Christmas giving

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Ephesians 4:32 NLT

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I was talking with a local man who doesn’t attend church. One of my favorite things is talking to people about the fact that God changes lives. We shared several stories and talked about the vision of the Dream Center.

This man said something that hit me and is part of the DNA of what we do and who we are. “Giving makes me feel good.” I agree, and I bet you do too. Giving is an awesome thing we can do. Not only does it help others, but it meets a need in our lives.

That is one reason why I want to teach my kids and those I lead that it is better to give than to receive. We are more like Jesus when we are giving. We put ourselves and our wants to the side when we help others, BUT you have to check the reason you give.

Do you give just to feel good? Wrong reason. Do you give to others to make yourself look good? Wrong reason. Do you give to get a tax credit? Wrong reason. Do you give to bless others because you have been blessed? Right reason.

God gave. That means we should give. God loves us. That means we should love others. Real love gives to others without a thought of what it will get in return. I pray that this Christmas and in 2012 that we will be givers. I pray that our giving will bless people and help lives to change, beginning with you and me.

In the coming days and hours take a few minutes to see that Jesus is given the proper place in your Christmas. Enjoy the giving and getting of presents, but through it all lift up Jesus. Let others see your joy. Let God use you and me to help others find hope that last long after Christmas.

“It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.” — Richard Braunstein

Deuteronomy 15:10 NLT

Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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