Faith in Action 5

James 2:14-17

In my childhood I was taught the song “The Deacon Went Down.” Some of the lyrics are,

“Oh, the deacon went down

In the cellar to pray.

He fell asleep

And he stayed all day.”

The song is a clever little commentary on pious appearances. The church person, the deacon, made a show of his piety by going in to pray. But the result was that nothing happened other than he fell asleep.

Unfortunately there are so many who think that faith begins and ends with how they look to others. We have far too many people in our churches who look good – like the deacon going to pray – but don’t live out their faith – falling asleep.

James has some strong words about living out your faith. He uses the example of a needy person confronting a faithful believer. If we as believers simply say that we want things to go well for the needy person, our heart goes out in sympathy to those who struggle, yet we do nothing then we haven’t truly lived out our faith.

All of our best intentions and holy thoughts and attitudes can be nice but they do nothing to share the love and mercy of God. When we fail to do anything about the situation the needy are in we are allowing our faith to fall asleep. James says that our faith is dead.

We must keep our faith awake. We must keep our faith alive. To do that we must put our faith into action. We must be willing to give of our time and efforts in helping those who are in need.

And when we feel that we are stretched beyond our ability, that we have given all we can and there is nothing left for us to do, we must trust that with God all things are possible. Nothing is impossible with God, and through Him we are able to give out of our poverty and enjoy the privilege of sharing with others.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you keep your faith alive and awake?

Faith in Action 4

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

So many people have the attitude and misconception that the church only wants money from those who attend. Yes, every place of worship has its share of expenses to remain functioning, but as a church leader I can say that I am not out to get everyone’s money.

What people fail to see is that THEY need to give – not for God and not necessarily for the church – but for themselves. We can claim to be faithful believers, but if we refuse to give up any of our money, time, talents or possessions aren’t we being selfish? And if we are selfish then we are not truly faithful.

To illustrate this attitude Paul relates some information about some churches in Macedonia, an area north of Greece. What situation were these people apparently experiencing? What did they do? What did they plead for?

We don’t know many details about what the Macedonian churches were going through at the time of Paul. We just know that they were going through “severe trial” and “extreme poverty.” Severe. Extreme. Were they experiencing a drought? Had they been invaded by another nation? Maybe their economy had collapsed.

No matter what the problem was these people were able to give from what little they had. It may have been money. It may have been food. Whatever it was they were able to see that even though they had very little they could still be generous to others in need.

And not only that they saw the act of giving as a privilege (see verse 4). It was a gift from God that they were able to experience the joy of giving even when they were struggling.

These people put their faith in action. They lived out their faith, and we can surmise that they were able to do this because of their strong confidence in God. They knew that with God all things were possible.

We must see that even though we feel we have very little to spare God will provide for us. When we give we must see it as a privilege, a joyous thing that we can do to honor our Lord. And as we put our faith in action we must believe that God will supply us with the ability to give.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What is your attitude in giving? Do you see it as a privilege?

Communion 2

Luke 9:16-17

The tradition of Communion can be very important to many believers. It is a holy moment in worship. It is a time when we are face to face with our Savior, a time of remembering the sacrifice Jesus has made for our salvation.

It is also a time of being one – communing – with our Lord. By taking in the bread and the wine we are symbolically taking in the very Spirit and presence of Christ. As the bread and wine becomes part of who we are we should see that we are making Jesus part of who we are.

In spite of his instruction for the disciples to feed the crowd, Jesus is the one who takes the food that has been offered and feeds the people. What did Jesus do with the loaves and fish? What did the disciples do? What was the result?

We can see the spirituality of Jesus in this act. Being a faithful child of God he offered thanks for the gifts of bread and fish. He praised God for His abundance. Then he broke the bread so that it could be eaten by the crowd.

In this moment of breaking the bread we should be reminded of what we know will later happen at the Last Supper. Jesus broke the bread and told the disciples that the bread was his body. He would be broken for all of us, broken so that we might be part of his holiness and part of God’s kingdom. He was broken so that we might commune with our Savior.

This meal with the crowd of more than 5,000 people is another time where Jesus gives himself to others. As the bread and fish were being set out for the people to take part, so Jesus was being set out for all to come and partake. Just as the meager offering of five loaves and two fish were enough to satisfy the crowd of thousands, so the simple offering of the body of Christ is enough to satisfy the needy souls of the world.

