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the gift of giving

we can give without loving, but we cannot love without giving - quoted from a friend's email 

I had the honor of spending some time this morning with one of the homeless men who comes to our church.  We've had numerous of these guys come see us in the past few months.  Our clothes closet opens the door and give us many chances to witness and share as well as meet needs.  But there are very few times when I get to connect with, have true heart to heart conversations.  Today's was a huge blessing in so many ways (I'll share more later as far as some things God is doing).

One of my favorite parts of Christmas and of being a Christian is giving.  I believe that the gift of giving leads people to see the real reason for the season and our celebration.  

We have to take the opportunities.  Sometimes they are risky.  Sometimes they are just different.  But far too often we give things that mean little just because we are supposed to give a gift.  It is time, for me and I hope for you, to rethink what we give and how we give it.  (I talked about that in yesterday's devotion .)

We give through money.

2 Corinthians 8:11 (nlt) --- Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.

We give with our words.

Proverbs 10:11 (nlt) --- The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions

We give which gives us opportunities to talk about and minister for Jesus.

Proverbs 18:16 (nlt) --- Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!

When we give, we are like God.

Luke 11:13 (nlt) --- So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Fathergive the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.

Join me in enjoying the real joy of Christmas and the real meaning of Christmas (it's all about Jesus).  By being part of the gift of giving.

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