second part of verse 5
"then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given."
That one smacked me across the cheek. There are a couple of things that are in play here.
1. If you heart isn't in the right place, then you won't be ready to give it with a generous heart.
2. Like you talked about yesterday, the "righter" your heart is....the more you will be ready, and even anxious to give".
Its SO hard to let go, isn't it?
I get so wrapped up in my plans.
The other thing that I try to remember, that's along these same lines, is that when we give generously it most likely answers someones elses prayers. Part of our challenge as Christians is to bring God's kingdom to this earth....and part of that is doing his work....here, and now. If he can use me to fulfill someone's needs, and allow them to feel more connecting to him...............WOW!
that is an INCREDIBLE honor to me.
tp
now that's a great take! As I read this I naturally think of financial gifts, but then I started thinking about the gift of giving my own time and effort which I think is even harder for me to give up than money. I've had some opportunities at work that I haven't taken advantage of and now there is a Habit project at our church, I'm feeling called to sign up for at least a day for this project but too date have hesitated to make the commitment. Today's reading and your comments are making me move where I think I need to go.
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