Every day is an opportunity.

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

I ssaaiid, You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

When Jesus said, ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself,’ he is not talking about just feelings, something held only within our hearts. No, love requires something of us. It requires that we give of ourselves—precisely because we love. Are you a generous person? Do you give of your time, your talent, your treasure and your touch?

PODCAST: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/f2c040b3/every-day-is-an-opportunity-february-2021

God blesses us for doing what is right. When we are generous, we will reap generously. Look over Paul's shoulder as he writes to the Corinthians:

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

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.

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. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! from 2 Corinthians 9, NLT

A person who regularly counts his blessings, a person with a grateful heart finds it easier to give to others. A generous person quickly discovers that each new day provides new opportunities to impact the lives of others. Every day we can find countless ways—great and small—to make someone’s life better.1 What an amazing way to look at a day! ‘Would seem to flow from the heart of God who is generous beyond compare. Like with his love toward us--How great is the love the Father has lavished on us.2 And while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!3 In God, we have redemption, forgiveness of sins, and grace “lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding”.4 God is generous with his works, his wonders, and his deeds.5 Truly, God’s love for us, his way with us is quite extravagant.

But let’s talk specifics for a moment, because people do ask specific questions. How much (of your treasure) should you give to God’s work? The Old Testament stipulated 10 percent. In the New Testament, Paul gives us a new answer to ‘How much time, how much money?’ That which you have decided in your heart to give. And with the knowledge that “God loves a cheerful giver”! Take the Executive, (who we discussed yesterday)—he looked at all he had as gifts from God—gifts to receive and then to share. He made it his business to give to other people—to lend a helping hand, to teach them from his experience, to pass on lessons to younger individuals, to honor folks, to lighten their loads, to enable them to reach their goals.

A prayer: Oh Lord, you own the cattle on a thousand hills. We know that every good and perfect gift comes from you and we thank you for your goodness. Teach us, O Lord, to think of others’ needs before our own. Teach us to hold all material things loosely in our hands, I pray. Grow within us a desire to give, to love like crazy and to find joy in serving others - because you've been so good to us, and you've blessed us . . . to give! Amen.

Good to Me, song by Rhett Walker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gg4t4Y_HYA

For me, God-glorifying music just settles his Word right down in my heart.

Love and more love,

Christine

1 The Generosity Factor, Ken Blanchard

2 1 John 3.1

3 Romans 5.8

4 Ephesians 1.7-8

5 Psalm 111 – Check out this psalm…I know it will bless you as it gives

you ideas for which to thank and praise God.