Being generous with our time, talents and treasures is definitely a way to reveal God to this hurting and needy world. As I said yesterday, generosity is not only about money, although some times it can involve this avenue. I can still remember a time when I failed this test and did allow the enemy to do my thinking for me. I was a Baby Christian at the time, not that this is an excuse, yet I was not yet familiar with the tricks of the devil. Now that I am growing in Christ, I like to think I know better. But this is why I am always warning us, we do not have to think about nor agree with every thought that comes into our minds. In Christ, we can access the origin of the thought. When we understand that it is not centered on God’s Love then we just drop it. But if we do believe it is from Him then we pray for Him to expand the idea and to guide us. This time it was clearly from God, but I chose not to act on it.
You see, my family and I were at a Christian festival, of all things, having dinner at a restaurant within the event, when I heard a couple of young ladies come in and ask for the manager. Apparently, they had spent all the money they had, and just wanted to eat something and were willing to pay for it by working for their meal, but the manager said that was simply not possible. I clearly heard in my spirit, “You pay for their meal.” But then the enemy began with his counter thoughts, “How will you know how much the meal will cost. After all, you are about to leave the restaurant, you cannot possibly give them an open ticket to charge whatever they want.” I hesitated but kept trying to think of a way to pay for it, when he started with this one, “They are going to think you are weird if you offer to pay. They will only say no and walk away anyway, so why bother. And what is your husband going to think….” On and on the argument went on in my mind, and before I could make any offer, they did leave the restaurant, hungry I’m sure. You see, I had the opportunity to be generous and I did not take it. That was about 20 years ago and I still think about it today! Not to beat myself up, I can’t change the past, but certainly so that I will never miss another opportunity like that ever again!
Mrs Meyer says that God placed this truth in her heart: “You tend to My business, and I’ll tend to yours.” When we choose to step out and simply be generous, God will more than repay us in one way, shape or form. We do not give to get, but God will never be outdone. Just give. And never think you have nothing to give, because you certainly do! A smile can be priceless. A sincere compliment is invaluable. A thumbs up, sharing and commenting on this video can help me get God’s message out to others, which is so dear to me. Being generous is a blessing to everyone involved. Not only are we loving others by helping them, but we all know the incredible, satisfying feelings we ourselves experience when we give. And of course, God Who is THE Giver, is reflected and glorified as we imitate His generous heart.
Have a great Sunday…go out and extravagantly bless someone today. We will finish up with this great book next week…
14 Good Habits
Behavior 1: The God Habit
Behavior 2: Thoughts, Words and Habits
Behavior 3: The Habit of Being Decisive
Behavior 4: Healthy Habits
Behavior 5: The Happy Habit
Behavior 6: The Faith Habit
Behavior 7: The Habit of Excellence
Behavior 8: The Habit of Being Responsible
Behavior 9: The Habit of Generosity
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
<>< Peace, Diane
