SEPTEMBER 16, 2016

“Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give.” 
― Steve Goodier

PROVERBS 30-31

God and his word can be trusted...

5“Every word of God is flawless;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6Do not add to his words,

or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (30:5-6)

2 CORINTHIANS 8

Paul acknowledges the faith of the Macedonian church in their generosity through conflict and poverty...

1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

JOURNAL 

Love and generosity are not given simply because of worldly wealth. Love and generosity can be extended from no matter what position you are in life. Love and generosity are a matter of giving what you receive from God. This does not require earthly wealth. It simply requires a heart that has been surrendered to God.

The first step however is surrender in humility. It is operating out of humility and honesty before God. Surrender must come before giving or else the giving is from a heart of selfishness.

 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

EPHESIANS 2:8