sabidoo
Number of posts : 2069 Age : 56 Localisation : Carthage, TN Registration date : 2007-04-28
| Subject: Giving? Tue Dec 30, 2008 8:20 am | |
| On Wednesday, ABC's 20/20 will air a report from John Stossel about who gives more, liberals or conservatives. The media and the powers that be would have one think it's the liberals. Well, I think we all know better than that. As a matter of fact, conservatives as a whole, make a bit less than liberals, yet give a good amount more. Makes one think, huh? Anyway, on another board I frequent, there has been some "discussion" about this last night and this morning. Of course this old fart put his 2 cents worth in. (Would yall expect me NOT to?) Wouldn't you know, right after I made my post there, I get my daily devotional from notreligion.com. Anyone care to guess what the subject for today was??????? Here is a link for the John Stossel report, followed by today's devotional. Make sure to read all the way down for my question to each of you... CLICK HERE - Quote :
- Get by Giving
Key Passage: Acts 20:13-37
Topic: Christian Living
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35, ESV)
Have you ever heard people say they were blessed more by giving a gift than the person was in receiving the gift? What does that really mean? How does it work? This idea of the giver feeling more blessed seems to go against logic. Think about it this way: Would you rather give away a million dollars, or get a million dollars? Who wouldn't want a million dollars?! Do you know how much stuff you can buy for that kind of money? So, what's this idea that "It is more blessed to give than to receive?"
Paul is quoting Jesus who wasn't talking about material things but spiritual blessedness. When we give with a willing heart, we often have a sense of God's pleasure. As a child of God, knowing God is pleased with our behavior is worth far more than any amount of money.
As for Paul, he took this concept to a whole new level. He didn't just give what he had. Rather, he worked hard to have more so he could give more. For Paul, it wasn't about having a bigger house or a faster chariot. He worked so he would have more to give to others, that he might experience the grace and favor of God.
My question to each of you (and no written answers are needed): WHAT HAVE YOU GIVEN TODAY?!?!? Your tithe to church doesn't count. That is a tithe. I'm talking about GIVING! MONEY TIME WISDOM Now, get busy!!!!! | |
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alldatndensum Admin
Number of posts : 23649 Age : 55 Localisation : Tennessee Registration date : 2007-01-30
| Subject: Re: Giving? Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:30 am | |
| - Quote :
- WHAT HAVE YOU GIVEN TODAY?!?!?
I've only been out of bed for about 15 minutes! All I have given is a good scratching to my cat! _________________ I might have decided, or maybe not, that I should or shouldn't, depending on the issue or non-issue, to possibly share or not share, any thoughts, opinions, or facts (that might not be deemed factual by some), due to possible fear of any misinterpretation or retribution. https://christianhardmusic.niceboard.com/ | |
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Just_Sue
Number of posts : 811 Age : 57 Localisation : North Carolina Registration date : 2008-04-03
| Subject: Re: Giving? Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:48 am | |
| i gave prayers. i havent been up very long, either. | |
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Staybrite
Number of posts : 23657 Age : 56 Localisation : Arizona Desert Registration date : 2007-02-08
| Subject: Re: Giving? Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:42 pm | |
| Wow, good thread. I am seriously behind on my giving today. _________________ "I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."
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