Even after all those thousands of people ate and were satisfied there was plenty left over. So it is with the Spirit of Christ. Jesus is enough to save the world. And as we join with him in leading souls to God there will be more than enough love and grace remaining when we are done.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be part of Christ’s ministry?

Communion 1

Luke 9:12-13

Many years ago I took part in an on-line Internet bulletin board where people from all around the world discussed all manner of ideas and concerns. I shared some of the comments being made with a co-worker. Hearing what was being discussed she had some opinions of her own. She started to tell me what I should say in response to some of the comments.

“Tell them . . . ,” she started to say to me. “Tell them yourself,” I said.

There are often times and occasions in our life when we have something we would like to have said or get done. And there are times when we decide it is the responsibility of others to get these things accomplished. But, in fact, it is our own responsibility to do these things.

In Luke 9 we have the familiar story of the Feeding of the 5,000. Jesus and his disciples have been seen by many people and a crowd has gathered to hear what teachings Jesus might impart. As he taught time passed and the day grew late. What did the disciples want Jesus to do? What did Jesus tell the disciples?

It is evident that the people who have followed Jesus are in need of direction in their spiritual life. They have come to listen to the great teacher. They are eager to grow in their faith.

But the demands of life enter in. The day is growing old and people are likely getting hungry. They must eat something. They need food for sustenance just as they need spiritual teaching for their souls.

The solution the disciples come up with is to send everyone away. Let them fend for themselves. But more than that, they want Jesus to be the one who sends them off.

But Jesus tells the disciples that they, the disciples, should give this crowd something to eat. They need to get to work.

Like the disciples, we may see the need that other people have in their lives. They need hope and love. They need spiritual nourishment. And like the disciples we may think that it is the responsibility of others to handle the problem. But Jesus is speaking to us as well. “You give them something.”

Each of us as Christians is responsible for feeding the hungry souls of the lost. Each of us is responsible for being about the work of God’s kingdom.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you give to someone in need?

God Gives Gifts 5

Matthew 7:9-11

Our children are old enough that when it comes time for Christmas and birthdays we simply ask them what they want so that we can buy it for them. There are times, in fact, when they go with us so they can guide our selection. It may remove all the surprise and some of the thrill of giving gifts, but it allows us to give them what they want without error.

As part of “The Sermon on the Mount” Jesus talks about giving gifts. What does he say about our ability to give what is correct and good? What examples does he use? What does this show us about God?

It doesn’t take a genius to give a nice gift to someone. If a person asks you for bread, you give them bread. If they want chicken for dinner, you give them chicken. If your child wants a new MP3 player you DO NOT give them a transistor radio instead.

Jesus points out the obvious. We, as humans and mortals, are smart enough and caring enough to give those we care for those things they desire. The only exception to this is that we would not give a gift that may cause harm to the one we love.

If we are able to give good gifts, then we should be able to realize that God – who is able to love more than we can love, who is wiser than we are – will give truly good gifts.

What’s the catch? Well, Jesus uses the words “good gifts.” The gifts we receive from God may not be exactly what we want because God knows what is best for us. We must trust that God is able to give good gifts to us. We must see that what we receive from God is good.

Second, Jesus concludes this teaching with the words “those who ask him.” If we desire good gifts from God we should be so bold as to ask God for them. Our motivation, however, should be that we trust God in His goodness and we desire those things that are beneficial to the kingdom of God and not just those things we desire with a selfish attitude.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What good gift will you ask God for?

God Gives Gifts 3

Psalm 139:5-6

In the delivery room when each of our children was born I was there to give support and comfort to my wife. She did all the work of labor, but I tried as best I could to be a help. Feeling that I had been fairly useless through the whole experience, she told me that I indeed was a help because I held her hand through the deliveries.

Holding another’s hand is one way to offer support and comfort. Our fears and worries may be eased when we are made aware of the presence of another.

What does the psalmist say of God’s presence? How has God shown His presence? What does the psalmist acknowledge of God’s greatness?

We can speak often about the presence of God. We can claim that we believe that God is present in all things, that He watches over us. But God’s presence needs to be real to us as believers.

