B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 20
August 20, 2013
Hide And Seek
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them. Proverbs 20:12
Oh the games we sometimes play! We believe we can sneak around and not be caught. Both in words whispered privately and the deeds we perform in secret. But who are we fooling? Only ourselves. Solomon points out two facets of the Lord's omnipotence in the verse above that reduces our secretive actions to purely foolish behavior.
Abraham Lincoln said "You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.” What a neat comment but the fact of the matter is that you can never fool God. He knows our heart. He knows our thoughts and intentions even before they become actions. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:7 that he even knows the hairs on our head - quite a feat that few, if any, know about themselves.
So why do we perform foolish actions in secret when we know that the Lord sees them all? Do we think we can "slip one by Him"? Perhaps, it is simply that we allow our human nature to take charge and make decisions that we know are not in accordance with His Will. David provides us the proper frame of mind to approach God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139:23-24
When we are tempted to whisper a negative word or act in secrecy today, let's stop and call upon the Lord for forgiveness and ask him to lead us in our actions. Rest assured he will not have us hiding our actions from others but openly demonstrating His love for others.
Oh the games we sometimes play! We believe we can sneak around and not be caught. Both in words whispered privately and the deeds we perform in secret. But who are we fooling? Only ourselves. Solomon points out two facets of the Lord's omnipotence in the verse above that reduces our secretive actions to purely foolish behavior.
Abraham Lincoln said "You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.” What a neat comment but the fact of the matter is that you can never fool God. He knows our heart. He knows our thoughts and intentions even before they become actions. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:7 that he even knows the hairs on our head - quite a feat that few, if any, know about themselves.
So why do we perform foolish actions in secret when we know that the Lord sees them all? Do we think we can "slip one by Him"? Perhaps, it is simply that we allow our human nature to take charge and make decisions that we know are not in accordance with His Will. David provides us the proper frame of mind to approach God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalms 139:23-24
When we are tempted to whisper a negative word or act in secrecy today, let's stop and call upon the Lord for forgiveness and ask him to lead us in our actions. Rest assured he will not have us hiding our actions from others but openly demonstrating His love for others.
August 19, 2013
Helping Heavenly Bodies
He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17
Have you ever been compelled to assist someone? And while someone else is the beneficiary of your charity, you leave feeling blessed and thankful. Solomon's verse states that He will pay you back. What a concept! You provide others what God has given you and in return, God gives back to you.
I am not simply talking about giving money - that is much too simple. But look at the examples that Jesus gave us in Matthew 25:35-40, feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, befriending strangers, providing clothing and visiting the sick and those in prison. Each of these examples requires time and effort. Not simply writing a check and walking a way but a commitment and interaction with those less fortunate than us. What a better way to show God's love to others! And look at what Jesus states in verse 40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
When we are helping others, do we treat them like we would Jesus? Do we show the love of Christ to each and every one, no matter their state in life? We are cautioned in Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." It puts a new perspective on our assistance to others. Instead of pity, perhaps respect and awe would be a more appropriate disposition.
Notice the term Jesus uses for those who give to others in verse 40 - brethren. Not servants, children or heirs but brethren. What a lofty term for such a lowly sinner as me.
Have you ever been compelled to assist someone? And while someone else is the beneficiary of your charity, you leave feeling blessed and thankful. Solomon's verse states that He will pay you back. What a concept! You provide others what God has given you and in return, God gives back to you.
I am not simply talking about giving money - that is much too simple. But look at the examples that Jesus gave us in Matthew 25:35-40, feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, befriending strangers, providing clothing and visiting the sick and those in prison. Each of these examples requires time and effort. Not simply writing a check and walking a way but a commitment and interaction with those less fortunate than us. What a better way to show God's love to others! And look at what Jesus states in verse 40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
When we are helping others, do we treat them like we would Jesus? Do we show the love of Christ to each and every one, no matter their state in life? We are cautioned in Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." It puts a new perspective on our assistance to others. Instead of pity, perhaps respect and awe would be a more appropriate disposition.
Notice the term Jesus uses for those who give to others in verse 40 - brethren. Not servants, children or heirs but brethren. What a lofty term for such a lowly sinner as me.
August 18, 2013
A Gift To Be Treasured
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. Proverbs 18:22
I have never had the honor of receiving a Nobel, Emmy or Oscar award. If I did, I am sure that I would place the award in a prominent place in my home so that all who visited would see the distinguished award. And I could use the adjective "Nobel Prize Winner" in my title so that everyone would be reminded of my prestigious honor. What an exclusive group of winners I would join and forever be memoralized in the history books. Quite a "heady" thing to achieve!
But I have been awarded something much more prestigious - a wife. A gift from God. A miracle of God. Did Jesus not repeat Genesis in Mathew 19:6, "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.". What a spiritual miracle! God put us together - not a ceremony or a certificate but God himself. And Paul further expounds upon the joining of the two in Ephesians 5:28-29: "He that loveth his wife loveth himself".
Do you treat your wife as the prize awarded to you by God? Do you place her in high esteem? Are you proud to be recognized in association with her? Even after years of marriage, carpools, children's graduations and grandchildren, do you still look upon her with respect and awe? She is God's gift to you. And only you. Has your relationship obtained the favour of the Lord?
We often get into the rituals of life and take for granted the many blessings bestowed upon us. Why not pause today and thank the Lord for such a blessing? And let the "better half" of you know that she is appreciated and special.
I have never had the honor of receiving a Nobel, Emmy or Oscar award. If I did, I am sure that I would place the award in a prominent place in my home so that all who visited would see the distinguished award. And I could use the adjective "Nobel Prize Winner" in my title so that everyone would be reminded of my prestigious honor. What an exclusive group of winners I would join and forever be memoralized in the history books. Quite a "heady" thing to achieve!
But I have been awarded something much more prestigious - a wife. A gift from God. A miracle of God. Did Jesus not repeat Genesis in Mathew 19:6, "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.". What a spiritual miracle! God put us together - not a ceremony or a certificate but God himself. And Paul further expounds upon the joining of the two in Ephesians 5:28-29: "He that loveth his wife loveth himself".
Do you treat your wife as the prize awarded to you by God? Do you place her in high esteem? Are you proud to be recognized in association with her? Even after years of marriage, carpools, children's graduations and grandchildren, do you still look upon her with respect and awe? She is God's gift to you. And only you. Has your relationship obtained the favour of the Lord?
We often get into the rituals of life and take for granted the many blessings bestowed upon us. Why not pause today and thank the Lord for such a blessing? And let the "better half" of you know that she is appreciated and special.
August 17, 2013
Deserved Glory
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6
There is no one so proud as a new grandfather! He can't wait to share with you his latest photos, antics, or cute phrases uttered by his grandchild. His face is lit up with a glow of pride and he just can't stop bragging about his latest heir. Truly a crown to those blessed to live long enough to see their grandchildren born. Quite a common scene, these days. But the second half of the verse? Not so common - is it?
The question begs to be asked? How can I be the glory of my children? Is it by wealth or fame? Neither will last long, if not properly managed. Is it by allowing them to do as they will and give them everything they could possibly want? No, the result is spoiled children with no work ethic (Proverbs 13:24). Solomon gives the key in Proverbs 3:35 "The wise shall inherit glory...". I encourage you to read Proverbs 3. Solomon provides the key to wisdom and knowledge that is summed up in the last verse of the chapter. So, glory is not indicative of the normal adjectives used to describe a father on Father's Day: caring, supportive, giving, understanding or the epitaphs uttered during frustration: alcoholic, abusive, absent. Rather, glory is obtained by committing our ways to the Lord.
In doing so, don't you think our Heavenly Father has a big grin on his face as he proudly points to us and states with pride, "That's my boy!"? So let us renew our commitment to bring glory upon our children by dedicating our lives to following God's will. It will sure make our Father proud to present us to his Master on the throne!
There is no one so proud as a new grandfather! He can't wait to share with you his latest photos, antics, or cute phrases uttered by his grandchild. His face is lit up with a glow of pride and he just can't stop bragging about his latest heir. Truly a crown to those blessed to live long enough to see their grandchildren born. Quite a common scene, these days. But the second half of the verse? Not so common - is it?
The question begs to be asked? How can I be the glory of my children? Is it by wealth or fame? Neither will last long, if not properly managed. Is it by allowing them to do as they will and give them everything they could possibly want? No, the result is spoiled children with no work ethic (Proverbs 13:24). Solomon gives the key in Proverbs 3:35 "The wise shall inherit glory...". I encourage you to read Proverbs 3. Solomon provides the key to wisdom and knowledge that is summed up in the last verse of the chapter. So, glory is not indicative of the normal adjectives used to describe a father on Father's Day: caring, supportive, giving, understanding or the epitaphs uttered during frustration: alcoholic, abusive, absent. Rather, glory is obtained by committing our ways to the Lord.
In doing so, don't you think our Heavenly Father has a big grin on his face as he proudly points to us and states with pride, "That's my boy!"? So let us renew our commitment to bring glory upon our children by dedicating our lives to following God's will. It will sure make our Father proud to present us to his Master on the throne!
August 16, 2013
Calibrated Scales
All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Proverbs 16:2
We all try to be "good" people. And we know plenty of people that are "good". But the real question is: "Are we Christians with a life dedicated to Christ?". If we judge our actions against worldly standards, it is easy to feel comfortable with our actions. We haven't harmed anyone, stolen anything or cheated on our spouse. But how do we stack up in God's eyes? Are we truly "good" or just "earthly'?
Isaiah sums it up pretty well in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." We don't have the ability to perform righteously on our own. It only comes from Christ. Unless we allow Him to have his way in our thoughts and actions, we remain earthly in our behavior.
But how do we become doers of his Word? Solomon knew we were going to ask! And he answers in the very next verse. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3). Let Him guide you in your thoughts and actions. How? By frequent communication with God via prayer and studying his Word. If we are in frequent communication, his Spirit will guide us to make the right decisions. You will know immediately when you have made an "earthly" choice because the Spirit will impress upon your conscience .
The first step is staying in close communication with God (not just on Sunday). I encourage you to spend time with Christ at the start of your day and "keep the conversation going" throughout your day. It will tip the balance of the scales in a positive manner! As an added benefit, you will sleep better tonight because of fewer regrets!
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalms 25:4-5
We all try to be "good" people. And we know plenty of people that are "good". But the real question is: "Are we Christians with a life dedicated to Christ?". If we judge our actions against worldly standards, it is easy to feel comfortable with our actions. We haven't harmed anyone, stolen anything or cheated on our spouse. But how do we stack up in God's eyes? Are we truly "good" or just "earthly'?
Isaiah sums it up pretty well in Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." We don't have the ability to perform righteously on our own. It only comes from Christ. Unless we allow Him to have his way in our thoughts and actions, we remain earthly in our behavior.
But how do we become doers of his Word? Solomon knew we were going to ask! And he answers in the very next verse. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3). Let Him guide you in your thoughts and actions. How? By frequent communication with God via prayer and studying his Word. If we are in frequent communication, his Spirit will guide us to make the right decisions. You will know immediately when you have made an "earthly" choice because the Spirit will impress upon your conscience .
The first step is staying in close communication with God (not just on Sunday). I encourage you to spend time with Christ at the start of your day and "keep the conversation going" throughout your day. It will tip the balance of the scales in a positive manner! As an added benefit, you will sleep better tonight because of fewer regrets!
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalms 25:4-5
August 15, 2013
Delayed Response
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1
When we are injured, physically or emotionally, our natural human tendency is to lash out. Remember the last time you struck your thumb with a hammer? An immediate response was on the tip of your tongue! Were you angry? O, yeah! And the same applies when we are hurt emotionally by someone's words. Our immediate reaction is to lash back with equally stinging words. However, Paul warns us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" Easier said than done sometimes.
But let's look at Solomons advice closely. Did he say to not get angry? No, as a matter of fact we all get angry; including Jesus (Mark 3:5)! But we need to follow our Master's example: he did not utter epitaphs or belittle them, rather he chose to say nothing at all. What restraint! However, if we could just pause briefly, what a difference it would make in our response to such situations! Solomon advises to use a soft answer. One that defuses the situation. Not a huge can of gasoline to make the situation explode. No, a soft answer that redirects the pain of stinging words.
Are we still angry with the individual that hurt us? Absolutely. However, Paul advises us in Romans 12:20-21 that goodness is the key to overcoming evil. So the next time some one hits you with a verbal zinger. Remember to delay your response. It will allow time for your brain to follow Christ's example vice human nature.
When we are injured, physically or emotionally, our natural human tendency is to lash out. Remember the last time you struck your thumb with a hammer? An immediate response was on the tip of your tongue! Were you angry? O, yeah! And the same applies when we are hurt emotionally by someone's words. Our immediate reaction is to lash back with equally stinging words. However, Paul warns us in Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" Easier said than done sometimes.
But let's look at Solomons advice closely. Did he say to not get angry? No, as a matter of fact we all get angry; including Jesus (Mark 3:5)! But we need to follow our Master's example: he did not utter epitaphs or belittle them, rather he chose to say nothing at all. What restraint! However, if we could just pause briefly, what a difference it would make in our response to such situations! Solomon advises to use a soft answer. One that defuses the situation. Not a huge can of gasoline to make the situation explode. No, a soft answer that redirects the pain of stinging words.
Are we still angry with the individual that hurt us? Absolutely. However, Paul advises us in Romans 12:20-21 that goodness is the key to overcoming evil. So the next time some one hits you with a verbal zinger. Remember to delay your response. It will allow time for your brain to follow Christ's example vice human nature.
August 14, 2013
Hollow Laughter
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful: and the end of that mirth is heaviness. Proverbs 14:13
Sometimes, fake laughter is easily identified. But often, we assume because someone is smiling on the outside, they are happy on the inside. We know that is not the case from personal experience. Whether it is a pile of bills overdue, terminal illness identified, strained relationships or discord with God, we have all experienced a heavy heart. David sums up the situation best in Psalms 69:19-20, “Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.”
We have all been there - alone. We feel that there is no one to listen, no one to care and no one to understand. But there is. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our cares upon Him. Why? Because, He cares for you. Always. Not just when we have been saintly or nice, but he cares for us always. David leads us again, in Psalms 28:6-7: “Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Quit a different song than before! Did David have failed temptations, evil opponents and secret enemies? You bet he did! But he knew how to make real laughter – by calling upon the Lord. I encourage you to follow David’s prayer below:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10-13
When we have given Him our cares and renewed our relationship with Christ, people will not have to wonder if our laughter is hollow. For the glow of his love upon our countenance will erase any doubts. Join me in laughing at today’s challenges by giving them to God.
Sometimes, fake laughter is easily identified. But often, we assume because someone is smiling on the outside, they are happy on the inside. We know that is not the case from personal experience. Whether it is a pile of bills overdue, terminal illness identified, strained relationships or discord with God, we have all experienced a heavy heart. David sums up the situation best in Psalms 69:19-20, “Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.”
We have all been there - alone. We feel that there is no one to listen, no one to care and no one to understand. But there is. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our cares upon Him. Why? Because, He cares for you. Always. Not just when we have been saintly or nice, but he cares for us always. David leads us again, in Psalms 28:6-7: “Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Quit a different song than before! Did David have failed temptations, evil opponents and secret enemies? You bet he did! But he knew how to make real laughter – by calling upon the Lord. I encourage you to follow David’s prayer below:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10-13
When we have given Him our cares and renewed our relationship with Christ, people will not have to wonder if our laughter is hollow. For the glow of his love upon our countenance will erase any doubts. Join me in laughing at today’s challenges by giving them to God.
August 13, 2013
Affluent Poverty
There is that maketh himself rich, yet have nothing: there is that maketh himself poor yet hath great riches. Proverbs 13:7
What a wicked web we weave when we make plans that don't include Christ! Too often, we feel that we can do it on our own - we have the knowledge and resources to be successful. Why bother taking the time to include Him in our decision process? Jesus gives us the perfect example in the foolish rich man parable in Luke 12:16-21. And the final verse clearly defines those who are not rich toward God.
What about the last half of the verse? The perfect example is the widow who gave of her last meal to Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16). She had just enough food for a last meal for herself and her son. But she followed God's direction from Elijah. And her meal and oil never ran out! God blesses when we give our prized possessions for his use. And his rewards are greater than monetary and they keep on coming. Remember the widow's son dying? And Elijah brought him back to life (1 Kings 17:17-24).
God wants to bless us in the same way. If we will be put him first in our plans and trust him with all that we have, the results will be miraculous! Don't try to hold back by reasoning that you don't have enough. For he will multiply your gift to others and reward you in ways beyond imagination!
What a wicked web we weave when we make plans that don't include Christ! Too often, we feel that we can do it on our own - we have the knowledge and resources to be successful. Why bother taking the time to include Him in our decision process? Jesus gives us the perfect example in the foolish rich man parable in Luke 12:16-21. And the final verse clearly defines those who are not rich toward God.
What about the last half of the verse? The perfect example is the widow who gave of her last meal to Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16). She had just enough food for a last meal for herself and her son. But she followed God's direction from Elijah. And her meal and oil never ran out! God blesses when we give our prized possessions for his use. And his rewards are greater than monetary and they keep on coming. Remember the widow's son dying? And Elijah brought him back to life (1 Kings 17:17-24).
God wants to bless us in the same way. If we will be put him first in our plans and trust him with all that we have, the results will be miraculous! Don't try to hold back by reasoning that you don't have enough. For he will multiply your gift to others and reward you in ways beyond imagination!
August 12, 2013
A Firm Foundation
The wicked are overthrown, and are not; but the house of the righteous shall stand. Proverbs 12:7
It seems that almost every day we hear of another natural disaster that has struck somewhere in the world. Video shows the devastation to lives and property. I normally don't see one house demolished and one house standing so that I can easily say "Oh, he was the wicked one and look how the righteous house is still standing after the earthquake." Jesus also spoke the parable of building your house upon the rock in Matthew 7:24-27. And the house built upon the rock withstood the rains, floods and wind. Neither description seems to fit the images we see today following the natural disasters that occur.
Paul gives us a hint in1 Cor 6:19 that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. And Jesus confirmed in John 2:21 that the temple he was referring to was his body. So is your "house" built upon the solid rock? When the storms of life assail you, do you stand firm or crumble at the first sign of attack? David gave us the answer in Psalm 37:39: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble."
Are you being assaulted from all sides with challenges of the world? Is your house shaking from the forces against it? If so, call upon the Lord and he will be your "strength in the time of trouble". It is comforting to know that we don't have to face the challenges alone. He will be with us every step of the way! Simply ask.
It seems that almost every day we hear of another natural disaster that has struck somewhere in the world. Video shows the devastation to lives and property. I normally don't see one house demolished and one house standing so that I can easily say "Oh, he was the wicked one and look how the righteous house is still standing after the earthquake." Jesus also spoke the parable of building your house upon the rock in Matthew 7:24-27. And the house built upon the rock withstood the rains, floods and wind. Neither description seems to fit the images we see today following the natural disasters that occur.
Paul gives us a hint in1 Cor 6:19 that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. And Jesus confirmed in John 2:21 that the temple he was referring to was his body. So is your "house" built upon the solid rock? When the storms of life assail you, do you stand firm or crumble at the first sign of attack? David gave us the answer in Psalm 37:39: "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble."
Are you being assaulted from all sides with challenges of the world? Is your house shaking from the forces against it? If so, call upon the Lord and he will be your "strength in the time of trouble". It is comforting to know that we don't have to face the challenges alone. He will be with us every step of the way! Simply ask.
August 11, 2013
Compounded Giving
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 11:25
When we think of “giving” we immediately think of money! It seems to be a recurring theme in churches. And we often hear Paul’s words in 2 Cor 9:6-10. And yes, we should be “cheerful givers”. But it doesn’t only apply to monetary gifts.
One of the more valued gifts for me is time. I never seem to have enough for the multitude of tasks that face me each day. But when I stop and share my time with others, it is refreshing not only to them but to me as well. During my childhood growing up in a rural area, people often went “visiting” and spent time sitting with others. As a youth, I often viewed it as a waste of time. However, I have learned that it replenishes the soul to visit with loved ones. There is a closeness gained that can’t be accomplished over the phone or via texting!
And time is not the only gift we can provide. My wife is a wonderful cook that shares her delicious creations with friends and family. While the appreciation doesn’t pay for her ingredients and time, it does something much better – it warms the heart!
Why don’t you share your blessing with others today? It may be money or it could be your gifts of cooking, woodworking, or simply listening that others need today. They will be blessed and you will receive a blessing in return. And as Paul promised in the verses above, God will increase your fruits. Talk about compounded giving! What God blesses will surely beat any interest rate offered today!
When we think of “giving” we immediately think of money! It seems to be a recurring theme in churches. And we often hear Paul’s words in 2 Cor 9:6-10. And yes, we should be “cheerful givers”. But it doesn’t only apply to monetary gifts.
One of the more valued gifts for me is time. I never seem to have enough for the multitude of tasks that face me each day. But when I stop and share my time with others, it is refreshing not only to them but to me as well. During my childhood growing up in a rural area, people often went “visiting” and spent time sitting with others. As a youth, I often viewed it as a waste of time. However, I have learned that it replenishes the soul to visit with loved ones. There is a closeness gained that can’t be accomplished over the phone or via texting!
And time is not the only gift we can provide. My wife is a wonderful cook that shares her delicious creations with friends and family. While the appreciation doesn’t pay for her ingredients and time, it does something much better – it warms the heart!
Why don’t you share your blessing with others today? It may be money or it could be your gifts of cooking, woodworking, or simply listening that others need today. They will be blessed and you will receive a blessing in return. And as Paul promised in the verses above, God will increase your fruits. Talk about compounded giving! What God blesses will surely beat any interest rate offered today!
