CONTAGIOUS GIVING Ken Barnes- "Where giving is initiated, a spirit of generosity abounds. (Photo courtesy of pixabay and 51581.) We often emphasized giving at our missionary training center, Youth with a Mission, in Hawaii. We sought the Lord about anything we could give to others. We did minimal discretionary spending in our early days with the mission. Several Christmas seasons passed, and our children always had a Christmas present because of the generosity of our family and friends. But we never had enough money for a gift for my wife and me. One year, near Christmas, we got a monetary gift designated for my wife and me. With my part of the money, I bought a leather briefcase I had looked at for a long time. But one time, when we emphasized giving, I felt the Lord wanted me to give it away. I argued with the Lord a bit. I made my case that It had been a couple of years since I had gotten a Christmas present. I deserved this briefcase. Finally, I felt peace about giving it away. I realized God was requesting that I give it away, not demanding it. Ancient Israel was required to give the first fruits, not the last ones. I gave my briefcase to another missionary in training. The next day, we found a thousand-dollar check clipped to our door, which we needed to bring us current with our staff fees. A month or two later, I was back on the US mainland at my brother's house. He had just purchased a new briefcase. The old one was still in his office. He asked me if I needed one and then gave it to me. It was more functional than the one I gave away. When God's people give, it releases a spirit of generosity in the heavens. Needs are met, and people get blessed by the opportunity to give and receive. God is pleased as we model His giving nature. We can never outgive God." "So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: "Men and women, don't prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!"
Exodus 36: 6 NLT What are some ways God wants you to give? (For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Father, we often emphasize giving to our missionary outreaches. Ancient Israel was required to give the first fruits, not the last ones. Our giving of our tithes and offerings need to be important to us today, as we consider the needs of those in leadership and in foreign lands, to help them serve Christ in their assignments in mission responsibilities. When Your people give, it releases a spirit of generosity in the heavens. The needs are met and people get blessed by the opportunity to give and receive. You are pleased as we model Your giving nature. It's for sure, we can never outgive You! In the name of Jesus our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Recommended reading:
#42 Quote: An Eternal Legacy (from pg. 79)
"You could have come down from the cross And spared Yourself great pain For there was nothing stopping You Yet you chose to remain.
You knew that someone had to pay The price for mankind's sin. You knew that if You turned Your back The Enemy would win.
Despite the people's jeering And defaming of Your name, You walked the road to Calvary Enduring unjust shame.
You let them nail You to the cross Without a word or sigh So we could have eternal life. . . In our place You would die.
The priceless legacy You left Is filled with love and grace . . . You primise that if we believe We'll see You face to face."
1236-1240 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-
1236- Is. 28:29a "This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts."
1237- Jer. 20:9b "His word was in mine heart."
1238- Pro. 12:15b "He that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
1239- Jer. 17:20a "Hear ye the word of the LORD."
1240- Ps. 111:6a "He hath shewed his people the power of his works."
#42 Hymn- He Is So Precious to Me
Some encouraging words-
~ As believers, we can speak in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, because of the shed blood of Jesus with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!
~ "When disagreements or differing opinions attempt to divide us, let us remember that Christ binds us. Remaining united through our shared love, identity, and mission, we create a beautiful melody: the song of Christ’s mercy, hope, and love." Emily Marszalek
Upcoming posts:
6/29th- DO NOT BE AFRAID- Kathy Stricker
7/6th- LIVE WITH EXPECTANCY- Elaine Elliott
13th- JESUS—THE TRUE PEACEMAKER- Winn Collier
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts) | 
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