The more I say it and write it and do it, the more I believe it.
We all have something to give.
And not only that, we are created to give. In light of the fact that we are made in God's image, we know that there is a part of us deep in us that is most fulfilled when we're giving.
God's provision is generous and abundant. I love how James 1: 16-17 expresses His extravagance:
"Don't be deceived dears brothers. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
EVERY good and perfect gift....
It's easy to think we don't have anything to give. In our own assessment we may feel like we don't have enough time, talent or money.
I was really challenged recently by Jen Hatmaker's book 7. She threw down the gauntlet in giving and encouraged her readers not only to give but to give personally.
So instead of just giving a check or an item, she encouraged us to give in person with a personal interaction involved. For example, instead of giving to the local homeless shelter, her church takes grills under a bridge and cooks for the people living there.
My recent opportunity has been a lot simpler, but I hope it works out. Our family bought a pre-lit Christmas tree this year for the first time, and we hope to deliver our old tree to a family just settling in their home. Nothing ever turns out the way it happens in my head, but I hope our family can be a blessing to another family not just with the tree but with our love and presence.
What do you have to give? Can you think of a way to make it personal?
We all have something to give.
And not only that, we are created to give. In light of the fact that we are made in God's image, we know that there is a part of us deep in us that is most fulfilled when we're giving.
God's provision is generous and abundant. I love how James 1: 16-17 expresses His extravagance:
"Don't be deceived dears brothers. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
EVERY good and perfect gift....
It's easy to think we don't have anything to give. In our own assessment we may feel like we don't have enough time, talent or money.
I was really challenged recently by Jen Hatmaker's book 7. She threw down the gauntlet in giving and encouraged her readers not only to give but to give personally.
So instead of just giving a check or an item, she encouraged us to give in person with a personal interaction involved. For example, instead of giving to the local homeless shelter, her church takes grills under a bridge and cooks for the people living there.
My recent opportunity has been a lot simpler, but I hope it works out. Our family bought a pre-lit Christmas tree this year for the first time, and we hope to deliver our old tree to a family just settling in their home. Nothing ever turns out the way it happens in my head, but I hope our family can be a blessing to another family not just with the tree but with our love and presence.
What do you have to give? Can you think of a way to make it personal?
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1 comment:
I would love to incorporate ideas like this into our yearly giving. We donate to the usual Christmas places to donate. Something like this would give the children who live in my home a better meaning of what Christmas truly is. Thanks
Bev
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