January 31, 2016

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Freely Give

There is a wonderful movement happening in major cities across the United States called FREE ART FRIDAYS.  The idea is simple, artists "hide" artwork in a public area in their city & leave clues on social media of where to find it.  The recipient then posts their find back on social media (hopefully).  There is no financial gain from this experience.  It is possible there won't even be the satisfaction of having someone post & show their appreciation for the artwork found.  It is simply another outlet for artists to share their gifts and talents. There is a joy & excitement in giving a part of what you have been given, with no reciprocation. 


In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:  'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
Acts 20:35  

We all have gifts, talents, training, and skills that provide a living, meet needs, or gives great joy. Some of us are blessed to have all of that rolled into one.  However, we can look around our neighborhoods & communities and see that there are those not about to make a living, needs that are going unmet, and people that seem so far removed from joy.  We can be so caught up in our own world that we do not see those struggling around us.  We may be jaded from past negative experiences, and feel that people need to take care of their own issues.  We may be overwhelmed by the enormity & level of need/distress that we feel unable to make a difference.  God has not called us to solve all the problems in the world.  He has called us to be available to do His will..and to use the gifts/talents/training/skills He has given us for His glory & honor.  

All that we have is a gift from God.  He has modeled for us how to give.....because He came & gave His life on the cross for our sins.  We can't out give God!  As Him what He would have you do.  Can you cut back on eating out so that you can give to a food pantry?  Can you give up going to the movies on the weekend so you can volunteer at the homeless shelter.  Can you take family time and put it to good use helping out the refugees in your community.  How can you use your gifts & talents to help your community?  Pray about it.  Step out in faith...and JUST DO IT!!  

!IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!

PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me to see the need around me.
Help me to take my eyes off of myself...so I might see with Your eyes & Your heart.
Allow me to use the gifts & talents You have given me to glorify You.
Allow me to invite others along as we step out in faith!
May our giving be an overflow of the reality of what You have given us!
AMEN

5 comments:

  1. Freely give. I pray that is my heart as well. Thank you for sharing#

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  2. Freely give. I pray that is my heart as well. Thank you for sharing

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  3. Each Sunday's devotional has been timely for me and speaks directly to my heart. Thank you!

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  4. Great post! My kids are doing our FAF right before Valentine's Day this year, so we are calling it Free heART Friday!

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  5. Thank you for sharing! I have really enjoy reading your devotionals! God bless!

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