Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9: 7-9 "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8: And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9: as it is written,
"HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER."
Observation:
During our small group discussion, giving has been a large focus of our topic. Especially with natural devastation in Japan and the book we been reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. At times, I wonder where my heart stands in giving because I wonder I feel obligated to give in order to leverage my sins? By giving I may think that I am making a deal with God, to ask for forgiveness of some of my sins? Is this how it should be? I know I have the desire in my heart to give more then ever. With family and job struggles I have been in, through those tough times I was more than blessed with abundance, but what is stopping me from giving from my heart?
Is gift only measured in monetary value? My answer would be definitely "NO." I been struggling with the idea of mentoring a children who comes from single parent home. Where they are no necessarily neglected but have much of time alone. My heart calls out to mentor them, and provide the some moral guidance that they cannot seek from their parents. Like the scripture says, though I do not make grand salary, I know God provides enough for me to give and to live in his grace. But what is stopping me from giving?
I think we live in society where our values are measure by branding. Meaning which car we drive, house we live in, how big is your house. What brands we dress our self in, least but not last, job title and the salary we make. We find comfort in having that money to have the free will to enjoy leisure activities and go on a shopping spree. Let me ask, does giving mean giving money? I would be interested to see how others answer that questions. We lose focus on what real gift of giving is.
Does does not want us to give out of obligation, but he wants our heart to be rejoicing when we give. Just like the gift we receive from our LORD is so grand and is natural, like that we should also be giving in natural ways. Not necessarily offering every Sunday, but just small act of random kindness to strangers and forgiving your enemy is form of gift that is from your sincere heart.
Application:
I think my head is on the correct path of knowing giving from my heart. I still struggle with giving and leverage my sins. I don't think that will ever go away until I join my LORD in heaven. I need to pursue where my sincere heart is wanting to serve. Serving is form of giving gift to others. To do so, I lack network, so how do I go about moving forward with this? I need to be committed and pursue more aggressively rather then waiting for the wave to come around.
God does not want us to be lazy, but be proactive. I need to learn to listen to my heart, that though I may think I need to give to leverage my sins, but listen to my heart, these thoughts of mentor ship and giving are because I have receive so much already, it is tiny dust spec of what I am returning to the LORD. I should not worry about tomorrow, as cheerful givers GOD will pour abundance gift on me. And honestly I really don't worry, and if so I become so poor tomorrow, I know it is part of God's plan for much grandeur and greater gift that no one can imagine. How exciting is that... Anticipation will be running high.. But I need to live daily in excitement and high anticipation about giving and of tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a gift from GOD, I am not here to just receive but also give back what I have be blessed with.
Prayer:
Mercy God, hear my cry and hear my praise. Thank you so much for greatest gift of all, sacrificing your Son to wash my sins always. So that I may live in this flesh in this world. Lord give me the guidance and lead to be a good shepherd, I may use my hand and mouth wisely to do your will on this earth. Thank you so much blessing for my family and I. Through struggle you never forgot us, and you have poured your love and blessing on us. Providing protection and health through this stressful times. We thank you and we love you. I ask for your help that you will stir my heart that I may not feel obligated but my giving will be cheerful to you. It is very very small gift but Lord you may rejoice and use wisely. I thank you for loving me, providing so much abundance in my life and my family. You are amazing and gracious.
Heavenly Father, cleanse my heart and soul that I may have courage to forgive and love those who have betrayed my family. I may find peace in my heart to forgive and accept them back in my life. You are the healer of this universe, and you are the Almighty judge, I praise your grace and love upon me and my family.
Thank you and I love you! Thank you for today, and thank you for what you will bless me with tomorrow. In your name I pray Amen!
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