The grace and mercy of God must be more than a lofty idea or a vague concept. We must believe completely in God’s presence and His mercy.

The psalmist claims that God is in front of him and behind him. God is everywhere. He also adds that God has laid his hand on the psalmist.

God’s presence is real. Through that presence and through that touch of the Lord we can be assured that God desires good things for us.

God lays His hand on us through the many blessings we may experience in life. All the good things that we have, all the comforts and pleasures we experience are a reminder that God is with us to give us these blessings.

We cannot comprehend the vast scope of God’s wisdom and His thoughts. Such knowledge and awareness is too great for us. But we can see a small glimpse of the goodness of God when we know in our hearts that He has laid His hand on us. He is there to protect us, to watch over us, to teach us, and to fill our lives with wonderful gifts of love.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be reminded of God’s many gifts in your life?

God Gives Gifts 2

1 Samuel 2:7-9

While I was preparing for a funeral with a family recently one of the members commented on how difficult it was to face a loss. He observed that as a pastor I must take part in funerals frequently, and then he turned to me and asked, “How do you do it?”

I gave him my honest answer. I know that God is in control of all things. I trust in God. We will face loss and grief now and then, but ultimately the Lord is in control and He surrounds us with His love.

Hannah, thought to be barren and unable to have children, has given birth to her son Samuel. As promised, she has given the child over to the temple, specifically the high priest Eli, so that he might serve God.

In a prayer offered to God Hannah puts her situation in perspective. What are all the things God does for people?

It is said that happiness comes in our lives, not when we have all that we want, but when we appreciate all that we have. We may possess many great and wonderful things. Our lives may be full of riches, expensive items, clothes, furniture, cars, and on and on.

Our lives may also feel empty. We may feel that we have very little in way of material possessions. We may lack the type of home or clothing or comforts that others have.

What we must do is realize that all things come from God. He is the One who is able to lift us up or bring us low. He is in control of all the earth.

Although we may not always recognize the vast riches we have we should see that our lives are filled with great gifts from God. Hannah desired a son, not simply for selfish contentment, but so that she might feel that she was complete. God gave her that son, and she was then able to give her son back to God as one of his priests.

We may ask God for many things. We may ask for the contentment we are missing. But like Hannah, we must know that all things come from God and therefore belong to God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember that all you have really belongs to God?

God Gives Gifts 1

1 Samuel 1:10-20

In 1 Samuel we see the beginning of the life of the prophet and priest Samuel. His mother is Hannah, a woman who has been barren – unable to have children – for many years. Another wife to her husband has been blessed by God and has given birth to several children, a fact which torments Hannah.

What is Hannah’s state of mind? What does she ask for? What does she promise? What blessing does Eli give?

Some may interpret this story as an indication that we can receive whatever we ask for from God, but I do not believe it is as simple as that. We can find ourselves in the same position that Hannah was in. We may feel that we need this thing or that to make us feel complete and whole. In our desperate state we may turn to the Lord and ask that He give us those things that we need.

Some may feel uncomfortable asking God for such gifts, but the Lord understands what we need. He knows the thoughts of our minds and the desires of our heart. If what we desire is something that will be good for us and something we can use to help serve and glorify the Lord then it is likely that we will be granted that which we seek.

Hannah did not ask for great wealth or things that satisfy selfish desires. Rather she wanted something simple and reasonable, a child which would make her feel complete, a child who could serve the Lord.

When he first saw her Eli did not understand the motivation and desire of Hannah. But she pointed out what it was she was praying for and the priest offered a blessing that God would grant her desire.

Others may not understand what it is that troubles our souls. But the Lord knows our desires and our motivation. I believe that if what we want is for the good of life and the good of God’s kingdom we are free to ask for those things. I believe God desires that we have lives that are full and rich with blessings, and I believe we are welcome to ask for what we need.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What do you need in your life? Is it something that can help to serve God?

Submit 5

1 Kings 17:16

From time to time our church will hold a dinner for all the members, and I know every time we do there are some people who have forgotten about the dinner or they just didn’t know we were having one. Unfortunately those people will not always stay and take part in the dinner because they haven’t contributed.

