church as embodiment and proof of fellowship], for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Psalm 37:25-26 [PASS] “I was once inexperienced, but now I’m old. Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by Him, nor have any of their children gone hungry. 26 Instead, I’ve found the godly ones to be the generous ones who give freely to others. Their children are blessed and become a blessing.”
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 [NLT] “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”
Prayer
Father, I want to be a generous giver of my time, talent, and treasure. I pray that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide me into every endeavor where I can be generous and see the Kingdom of God expanded and lives changed. I want to give of my talent, those gifts and abilities that come easy to me so that lives can be transformed. I want to give my time and spend it with people who I can make a difference in their lives just by being with them. And I want to give my treasure as You show me where to “sow seeds” that will bring the greatest harvest. Forgive me if I have failed in this endeavor. I ask for strength and blessing in the name of Jesus, amen!
What to pray
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Pray for clarity and guidance in giving your time, talent, and treasure.
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Pray for a biblical balance in these 3 areas so that you do not become exhausted and try to do too much.
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Seek out people, endeavors, organizations, etc., that can help direct you in the giving of your time, talent, and treasure.
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Ask the Lord, “Where is the good ‘soil’ to plant my time, talent, and treasure?”
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Be mindful of the small areas of life. Bigger is not always better.
Today
I need to pray for ?
Introspection
What is the Lord saying to me today?
