Do I Show Love?
Mood:  special
Topic: Generosity
II John 1:6 GW Love means that we live by doing what he commands. We were commanded to live in love, and you have heard this from the beginning.

Very simple. What we claim is true only if followed by actions. We cannot claim to "be a Christian" or "follow Jesus" if we do not actually obey His commands, love Him, love His people and let His love flow through us to those around us. Real love isn't about our seeking to fell good, but about loving out of our comfortable zone, out of the limelight and not out of convenience.

Do I truly live by God's, my my own, values, principles--love?

V. 9 Everyone who doesn't continue to teach what Christ taught doesn't have God. The person who continues to teach what Christ taught has both the Father and the Son.

Made For Relationship
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Generosity
Psalm 138:3 GW When I called, you answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.

We like to think we're self-sufficient and don't need anyone else. Reality check. We are extremely dependent on others.

How many things can we do that does include the efforts of others in some fashion from eating to working, we are dependent. God created us for community, for fellowship, for relationship--starting with a relationship with and a dependence on our Creator and Savior Jesus.

Am I too stubborn to seek help? Or to sense when someone else could use a hug, a listening ear, a helping hand?

Serving
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Generosity
Life is about serving. Our church has begun to help those going through rough economic times by becoming part of the Angelfood Ministries http://www.angelfoodministries.com . Today is our first pick up and distribution so we'll see how many kinks we'll need to work out for next month. Keith had planned to help with the distribution. I didn't think I'd have a role until Pastor Dave said they wanted a prayer team as well for anyone who wanted prayer. I'll be part of the prayer team. We'll both be headed over to church after lunch.

This direction was confirmed in my devotions. “He also gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers as gifts to his church. Their purpose is to prepare God's people, to serve, and to build up the body of Christ.” Eph. 4:11-12 GW

Where am I serving? God didn't call me to warm a pew on Sunday morning.  He didn't come just to offer a fire escape or a glorious afterlife. God calls followers willing to go, do, reach out to the least of these. He calls us to start with showing love by serving those around us. How am I sharing God's love with my spouse, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, strangers—those in need?

Good Things
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Generosity

I Timothy 6:7 GW We didn't bring anything into the world, and we can't take anything out of it.   

If we don't leave with the material possessions we acquire, why do we so stress over them? What positives can we acquire that don't die when we do? If there is more to life than this, what do I want to build into my life and into the lives of those around me? How about kindness, compassion, modeling what is good, building relationships of integrity and honor.

V.17-18 Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share. 

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Working Together
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Generosity

Proverbs 21:13 GW Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will
call and not be answered.

We are our brother's (and sister's) keeper. No one lives in a total
vacuum. We are dependent on one another and working together makes each of us stronger. However, when we begin to think another human being not worth our time and effort, we diminish our own humanity.

Reaching out makes a difference to others and changes us. The image from Dr. Seuss's Grinch when he rescued the Christmas gifts, causing his heart to grow, is not so off the mark. In fact, the more we reach out in compassion and love, the more compassion and love we have to give. Why? Because our heart grows in proportion.

God's love never diminishes in the giving, but changes and expands
the heart of the giver. Like the Grinch, we need to listen, hear and
reach out to rescue those in need.

V.21 Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life,
righteousness, and honor.

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Generosity
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Generosity

11 Cor. 8:2-3 GW While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous. I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.

We live in a culture of entitlement. If I don't have, it is someone's fault and someone should pay, thus we have lawsuits and increasingly burdensome government programs. But this self-centeredness leads only to more disatisfaction and unhappiness.

Happiness doesn't eminate from selfishness, but from generosity. We find joy and blessing as we give with grateful hearts.

Luke 6:38 GW Give, and you will receive. A large quantity, pressed together, shaken down, and running over will be put into your pocket. The standards you use for others will be applied to you."

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