This is a shame because there is always enough food for everyone and they miss out on the blessings of fellowship. I have yet to see a church dinner where we ran out of food. Those who don’t take part don’t always trust that there will be enough food.

We can face the same doubts when we look at giving to our church. It is not easy to give away a portion of your money as soon as you are paid. You must trust that you will be able to cover all your upcoming expenses with what is left over.

Remember the story of Elijah and the widow? Elijah had asked the widow to give to God first by providing for his needs before she took care of herself. Even though she had only enough oil and flour for two meals, what happened when she submitted to God? How did this happen?

The widow took a big risk in giving away what she had. She submitted to God and took care of Elijah first. When she did that she was blessed by God. The oil and the flour did not run out as she expected. Instead there was food every day for Elijah and the widow and her son (1 Kings 17:15).

We are called on to take risks in our faith. We are called on to submit to God and be obedient to Him. We are called on to offer gifts to God first before taking care of our own needs.

When we do this we will be blessed by God. God will make certain we have what we need to get by. And when we submit to God we get to take part in His abundant blessings.

As we consider our gifts to the church and the kingdom of God we must confront our fears and doubts by remembering what happened to the widow who served Elijah. The flour was not used up and the oil did not run dry.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Are you willing to submit to God and trust in His blessings?

Submit 4

2 Corinthians 9:7

Over the years I have been blessed with many gifts. Some have been expensive gifts – like a nice leather coat. Others were inexpensive – like a small tray big enough to hold a glass of milk and a few cookies. But I treasure them all.

The reason I treasure them is because of the truth of the old saying, “It isn’t the gift but the thought that counts.” These gifts are important to me because someone I love cared enough about me to give me the gift.

When we consider our relationship with God and we look at how we can submit to God we may wonder how we should express our commitment to God through financial gifts. In the second letter to the church at Corinth Paul addresses the attitude we should have. How much should we give? What should our attitude be? Why?

When giving to the church we may be intimidated by the people who have the financial ability to be extremely generous. Those who have the means to fund big projects, to finance major renovations, or simply present a fat check can make us feel that our gift is not valuable. On the other hand we may look down on those who are not able to give as much as we do, people who are struggling to make ends meet or who have jobs with a lower income.

But it is not the amount of money that is given that is important. What is important is that we first determine how much we are willing to give, and then give it faithfully and joyfully.

No matter what our financial means may be – a little or a lot – we are called on to express our submission to God, our faithfulness to God through tangible contributions. Whatever the dollar amount given it should be a genuine expression of our gratitude and trust in God.

Whatever the size of the gift, whatever the sacrifice you are willing to make, it is a measure of our faith and submission to God. Our gifts should be offered cheerfully and willingly.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be sure to give cheerfully?

Submit 3

Malachi 3:10

One of my favorite comedy routines is from Mitch Hedberg (now deceased). He talked about buying a donut and having the clerk try to give him a receipt. He said that he couldn’t imagine the circumstances in which he would need to prove to someone that he owned the donut.

There are many things in life that we may approach with doubts and skepticism, things for which we may want a guarantee, and often chief among them is anything to do with money. We are often of the belief that we should not test God. We should not make God prove His existence or His love. Yet this passage in Malachi has an invitation from God to do just that.

What does God ask for? What is the purpose? What will we receive if we give to God?

Many people may not be familiar with the concept of the “tithe.” Simply, a tithe is a gift to God of ten percent. We are called by God in the Old Testament to give God ten percent of what we have received. If we are paid $10,000 we should give one tenth to God - $1,000.

Some will point out that this is an Old Testament requirement and that we don’t obey all the rules of the Old Testament. This is true, but many faithful believers still adhere to this command from God. I offer a tithe because I feel in my heart that I should, and it makes the math so much simpler in my giving.

Whether we give a full ten percent or not we are called to make offerings to God and God’s work (the church) from our finances. No matter how much or how little our giving is there will be times when we may feel uncomfortable sacrificing some of our money. Giving up even a small amount of our income can bring about fears and doubts.

But God challenges us to make Him prove Himself. If we will have the faith to give God a portion of our money God will respond with extreme blessings. In God’s own words the blessings will be so abundant that we will not have room for it all. This is an invitation from God. We are challenged to find the proof of God’s faith. The question is, do we have the faith to give to God?

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you make God prove His faithfulness and pour out blessings on you?

Submit 2

2 Corinthians 8:4-5

Most are familiar with the expression that there is “too much month left at the end of the money.” Almost everyone feels the need to have more income, more financial reserve, more ability to take care of bills and expenses in life. When confronted with all of our financial obligations we are easily convinced that there is absolutely no money to spare for anyone else.

In this second letter to the church at Corinth Paul makes reference to the giving of believers in Macedonia. The people in the Macedonian church were impoverished. They apparently had very little money available to them. What did the Macedonian believers want to do? How did they surprise Paul? Who did they give to first?

The giving spirit of the Macedonian church is an example to all believers. These people who had very little money for their own needs were still eager to share what little they had. They wanted to support ministry. They wanted to financially help others in need, to fund outreach efforts that helped others. They not only pleaded for the opportunity, they pleaded urgently to be able to share.

In spite of their poverty they were able to impress Paul with their generosity. They gave willingly and did not begrudge anyone who would benefit from it.

But it is also important to note how they gave. Paul says they gave to God first and then to those doing ministry. Like the widow who served Elijah the gifts given out of extreme poverty were first given to God. God was put before everything else, and we can imagine that this church was richly blessed.

We each may claim that we don’t have enough money to do anything that would help anyone else. We can fall into that fear that if we give away anything we will be depriving ourselves of necessities. But if we give anything out of our finances and we give it to God first and foremost, we will be blessed by God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you give to God first and trust that the rest of your money will be enough?

Give 5

Matthew 25:35-36

Several years ago I received a call from an elderly woman who was struggling with her health, as was her husband. In addition to their health issues the couple was financially strapped, living in a small apartment with very few belongings. For Christmas she wanted only to be able to provide a nice holiday meal for her husband and family.

When the request was made known the church responded with an abundance of food and cookware. I was the one who was fortunate enough to deliver the donations. I was the one blessed to see the grateful expressions and the excitement the woman felt.

In this holiday season as we celebrate the story of Christ’s birth, we take a moment to look at one of the lessons Jesus taught. He told of his return and how he would reward those who followed his teaching. What needs are listed? What responses are given?

The generosity presented in this lesson from Jesus does not involve an abundance of money spent. Food, drink, fellowship, and compassion are the gifts we can give to those in need.

At Christmas we can get very caught up in the exchange of presents. We can be consumed with the amount and value of the many gifts. While it is important to spend time together as a family and to share times of love and togetherness, we must never forget that our giving should also extend beyond our own families.

As we go through this season of celebration, of sharing love and generosity, let us remember to share God’s love and compassion with those less fortunate than ourselves. As we consider what gifts we may want to buy for our loved ones, we should also set aside money and time to give gifts to the needy.

By sharing your abundance with those less fortunate you will be living out the true gift and spirit of Christmas, an attitude of selfless giving and compassion.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Is there someone in your community who needs your time and a small bit of sacrifice on your part?

Give 4

John 1:1-3

There are times when I must remind our children that doing chores and helping out around the house are simply part of the expectations of being in the family. Being helpful is not a one-time opportunity that is rewarded and then abandoned. Now and then one of the children will ask what they will get if they do this job or that. I tell them they get to live in our house another month.

While Christmas is a celebration of exchanging gifts, giving and receiving presents, and while the day is a reminder of the greatest gift of all, that of our Savior Jesus, we are also reminded of other gifts from God. Where did the “Word” begin? What did the “Word” take part in?

The Greek term for “Word” is Logos. It represents the consciousness and will of God. Logos is intended to be Jesus; therefore, the “Word” is Jesus.

In this holiday season as we hear the story over and over about Mary and Joseph and the little baby born in Bethlehem, we can overlook the fact that the baby we are talking about did not originate in that small town. The baby that came as a gift to humanity was God, eternal and beyond all time.

With the birth of the human, Jesus, God Himself came to earth to live among mortals. God Himself appeared in flesh in the form of Jesus. And while this is the greatest gift of all time, the gift of extreme love and mercy and forgiveness, we cannot overlook the fact that all of creation is a gift from God.

Through Jesus and the power of God all things have been made. God created heaven and earth. God created each one of us. And all of this creation is a gift from God, an expression of love and compassion, a love that has existed before we were born.

Christmas should not be a time when we give presents and then we are done with the task. The giving spirit, the willingness to share, the desire to give good things to others should be something that is in our hearts at all times. The “spirit” of Christmas, the spirit of giving, should be with us always.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you keep the Christmas spirit as part of what you do every day of the year?

Give 3

Isaiah 9:6-7

Last year we gave our daughter a Nintendo DS. It is a hand-held game device, something she can carry with her almost everywhere and play games. At first it may appear to be one of those devices which foster being isolated and alone. She can be entertained all by herself.

But one interesting part of the game device is that most of the games can be shared with others who also have a Nintendo DS. If someone else has a device and the same game the game can be shared. One of the games she was given is also a game that others can play when our daughter isn’t using the DS.

Because of that Peggy and our son have been involved in the game, and their involvement has fostered times of sharing and talking.

From this small game device that seems like an isolated object, sharing and fun has spread and spread and spread over time.

The prophet Isaiah had predicted the coming of the Messiah, presenting a message of hope and anticipation to the faithful. What gift was expected? What are the titles given to Jesus? What was expected of Jesus?

The baby prophesied in Isaiah was not a person who would appear briefly and then be lost over time. This Messiah who was anticipated would become a great and powerful influence. The baby born in Bethlehem would grow to be the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace for all who believe. He was the Mighty God who would become a very part of who we are.

The gift of Jesus was an everlasting gift, not something temporary. The gift of a Savior would impact all of life and all who believed from that time on into eternity.

The gift we celebrate at Christmas is not a gift just for one day or one year or even one lifetime. The gift of Christ is a gift for all time. And the gift of God’s love is not a gift we selfishly cling to. It is a gift of love and peace that has no end, a gift to be shared with all.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to be part of the increase of Christ’s government and peace?

Give 2

Matthew 1:22-23

Some of the best gifts we have given our children in the past and still today are those gifts we call “family gifts.” These are presents that are not to a specific individual, but are meant to be shared by all of us. Gifts such as games and decorations are meant to involve all of us, requiring that we enjoy them together. The present that is given is more than just the item, it is also the gift of shared time together.

Continuing in Matthew we see an explanation of what the angel was telling Joseph about the baby who would be born. Why would this birth take place? What was the prophecy? What does “Immanuel” mean?

It is difficult for me to get through the Christmas season without tears in my eyes every time I read Matthew 1:23. God with us. The gift of Jesus is the gift of God being present with us, and not just 2,000 years ago and not just in Israel.

The gift of Jesus is the gift of God’s presence with each one of us every day no matter where we are or what we are doing. What an incredible and personal gift that is.

It seems so often that presents exchanged at the holidays are an attempt to satisfy the recipient, to make them happy if only for a brief time, and then send them on their way. But the gift that started the whole Christmas tradition, the whole Christmas celebration, was a gift that lasted forever. It was a gift of presence that cannot be taken away.

As we give presents this year we need to remember to also give our presence. Give of yourself, give of your time, give your attention. Don’t let the rush and chaos of the celebration steal the love that is meant to be shared.

Let every present you give be accompanied with the gift of your attention and honest feelings. Let the greatest gift you give be a gift of love and caring for those you know and those you don’t.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you add to your gift list? Can you add the gift of your time together with loved ones? Can you give a gift of love to strangers?

Give 1

Matthew 1:20-21

Another pastor once shared with me that the most awe-inspiring idea of Christmas is the manifestation of Jesus. The fact that God became flesh, became a human so that He might live among us and among other humans, is the most incredible part of Christmas.

We can get so caught up in the presents of Christmas that we forget about the “presence” we have with Christmas. Christmas is that celebration of the presence of God in our lives.

We are familiar with the beginning of the story of Christmas. Joseph, a carpenter, is engaged to be married to a young woman named Mary. But suddenly it is discovered that Mary is with child and Joseph is not the father. Disturbed and probably embarrassed, Joseph decides to end the relationship.

Who appears to Joseph? What assurance is given? What name is to be given?

