GIVE AND BE CLOSER




Good morning!
I would like to share my devotion this morning, in a moment. Do you sit down in the morning and spend time with God? Do you talk to him (pray) without ceasing? Do you study His Word? Even if just a verse or two a day. We are all busy but I guarantee that if you would do those things your days would be much better or you would have a different attitude if they are not so good. Sometimes the things that are not going so well can be handled better when you are spending time with God.

Here's the devotion:
Closer to God

Paul wrote, “If I give all I possess to the poor . . . but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)

Today's Devotional 
 
Recently we completed our church stewardship campaign. The program consisted of a series of messages, starting with the big picture of living for Christ. We then discussed how stewardship fits into a life that is pleasing to God, including the Bible’s guidance on managing money.
As stewardship chairperson, I set up a meeting with our pastor before the campaign began to discuss how we would determine the success of the campaign. I expected his response to be something along the lines of a 5% increase in total giving, or perhaps more people pledging this year than last. But when I asked the question, I was surprised at his answer. He said his view of success would be seeing people move closer to God. The more I reflected on his response, the more I realized he was right.
The widow in today’s story gave generously, and Jesus commended her for it. I honestly believe that God doesn’t care how much we give, but how we give — from the heart, joyfully, with a desire to move closer to God as an act of trust. If we are moving closer to God — in our worship, prayer, service, and witness — then our joyful, generous giving will follow as a natural expression of our thanks to God for all God gives to us.
John D. Bown (Minnesota, USA)

Thought for the Day:
Generous giving expresses our thanks to God.

Prayer: O God, teach us to give joyfully so that we move ever closer to you. Amen.

So, spend time with Him. Pray. Study. And love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. You will have better days and draw closer to God.

Have a wonderful day!

Lesbear

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