Monday, December 27, 2021

Monday, December 27, 2021
King Solomon urges live a life of impact by following the Lord’s leading even if it stretches you.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed. (NASB)

Living a life of impact for the Lord is risky . . . you’d probably love to have the Lord just speak audibly and tell you what direction your life should take. But that doesn’t usually happen. King Solomon says – take risks. Farmers that sow only when conditions are perfect, risk never getting their crop into the field. One truth that every parent can appreciate: if you wait till you have the perfect time to have kids — you’ll never have kids! Solomon says diversify . . . plant seed all day long – from morning till evening! What risks should I take?

Don’t limit yourself. In the NT book of James, it says if a Christ-follower lacks wisdom . . . ASK! Some people sensing the Lord’s direction in a certain area will risk doing certain things: like, despite being incredibly busy, they decide to teach a Sunday School class or volunteer to be an AWANA leader. God says in the Bible that He has a plan for you i.e., “good works foreordained” that He has planned just for your life. Every day ask Him to give you the strength to do what He has already planned for you to do. He can give you “more time in the day” . . . He can help you mentor young people, or teach a Sunday School class, — even with everything else you have going on! God uses pressure on our lives to move us to the next level of usefulness for Him. Ask for wisdom to know which risks to take!

Friday, December 24, 2021

Friday, December 24, 2021
The apostle Paul wrote concerning God’s attitude toward personal giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NASB)

God doesn’t need your money – but He wants first place in your life! Love given out of obligation is meaningless. Loving words and actions – borne out of a sincere heart are one of life’s treasures.

Pleasing God with the gift of material or financial resources, is all about attitude. God would rather have $5 given gladly, than $500 given grudgingly! Albert Barnes wrote, “God loves [cheerful giving] because it shows a heart like his own – a heart disposed to give cheerfully and do good on the largest scale possible;”

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Thursday, December 23, 2021
The apostle Matthew records Jesus’ view on a person’s top priority.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NASB)

A close examination of our life choices quickly reveals what means most to us. Spending all your time at work versus time with family or spending your money excessively on material things versus the work of the Lord — tips your hand about what is uppermost in your life! It’s certainly not wrong to have nice things – but the Lord should always come first.

Treasure is the key word – if the things of the Lord are of utmost importance to you, your priorities will reflect a heaven-ward bent. Albert Barnes wrote, “Do not exhaust your strength and spend your days in

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Wednesday, December 22, 2021
King Solomon provides a fresh perspective on giving to the needy.

Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, (NASB)

Wealth is a trust that must be managed. Part of that responsibility is helping those less fortunate! The Bible makes plain we are to love our neighbor as ourself. Being “neighborly” – is being responsive financially or materially to those in need.

But there’s more . . . As you read the pages of Scripture, the Lord consistently makes it plain He makes the needs of the poor His special concern. The imagery in today’s verse is powerful: to give to the poor is to lend to God Himself! God will be a debtor to no one. The implication is clear, that a Christ-follower should always be alert for ways to bless the

Monday, December 21, 2021

Tuesday, December 21, 2021
The apostle Luke records God’s response to a generous heart.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, (KJV)

As you live generously, you’ll discover a bedrock truth – you’ll receive more than you give! Giving with the right attitude catches God’s attention. Living with a generous spirit, you can’t go wrong – your return on investment will surprise you!

If giving is an unfamiliar practice — start small – but, give consistently! God is our example for giving. He never gives just enough … He always gives more! If you choose to be generous with God, He will bless you.

Monday, December 20, 2021

Monday, December 20, 2021
The apostle Luke records Jesus’ declaration that giving should be a lifestyle.

Acts 20:35 [Jesus said] It is more blessed to give than to receive. (NASB)

The dictionary defines “blessed” as being “sacred in nature” or “connected with God”. Whether you realize it or not, “giving” is something God always blesses! Someone who just receives from others and never gives – becomes like a stagnant pond. You’ve been blessed, … so pay it forward!

It’s frighteningly easy to just be passive and receive the love of others, without learning from their example! If giving to the needs of others is foreign to you – I urge you to start with God. Regularly, returning a portion of what God has given you – say, 10% of your paycheck – is a great way to discover there is joy in serving Jesus!