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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: GENEROUS (10/31/19)
We are approaching the Christmas season. So fun! My thoughts immediately turn towards all the things that make this season so special. And one of those special things is giving gifts. The Bible has much to say about giving. Some examples stand out as my favorites. Abigail, who later became David’s wife, interceded on behalf of Nabal by giving David two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, two hundred cakes of figs, plus grain, prepared sheep, and wine. Enough to feed an army. The Queen of Sheba generously presented David’s son, Solomon, with gold, spices, and precious stones. Gifts fit for a king, for sure.

But one of my fondest stories is of the wandering Israelites. When they were giving towards the building of the Tabernacle, they eagerly gave jewelry, gold, silver, yarn, fine linen, and much more. Unbelievably, Moses had to ask them to quit giving! Wouldn’t that be the dream of every pastor that has ever led a building campaign!

Paul had some interesting thoughts on giving in 2 Corinthians, chapter 9. He was commending the Corinthians on their eagerness to help fellow Christians in Jerusalem. He reminded them that “God loves a cheerful giver,” and that “whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Then he goes on to make a point that I had not thought about. He said, “You will be made rich...so that you can be generous...and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” In other words, I think he is saying, God gives to us so we can give to others, and then they will give praise to God.

I think most of us find it easy to thank God when He has been generous towards us, but often forget that His plan is for us to pass the generosity on. The next time I experience God’s blessing, I hope I won’t be too quick to decide how I can use it for myself. I hope my first thought will be how can I use that blessing to bless someone else.

“Father, I don’t want to be just a receiver. I want to pass your blessings on. And, as I remember the greatest gift of all—Jesus coming to earth to reconcile us to God, I pray I will be quick to share that news with others. May Your name be praised forever!”


NIV 2 Corinthians 9:5-13
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Barbara Culler 
11/08/19
God knows the heart of the giver.
Laurie Staples
11/09/19
Thanks for the beautiful reminder on how God expects us to use every good gift that comes from above!
LaVonne Wood
11/10/19
Some good advice on giving. Thanks for sharing!
Allison Egley 
11/11/19
There are some great reminders here.

For devotionals, to make them stand out, it's good to make sure your main point isn't one that you've heard multiple times before. Also, it's good to connect it to a story. In fact, a devotional can mostly be a story, with the "devotional" part taking place in dialogue. Might be a unique method to consider in the future.

Great job with this.