Your All

This morning I've been thinking about people who have given their all for the Kingdom of God.

The widow woman was willing to give her and her son's last meal up to God's prophet, Elijah. (1 Kings 17)

When the tabernacle was built, the Israelites were so willing to give of their riches that the leaders had to turn their gifts away! (Exodus 36)

The little boy with two fish and five loaves of bread was willing to give up his small lunch for Jesus to use. (John 6)

A woman was willing to give up her expensive perfume - and, more importantly, her own pride - in order to anoint the feet of Jesus. (Luke 7)

Early Christians were willing to sell everything they had and share it with others in order to help build up the church.

All of these people were willing to give their all for the Lord. They didn't care about their own welfare, but trusted that the Lord would take care of them. As a result they all were blessed.

The widow woman was the recipient of a miracle that allowed her and her son to live through a famine. The little boy was blessed to see a miracle firsthand with the food he gave to Jesus. The woman who anointed Jesus was able to receive forgiveness from her many sins. The church was able to see miraculous growth, signs and wonders because of their wholehearted openness to sharing Christ.

Is your everything available for the Lord to use? Are you willing to give what you think you need and what you treasure if the Lord asks for it instead?

Today, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Allow Him to show you places where you may be holding on a bit too tightly. Our everything should be available for the Lord to use. Nothing should be off limits to Him.

When we allow Him to have full access to everything we have - He is free to do wonders in our lives.

Verse of the Day: I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. Philippians 3:7-9

Servant of All

As followers of Christ, it is our job to follow after the example that Christ left for us. A few days ago, the Lord was showing me how Jesus served.

Jesus was no respecter of persons. He served anyone who was willing to come to Him. From the Pharisee who visited Jesus late in the night, to the children who came to be ministered to, to the Samaritan woman at the well, to the lepers who were outcasts of the city... they all received Christ's best service. They all went away praising God.

Jesus didn't just keep His best for the disciples. He didn't hoard up miracles just for His close friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He didn't do a little for some and more for another. Jesus gave His best and His all every time He ministered.

That got me to thinking about how I serve. I know I sometimes reserve my best for people I like or esteem. At times I can turn my head away from serving someone who I may not care to interact with. I give myself excuses or justifications to cut back or leave off in my service.

Yet, if I am going to call myself a Christian, I have to follow the example of my Lord and Savior. I have to serve with a willing heart at all times. I have to die to myself and remember the impact my service will make for the Kingdom of God. It's not about me or how I may feel. It's about Jesus and how a soul can be ministered to with everlasting results.

How do you serve? Do you follow Jesus' example? Do you willingly serve everyone who comes across your path?

Today, make sure your service reflects Jesus' love.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

Afternoon Ti: Inconvenience Yourself Today

Today, I'm going true devotional style and opening with our verses to meditate on:

...Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven... Nehemiah 1:2-4

And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. Nehemiah 2:5  
This passage of scripture relays Nehemiah's response to hearing of the physical and emotional brokenness of the city of Jerusalem. This man was so moved that he asked to leave his place of palatial comfort and peace to go back to Jerusalem, a place of conflict and sacrifice, in order to restore it to as safe haven for his people.

How many times do we hear of different churches, Christians or cities that have fallen? It may be a scandal, sin, tragedy, or some other affliction that rocks them to pieces. Yet, how often do we hear the news, shake our heads, mourn the downfall of society, and then just go about our day?

To bring it even closer to home, how often do we hear of our own friends, co-workers, family members, and other people we are close to who fall prey to difficulties? And what do we do in response? More often than not, we probably shake our heads and go on with our own agendas.

Yet, as believers, hearing of another person's struggle should move us into action. Our hearts should be sensitive to the needs and hurts of those around. We are to be the shining lights of Jesus' love, hope, help, and peace in the midst of a storm.

Whenever Jesus encountered people in need, He reached out and did what He could to help. Even when He was tired and hungry, Jesus allowed Himself to be inconvenienced to minister to those who were hurting, in the midst of scandal, and facing tragedy.

Don't be so wrapped up in your own story, that you miss out on influencing the lives of those around you. Don't allow your heart to become callous to the cries of a world that is in pain. You may not have the money, knowledge, or means to fix every problem you hear of, but you do have the ability to pray. You have the ability to give your time. You have the Holy Spirit inside Who can help you to bring comfort and peace to any situation.

Today, allow yourself to be inconvenienced in order to bless someone who is in need of God's love.

Afternoon Ti: Giving Back

In honor of #GivingTuesday, I would like to encourage everyone, again, to take a moment today and give to someone else in need. It can be large, it can be small, but do something! It's a privilege to be a blessing.