The name “Jesus” that we use is the Greek version of “Joshua.” In Hebrew it is “Yeshua,” and the name has as its meaning “the Lord saves.”

This child was born of the Holy Spirit. This child was God in flesh, come to the world so that the world might be saved from hopelessness and sorrow, from the worries and fears of a life of sin.

Jesus was a gift from God and of God. It was a very personal and meaningful gift. It was precisely what we all needed and still need today.

Our giving of gifts is just a faint shadow of the generosity of God. We cannot duplicate a gift as wonderful as Jesus, but our presents that we exchange at Christmas should be a closer reflection of the gift of God. Our gifts should be just what the recipient wants and needs. Our gifts should be from our hearts and possibly be from ourselves and not just something costly we purchased.

As we look at Christmas in a new way, let the thought of giving meaningful gifts, heartfelt gifts, personal gifts be your guide.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Do you need to re-think what you will give to others this year?

Fellowship 5

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

I have never really cared for gift exchanges at work. I don’t like having to buy a present for someone I don’t know that well, especially a gift that is usually at a dollar value set fairly low. What can you get someone for $5 now days?

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I also don’t like getting gifts from co-workers in these gift exchanges. After all, they are simply giving a gift under the dollar limit, a present to a stranger, a gift that is pretty much impersonal and pointless. “I got everyone a coffee mug!”

Our gifts need to come from our heart. Our presents need to be offered with love. What we give God should be presented with a willing heart and true desire to honor Him.

Still addressing the church in Corinth, Paul has more to say about giving. What does he say about sowing and reaping? What is God’s attitude?

We have learned to trust in God and rely completely on Him. It is my desire to tithe to God. Therefore, my family and I contribute 10 percent to the church every pay period, and often exceed this amount through incidental offerings throughout the weeks. I have decided in my heart this is what needs to be given, and I give it willingly and not under compulsion.

Others do not feel they can spare 10 percent. Because of uncertain incomes presenting a tithe is not always practical to many people. Is that okay?

In many ways, yes, it is okay to give to God whatever you choose. Others may insist that anything less than a tithe is a sin, but this passage deals less with amounts and more with attitudes (My whole theology and faith centers more on attitude than anything else).

It is up to each of us how much we give to God. Our offerings to God should not be like those given at office gift exchanges. Our offerings to God should be given with a cheerful heart. If we choose to give sparingly, to sow sparingly, to do only a little for God, then we will reap sparingly. Our blessings will be small.

When we give in faith and we give generously – and also with a heart and attitude of devotion and love – we will be reap abundantly. The windows of heaven will be opened to cover us in blessings.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Be honest – what is your attitude in giving? Are you faithful enough to take a risk and give more?

Fellowship 1

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

The other day I had to have quick and cheap lunch. Since I didn't pack, that meant that McDonald's drivethrough would have to do. (Yeah, how am I going to continue to lose weight eating a hamburger????)

While at the drive through I felt really strongly that I should pay for the person's meal behind me. I've thought of doing this before, but I'm always afraid that I'll offer and then the order will be for a whole office or something and be $50! But I asked and the lady at the window told me the amount. It was about the same as my lunch and I had a $20 so I bought her lunch. The woman at the window asked me if I knew the woman behind me or something. When I told her that I didn't but just wanted to brighten her day, I think she thought I was nuts.

I have no idea how my gift was received. I drove away and I'll never know whether that woman behind me was shocked, happy, angry or whatever. But it was fun for me!

Today's scripture reading is Paul referring to the giving of the Macedonia church. If you read Romans 15:26 you will find out who they were giving to. They were not building a place to worship, nor were they supporting local beggars. They weren't even collecting for their own widows and orphans. Instead, they were giving to their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. Folks that they likely had never nor would never meet in their lives.

They gave because they had submitted themselves to God. They gave not from riches but from poverty themselves--and (I love this part!) they begged for the chance to give. I wonder if any pastor has ever had the congregation beg to take up an offering???

Just as I was excited to share the little I had with the woman behind me, they were excited to give what they could to support the work of God through others that they surprised even Paul and his fellow missionaries.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Ask God how you can be more like the church in Macedonia. Perhaps you are not able to give from wealth, but let them be an example to you to give yourself first to God and then to support the work of others!