Practice Generosity—Two2Grow, June 12
Practice Generosity—Two2Grow, June 12
“Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9 (The Message)
One Christmas in my late teens, I was given some money. I was very excited and started planning to buy something I had wanted for a long time—a gas-powered R/C car.
But during New Year's, I attended a church event, and during worship I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me to give all the money to a young man who had two small children.
I don’t remember anything from the rest of the service because I wrestled with my fallen flesh over whether I really should give it away or not. Maybe I heard wrong? Or could I just give half? Finally, I decided that I had to obey God. So after the service, I walked up to him and gave him the gift.
He was deeply moved and told me that his family was in great need of money and that he had been praying for provision throughout the entire service. He praised God. The joy I felt that day was far greater than an R/C car—or anything else—could ever have given me. I decided that this is the way I want to live my life: to use my money to increase thanksgiving to God.
The Bible promises that when we are generous to others instead of holding on to things for ourselves, God will bless us in return. God is a giver, so when we give, we act more like God and open our lives more fully to the life of God.
I encourage you to practice generosity. Don’t wait until you have a lot. Some people think that once they become wealthy, they will start to give. No, start where you are. Look for opportunities to give, whether much or little. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your giving, and you will see people's lives touched by God. You will never regret it.
Father, thank You for all the good gifts You have given me. I acknowledge that You are the source of every blessing I have. Help me to practice generousity. Holy Spirit, lead me to people who need what I have. Amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
Proverbs 22:9 (The Message)
One Christmas in my late teens, I was given some money. I was very excited and started planning to buy something I had wanted for a long time—a gas-powered R/C car.
But during New Year's, I attended a church event, and during worship I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me to give all the money to a young man who had two small children.
I don’t remember anything from the rest of the service because I wrestled with my fallen flesh over whether I really should give it away or not. Maybe I heard wrong? Or could I just give half? Finally, I decided that I had to obey God. So after the service, I walked up to him and gave him the gift.
He was deeply moved and told me that his family was in great need of money and that he had been praying for provision throughout the entire service. He praised God. The joy I felt that day was far greater than an R/C car—or anything else—could ever have given me. I decided that this is the way I want to live my life: to use my money to increase thanksgiving to God.
The Bible promises that when we are generous to others instead of holding on to things for ourselves, God will bless us in return. God is a giver, so when we give, we act more like God and open our lives more fully to the life of God.
I encourage you to practice generosity. Don’t wait until you have a lot. Some people think that once they become wealthy, they will start to give. No, start where you are. Look for opportunities to give, whether much or little. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your giving, and you will see people's lives touched by God. You will never regret it.
Father, thank You for all the good gifts You have given me. I acknowledge that You are the source of every blessing I have. Help me to practice generousity. Holy Spirit, lead me to people who need what I have. Amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD