GIVER?

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

We have all heard that old adage “it is better to give than receive” right?

I don’t think some of us like to hear it this time a year because TAX day is looming and if you are like me, we feel as if we have “GIVEN” enough to old Uncle Sam.

But GOD does love the “giver”.

Why?

Because GOD Himself is the ultimate giver.

He has been generous to us in every way. He formed us in our mother’s womb with tender, loving care and gave us breath and uniqueness.

Psalm 139:13

For You, GOD, made the parts inside me. You put me together inside my mother.

He gave us cool things like awesome food and refreshment, spring mornings and cool fall evenings. He is constantly refreshing life for us!

Lamentations 3:22-23

...the Lord’s faithful love never ends. Every morning he shows it in new ways!

He showers us with the gifts of love, forgiveness, opportunities, grace, acceptance, and an eternal and amazing future!

James 1:17

Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him.

GOD is, as my friend Miranda said last night, the “MacDaddy” when it comes to generosity.

We’ve been given so much at no cost, why then do WE struggle to GIVE liberally; to GIVE like GOD does?

Truth is our selfish nature wants to keep what we have. We do get a little consumed with the receiving don’t we? We like "ours" don't we?

Come on be honest.

But let's embrace that adage today!

It IS much better to give than receive because GOD blesses the giver!

Luke 6:38 ESV

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

So let’s try something together.

Pick out someone who you know could be blessed with a “little gift”in the next couple of days. It doesn’t have to be something crazy or expensive. Maybe you stop and pick up a cup of their favorite coffee or maybe a flower or two of appreciation. Maybe you could pick up the lunch tab today.

Maybe something even simpler. How about just checking in on a friend who you know has been struggling. A friendly text or tweet too much to give?

When we strive to be a little less selfish and more giving we embody the very nature of GOD and oh by the way, GOD really digs it when we do.

2 Corinthians 9:7

…God loves a cheerful giver.

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney