Pause

Having enough. That may be the biggest single issue that leads to human conflict. Somebody is afraid of not having enough and so tries to make up the difference by taking from somebody else.

But Scripture tells us again and again that there is more than enough for everybody. In fact, we would do better to worry about how to best give stuff away than to concern ourselves with collecting more.

There's enough time right now for you to consider what you have as a follower of God, and what you might do to give away what you own.

Listen

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Think

Sometimes when I can’t sleep at night, I watch television. One night I came across a preacher who said if I just gave money to his church and had enough faith, God would make me successful and wealthy.

Something about the preacher’s words made me uncomfortable. The Bible tells us countless stories of people who had enormous faith but struggled with hard times. Job lost everything, Mary and Joseph risked their lives and marriage, and Jesus Christ was crucified, just to name a few! Sometimes, bad things do happen to even the most faithful people.

It IS good to give money to a cause you care about if you can, but there are different kinds of giving. There are gifts of time, love, energy, talents, and service. Today’s passage reminds us that real abundance and giving are the kinds that glorify God. Jesus barely had a dime to his name his entire life, and he was the richest person alive.

What are the gifts that God has given you that you can offer this day?

Marc van Bulck

Pray

God, may the gifts of my special talents, my time, and my love be used this day to glorify you. In your name, Amen.

Go

Look around right now;
See all that you possess,
All that is yours.

Now remind yourself
That it all belongs to God;
It is in your hands
For just a moment.

Live your life today
Grateful
For the abundance
Of grace that is yours

To give away.