Tag: <span>faithful</span>

Serving and giving are two verbs that describe the essence of the Christian life. I wish this weren’t true because I have trouble with both of these. Serving is something I have expected others to do for me, and giving is something I often put off until I have more. My warped thinking goes something like this: When I have enough to spare, I will be more than happy to be a generous person. You will never have seen such a generous person! In fact, I will break the bank on generosity — just you wait and see — as long as I have enough left over for my needs. And since I rarely have enough for my own needs that means I don’t have to worry about this giving stuff.

Right about now, some of you are thinking that I’m not a very spiritual guy. Well, I don’t know about how spiritual I am; I’m just being honest. This idea of characterizing my life by giving and serving is hard. It’s not an easy thing to serve and give when you are thinking about yourself all the time.

Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, ”

I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Mark 12:41-44 (NLT)

This widow blows a big hole in my excuse theory, doesn’t she? She simply gave what she had. She wasn’t waiting for anything. Actually, according to Jesus, giving and receiving works opposite to what we naturally think. We think, “Once I receive, I will start giving.” Jesus always said,

Give and you will receive. Be faithful with the little that you have and I will give you more.”

A widow once brought a paltry little offering to the temple, but in Jesus’ economy, she out gave the wealthy, because she gave all she had.

Lord, make the subject of my thinking someone other than me for a change. Make me aware of others. Help me to think about those around me before I think of myself. And help me to learn to give, not like the great philanthropists whose wealth I so often envy, but like this poor widow, who, according to you, knew the true measure of giving.

Question: What are some ways that you can encourage yourself to give more freely?

by John Fischer
Used by Permission

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thoughts by John Fischer Thoughts by Men

This wise quote, “Wherever you are, be there.”  (Jim Rohn) is good advice for every day. Our days are busy and there is a lot going on. The temptation to spend our time focusing on tomorrow, or regretting yesterday, will most certainly rob us of the joy of simply living in this moment today!!

Make a conscious effort today to tune in to what is going on around you. Find delight in beauty where you find it. Notice the fresh smells. Slow down and look around with eyes that see. Listen to the unspoken feelings behind words you hear. Take time to care today. Be present in the moment you are in. Delight in it. Today is a gift …. it’s YOUR present.

This is the day that the LORD has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Find the good in today. Take time to experience the moment. Enjoy the blessings. And in moments that may be a challenge, remember God is right beside you offering His strength and love. Share His love with those who touch your life.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

Finding the Good in Conflict by Bill Strom

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thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women