Christmas giving

Christmas is a time for giving, but we think of it more as a time of getting and giving with those closest to us. Yet there are opportunities all around. That is why today I want to point out some of those ways and places where you can give.

1 John 3:17 NLT

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

We are blessed so we can bless others. Whether that is money or food or time or words of encouragement. Use what you have to serve others.

Homeless friends and those living in poverty. This time of year with the cold weather we are reminded often of the needs around us. Go to the shelter and give. Give your time to serve. Give a meal to feed the hungry. Give money to help the program continue.

Needs around the world and people are lost. People in need Jesus. Give your money so missionaries can serve, go further, meet needs and share the Gospel. We take our annual mission offering at Christmas, and we are able to be a part of taking the Gospel to the world.

There is a neighbor in need. Maybe this is a single mom or an older adult that simply has a need you can meet. Rake their leaves. Pick up groceries. Go sit on the couch and have a conversation. Go and let these special folks know that you value them.

Why is it we don’t give? Maybe it is because of our perspective. Like the verse above says we show God’s love by having compassion on others.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 NLT

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Either you have your money or your money has you. Which is it? It is meaningless to end of hoarding it all when God blessed you with it to help others and to provide for yourself.

Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. 25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Refresh others this Christmas season. Give. Share. Love. Be the hands and feet of Jesus!

Catalyst ticket arrived

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

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 ...

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....

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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