Jesus took a moment to observe some givers one day as He visited the temple. One rich man made a great show of the offering that he was able to drop into the bucket. But, it was a woman who caught our Savior's eye. She only dropped in two small coins, but Jesus knew she had given everything she had to the Lord.

Would you be able to give your all to God? If He asked right now, would you be willing to empty your bank account, savings, cash in your stocks and bonds, throw in your hidden stash and give it to God?

Our commitment to Jesus is a trust that He will take care of us no matter what. And we should have that trust because we know He is the sovereign God. He holds the entire world in His hand. He has brought us to this point, and He is keeping us whole by His mighty hand.

We should gladly be able to give whatever the Lord asks for to Him. Nothing should be too dear, too precious, or too great. All of our riches could never compare to the matchless majesty of our Lord.

That woman gave all she had because she esteemed who God was. She gave her last to the One who could supply her every need.

Today, search your heart and find a way that you can esteem the God you serve. No, you may not empty your bank accounts, but there is something that you can give to the Lord to signify your trusting Him with your life.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44

Afternoon Ti: #GivingTuesday

I've already been posting about the importance of us giving back during this holiday season on last week. This morning I ran across a really cool idea: Giving Tuesday. The creators felt that after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday activities, it's only right that people take time to give back to someone else who is in need.

Giving Tuesday is set for tomorrow, and there are lots of ways to get involved. You can give of your time or money, and there are plenty of places nationwide that have programs set up. You can find out more about the official business here. Or, you can just plan to go out and give back to someone on tomorrow on you own.

Either way, I think it's an awesome idea. Let's be a blessing this year!

Thanksgiving Week

So, it's Thanksgiving week, and people are starting to prep for the coming holiday meal along with friends and family who will be visiting. As we patron grocery stores, clean up our homes, and buy gifts and decorations, let us not forget those who are hurting this year. Right about now, many folks are struggling, hurting, and wondering how things are going to work out. Maybe you're one of those people.

What is important to remember is that we are still here. As long as we are still breathing, God has a work for us to do here on earth. He still has a plan for us that He wants to fulfill. We have something to look forward to. We have something to be thankful for.

So, take the time to pray for someone else. Show someone outside your special circle that you're thankful for them. Give a little love being mindful of the great love that you have received from Jesus Christ. Remember that no matter the struggle, God knows how much you can handle. He's not going to let you fall.

This week let's open our eyes to the world around us. Let's make intentional efforts to put a smile on someone's face and joy in someone's heart. Call an old friend, do a good deed, reach out to a stranger, and spread the love of God.

Let's fill this week with Thanksgiving!

Verse of the Day: I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Right Giving

I used to be puzzled by the story of Cain and Abel. I always wondered what was so wrong with Cain's offering that God rejected it. It wasn't until I took some time to really study the story, that I realized the differences between the two brother's offerings.

Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. (Genesis 4:3b)

And Abel...brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. (Genesis 4:4a)

 

Cain brought an offering, Abel brought his first fruits and his best. Cain just gave to be giving. Abel gave the best that he had in gratitude to the Lord for blessing him. Abel didn't bring just anything to the Lord, Abel gave the best that he had. Cain just gave some of what he had.

 

Because Abel gave his best to the Lord, God respected his offering. Since Cain just offered up something and did not give his best, God did not respect Cain's offering.

 

How do you give? Do you give to the Lord just any old thing because that's what you know you have to do? Or do you give God your best?

 

Do you give to the Lord first, or do you take care of all of your needs first and then just give God whatever is left over? Does God show respect for your offerings?

 

Even though Cain's delivery was wrong, God still offered Cain a chance to get things right. You too have an opportunity to get your giving right if you've fallen off track. Don't be like Cain and get into bitterness and hatred. Just align yourself rightly in the sight of God. Choose to give to the Lord correctly and your offering will not be in vain.

 

Verse of the Day: And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. Genesis 4:3-7

A Heart to Give

Do you have a heart for giving? The Bible is full of examples of people who gave unselfishly to bless the Lord and His people.

The people of Israel gave so much to the building of the temple that they had to turn away people's offerings! The widow woman gave her last to the prophet of God and was blessed to have food throughout a famine. Hannah gave up her own son to the Lord as thanksgiving for her answered prayer. A woman gave her last copper coins to the temple and was noticed by Jesus. The early church gave all their belongings to the benefit of the entire body so that no one had any lack.

Nowadays, people tend to shy away from giving. We ignore the beggars on the street. When the preacher starts talking about giving in church, we get uncomfortable and half listen. We set up our own "boundaries" of what we will or won't give to others. Our times of "service" or "volunteering" are more about padding our own resumes or making ourselves look good rather than giving back to those in need.

We serve a God who definitely leads by example. He gave Adam a paradise to live in and have dominion over when He first created the world. He gave us His word to follow so that we could live blessed lives. He gave His only Son so that we could be reconciled to Him. He sent His Holy Spirit to comfort us and guide us in all things.

We have been given so much! The least we could do is pay it forward and give to someone else as well. God loves cheerful givers! He loves them because they look just like Him!

Take some inventory of your own heart. Do you love to give? Are you giving out of love or duty? Do you give grudgingly or freely? Do you look just like your Father in the area of giving?

If you find yourself lacking, ask the Lord to transform your heart. Ask Him to break away stinginess and selfishness. Ask the Lord to expand your love for others to where you want to give.

And then give. Practice today and give to somebody just because. When you give, you look like your Heavenly Father. When you give, you make Him proud.

Verse of the Day: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Acts of Kindness

Because of the way society was ordered during the times the Bible was written, women didn't get to much shine on the pages. It took a woman of caliber to get mentioned in the Good Book. We do have Esther and Deborah, Mary and Elizabeth. Yet, there is one lady who came to my mind this morning.

Dorcas - or Tabitha - was a woman who was not known for her preaching or teaching. She wasn't a queen on a throne or mother to a prophet. Dorcas was an ordinary woman who just lived her life doing good deeds for those around her. She looked out for the poor and widowed. She used her gift of sewing to make clothes for those who had none.

Simple, right?

This woman's simple acts of kindness and generosity gave her friends and loved ones who cherished her greatly. They cared for her so much that when she got sick and died, they sent for Peter. When he came, they shared about her life and all the good that she had done for them. After seeking God, Peter performed a miracle and called Dorcas back from death.

Dorcas' generosity in life granted her more time to live.

Who knows what your simple acts of kindness do for those around you? Who knows how deeply someone will cherish something that you may think little of. A kind word, a hug, sharing your talent or gift can mean so much to someone who needs what you have to give!

Make sure you're using all your gifts for the glory of God! No matter how large or small, every action causes an effect. And, who knows? Your decision to go out of your way for someone else could inspire God to do something great for you!

Verse of the Day: Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

 Acts 9:39-42

Oh, Wait... It Is Christmas!

The holiday  mood hasn't gotten to me yet it seems. I only started Christmas shopping on Sunday. I guess with all of the homework, games, and other things going on, I didn't realize how close the holiday is.

Yesterday I attended two holiday parties which were polar opposites of each other. Thankfully, the second one was the one I really enjoyed, and that put me into a more festive holiday mood.

As a believer in Christ, Christmas automatically means more to me than presents, good food, and a tree. It means that my Savior chose to come down in the humble form of a man to save humanity from their sins. It means that God became what He created in order to save it from certain death.

What a love!

Now that I am in the holiday spirit, I am looking at ways I can choose to show love. Just as Jesus showed the greatest love in coming and dying for us, we too can show love to others. We can choose to go out of our way for someone else. We can choose to go above and beyond to let someone else feel the love of God. We can choose to give instead of receive.

As this year comes to a close, let's purpose in our hearts to exemplify Christ's self-less love. Not everyone has a loving family, money for gifts, or even a place to put a tree. Not everyone can say they will have a Merry Christmas.

With the love that we show to those we do not know we can bring more than just cheer. We can introduce a love that lasts far beyond the Christmas season. It's a gift that keeps giving for all eternity.

Verse of the Day: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34

Giving Back

During the holidays, most people remember about giving back to those in need. Charities see an uptick in donations and volunteers, churches host food/toy drives, and neighborhoods band together to sponsor Christmases for families in need.

As Christians, it is our responsibility to think of those less fortunate all the time. Jesus instructed us that when we show love to a stranger in need, we are actually showing love to Him.

Today I was thinking about the last time I gave to a stranger in need. Nowadays, people give to the places that they know, ones that they can be assured won't mess around with their donation. You know, their church, this particular charity (because those other ones can't be trusted), this family, that particular cause. We can't be just throwing our goodwill around to just anybody.

But it is those we don't know that could be the ones in the greatest need. It's the face that we don't recognize that could be the most blessed by our love.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you this holiday season. Instead of putting money in the red pot outside the mall, He may lead you to a young lady inside the mall scouring through the clearance rack. The Lord may stop you from writing your annual check to your favorite charity and have you drop off some cash in someone's mailbox instead.

In all things we are to be led by God. Even our charitable work can be a time for the miraculous. Our giving back can create moments for the glory of God.

Don't let this season pass without checking what the Holy Spirit would want you to do. He may show you a new path that will bring much greater joy to the Kingdom.

Verse of the Day: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:34-36

Makes No Cents...

So, I was cruising my morning blogrolls this morning when I came across this article on The Christian Post. Apparently people are cutting back on their tithes, and the church is cutting back on charitable giving in order to keep those folks in the pews who are cutting back on their giving.

Did you catch that?

I'll wait while you re-read the sentence.

To me, this speaks volumes to where we are as a nation. We are a nation that is fully focused on self-preservation and keeping ourselves happy. There's nothing wrong with these things in theory. But when they start getting in the way of our mandated role to evangelize the lost, we start tipping into the wrong territory.

Yes, the recession is hard on a lot of folks. That doesn't mean that you neglect your Father's house.

And more shame on the churches who are stumbling over themselves to placate the people in the pews. Yes, people love to attend "how-to-get-your-blessing" and "prosperity-is-yours-today" and "you-are-amazing" conferences and meetings. Folks enjoy amenities like movie nights, trips, and coffee shops in the lobby.

But, at what cost?

Are the monies that are being used for these extra perks taking away from missions, evangelism, and community outreach?

According to the article they are.

We all need to take a good, hard look at how we handle these things with the Lord. Are we being good stewards? Are we being selfish? Are we acting out of fear?

There are lives that are hanging in the balance.

Verse of the Day: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Giving to God Works!

I've never really had an issue with giving. I was raised to be a tither and a giver, and I have seen God's blessings as a result. So, I know that principle works!

In fact, my first car came as a result of me confessing, sowing monetary seeds, and believing God for it. Pretty much every time I put something in the basket, I confessed God's word over my situation. I had no real money, no job, and no way of knowing how it was going to happen. I hadn't even asked my parents for one. But, on the day I graduated from high school, my prayers were answered, and I received my first vehicle paid in full.

Since that time, I have steadily increased my giving to God. I give my regular tithes and offerings, plus I give some monies monthly to a charity that I believe in. I have also challenged myself to give an 'extra' something per paycheck to someone or some cause that God brings across my path.

Now, I'm no millionaire or baller by any stretch of the imagination --- yet. However, my every need has always been met. Physically, spiritually, and mentally. I have never been in lack for anything!

I have a peace in my mind and heart that passes all understanding. God has kept me through so many difficulties and times when I wasn't sure what would happen. Each time He made a way.

Giving has been a principle with God since the time of Adam. We see how God showed favor to Abel and was displeased with Cain merely off of their offerings to him. (Genesis 4:3-5) There is another level of favor you can reach merely by giving to God in the right way.

Is God pleased with you in the area of giving? Have you experienced the favor of the Lord because of your willingness to give back to Him and to His Kingdom? Make sure you are continuing to place yourself in the position to be blessed by the way that you give!

Verse of the Day: Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. I Chronicles 16:29

Thanksgiving Friday!

Folks, another week has gone by! Can you believe it's June? Time is flying past!

Today I'm thankful for God's revelation. Last night, our church had an awesome Bible study learning about giving. It is so important that we have a Kingdom mindset! So often we're concerned about me, me, ME that we forget that our number one priority as a Christian is souls.

Yes, God wants you to live a blessed, happy, prosperous life. He wants your heart's desires to be fulfilled and your dreams to come true. But more than anything, He wants your unsaved neighbors, friends, and loved ones to experience His love in the same way that you do. For some, the only way that will happen is through your life's witness.

It's time for us to get our focus right! When we do, He take care of all those other things.

I'm so grateful for the wisdom that God has given to me. I'm also thankful for being able to let go of this big issue that's been weighing on me lately. Now that I've truly given it up, I feel so much better, and I trust God to handle what I myself could not.

Have a blessed weekend, Everyone. Make sure you go out and be a blessing to someone else, too!

Verse of the Day: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Be the Blessing!

I love it when I can make someone's day. I enjoy those times when I can participate in surprising someone or contributing a special gift to someone. I just love seeing someone's face light up with joy and knowing that I had something to do with it. They don't even have to know I was involved.

When you give, you are imitating your Heavenly Father. God has always been a generous giver. From blessings in many forms to the Ultimate Gift of sending His dear Son as a sacrifice for our salvation, God is always seeking out the best ways to give to His beloved children.

In the same way, we should constantly be searching for opportunities to give and be a blessing. We should see giving as a joy and not a burden or inconvenience. We should recognize it as another facet of displaying our faith.

Think about those times when someone went out of their way to bless you. Remember how special you felt when someone surprised you out of the blue. That feeling is too good to horde all to yourself! Take some time to spread the love around!

As you give unto others, God sees what you are doing and will make sure that you are blessed in return. As you give unselfishly, God will take care of your needs and desires. Like the saying says: A closed hand cannot receive. When you open your hand to give to someone else, you give yourself the opportunity to be blessed as well.

Let's be a blessing to someone today!

Word of the Day: ...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35b