Tag Archives: blessing

The Sacrifice of Sharing

Posted in Bible Study by

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

IMG_1518Our good works cannot save us, but they certainly impact others. God is pleased when we sacrifice for the benefit of others.

This verse reminds me of several people God blessed me with as a young divorced mother. I remember being so humbled as time after time God sent someone to meet my need.

It was difficult for me to ask for help when I needed it, but God always made a way, through the generosity of others.

IMG_1519I remember asking God at some point, “Will I ever be the one in a position to help others?” You see, I truly believe it is more blessed to give than receive. Those who give to others, with a pure motive, experience a wonderful sense of satisfaction.

The struggles I faced shaped who I became later in life. Everyone has different spiritual gifts, some we are born with and some that are acquired through experience. Mine are mercy and exhortation.

God has given me many opportunities to bless others as He blessed me. Even in ministry I work with hurting people … the homeless, the addicted, prisoners. It is far more fulfilling work than my career ever was.

Being a giver doesn’t always involve finances. The key is to find something you are passionate about and allow God to use you in that area.

People are hurting. The greatest gift we can give someone (other than the good news) is a sense of value. What can you do today to show someone they are important, needed, loved?

Ask God to give you creative ideas to impact others.

PRAY:
Father, thank You for putting people into my life over the years who have sacrificed their time and resources to bless me. I ask that You give them a hundredfold return on their investment.

Give me eyes to see the needs of others. Help me to be a resource to bless others spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially as You lead.

Father, help me to see others as You see them and to love them as You love them.

 

Never Empty

Posted in Spiritual Growth by

IMG_1408I needed this scripture today. It’s been a rough week. Unfortunately, I tend to worry, which I KNOW is pointless, sinful and completely unnecessary, because God ALWAYS comes through for me.

God gave me a huge blessing last week; which Satan immediately tried to snatch. Without going into detail I’ll just say, my income shrunk by 25% this week.

My typical response would be panic. BUT GOD … keeps reminding me, He is my provider. Take a deep breath and relax! Then this verse just “happened” to show up in my devotion yesterday. Right.on.time.

The great thing about the story behind this verse is the prophet gave this promise to a widow who shared what she believed to be her last meal with him. She was so poor she expected her and her son to starve to death! Yet, she gave. You can’t outgive God. 

I’ve heard that one of the worst things people can do in a recession is to stop spending. Why? It grinds the economic wheels to a halt. I’m not advocating that you go out and blow your savings here, but don’t let fear keep you from being a blessing to others. Many times our blessing comes through blessing others.

Do you feel like you are running on empty today? Do you wonder how you are going to pay your bills this month? If so, I pray today’s verse will bless and encourage you. May your flour and oil never run out.

As you enjoy a warm meal this week, remember those in your city who have nothing. Perhaps your leftovers could be the blessing someone else is praying for.  There is always someone who has it worse. Sometimes it takes seeing the lack others face to help us realize how truly blessed we are.