GIVING THURSDAY

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)

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

 

Paul encouraged Timothy to tell those he encountered (and us)

That…

 

...trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

to use money to do good…be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given…

 

By doing this they (and we) will be storing up real treasure…in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity!

And…will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well.  From 1 Timothy 6:16-18 (LB)

 

This past Tuesday was “GIVING TUESDAY”.

And because I have the DISTINCT and amazing honor to work with so many “non-profits” and ministries, my FACEBOOK feed and email were chocked full of requests to GIVE, to match, to share, and to bless!

 

Included in there was the Jeremiah Tree/Treehouse an amazing work that continues to BLESS and GIVE back to our community here where I am from in Xenia (so grateful for that team that has continued the work), not to mention the myriad of other recovery homes and work scattered throughout the state.

 

I pray that you had a chance to engage in GIVING TUESDAY in some way or another.

 

If not, there is still an entire GIVING season! 

Today is just the FIRST of December. 

 

Could someone USE your HELP today?

Are you ready to be BLESSED by giving?

 

For:

·        Giving demonstrates GODLY obedience!

…remember the Lord Jesus’ words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35 (NIV)

 

·        Giving exhibits GOD’S heart

GOD is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), and as His “image-bearers” we are called to copy His giving, to be mini-pictures of His infinitely large heart.  Therefore, the larger our hearts (and the wider our hands), the larger the picture we paint of God’s character!

 

·        Giving broadens GOD’S smile

The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 2:7). It delights Him to see His people gladly opening their hearts and hands.

 

·        Giving is our chance to TANGIBLY WORSHIP!

It is rendering Him a tribute of praise. It is saying. “GOD, you gave me everything and here is a small expression of gratitude and praise for all your good gifts.” 

I mean David even sang, “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” (Psalms 116:12 NIV).

 

Coach John Wooden once remarked…

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.

 

So, the message should be clear today…

Want to have great, maybe even perfect day?

 

Don’t wait for the next GIVING TUESDAY to roll around.

Make today a GIVING THURSDAY and if you can keep it going!

 

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE