7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times; having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 1 Cor 9:7-8
Over the past few weeks I have spent a lot of time on the highway; driving from city to city, over bridges and under overpasses. The one thing I have noticed lately is a lot of homeless people. In fact I was in New Orleans, LA this week and saw a family who was living under a bridge. Now, when I say family that’s exactly what I mean; Dad, Mom and two children, both under the age of 4. I couldn’t believe my eyes and my heart just broke. To think that I have so much and these people have nothing. Everything they own is in their possession. Why me God? Why did you bless me so much? We can’t you bless them? I could just feel God giving me the answer? I can bless them by using you! Well, I had already past a point where I could turn around but I did stop in Baton Rouge, LA and give a young man and women who were both homeless some money to go buy some food. They were very thankful and so was I! I don’t believe that as a Christian you have truly lived until you’ve looked into the eyes of a homeless person and offered them something. You haven’t lived until you’ve sensed God stirring you to sponsor someone to go on a mission trip, and then hear the one receiving that gift say, “I have been praying that there was a way I could go”. You haven’t lived until you’ve learned that giving is a privilege, giving is contagious, giving is fun! When you give you are pouring blessings back into the Kingdom of God!
I would like to challenge all of my readers. This weekend do something that you have never done before. Remain “Open Handed”. Give to someone in need, cut the grass for your neighbor, help and elderly women unload groceries in her car. Stop by a nursing home and bring some candy and flowers to some of the ladies. Sponsor a child through “Compassion International”. Send someone on a mission trip! You see, it’s not a chore to give; it’s an honor and joy. Try It! You’ll see!
Until Next Time,
Eric
Filed under: Daily Devotion
What a great truth!! Thanks for the reminder to always be open handed!
Great reminder…I shared this one on my blog, twitter and facebook!
That’s the truth. It’s a shame that we, the church, have closed out hands and neglected our duty; and we have let the government try to handle our responsibilty.