Giving...It's not all about Money

Giving appears on the surface to be sharing possessions, wealth, income, and the like. More important, giving is sharing self. Giving is a most remarkable concept, originating in the heart of a giving God, a God who pours forth more blessings on his people than we can ever deserve or expect. The gift of life, the gift of love, the gift of salvation, the gift of eternity in heaven---all of these are priceless. The possessions we have are generally a tangible result of what we have invested in time and energy and talent. But who we are---our character---is always a direct result of what we have invested of ourselves with God and others. And one of the great and unique promises of the Bible is that the more we give, the more we receive---not necessarily in material possessions, but in spiritual and eternal rewards.

Why should we give?

Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do…I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! We should give because God commands it. While we should never give just to get something in return (for that violates giving as an act of love.), god does promise bountiful blessing for those who obey this command.

Two principles are expressed in this passage. First of all, giving is actually an expression of love---we give because we love. Second, you can’t out give God! The more you give to Him, the more blessing you will receive. We give because we love someone and want to share ourselves and what we have. The dynamic that follows is that the object of our love---God, in this case---will respond to our giving with even more giving in return. So the contest has begun. Two people who love each other are joyfully trying to out give one another. Try this principle in your relationships---marriage, parenthood, friendships---and see how those relationships are revolutionized. Most important, try it with God.

You can receive a fresh anointed daily devotion just like this one every day by simply going to www.prayerclothminitries.com and sign up for daily devotion. (Thank you Bill and Betty Deyoung for this wonderful ministry)

Pastor Ray

"Quitting Is Not An Option"

If you know me at all you know that I am very competitive by nature. Regardless of the task I am determined to not only hold out to the end, but I strive to win and "Quitting is not an Option". My recent lifestyle change (diet and exercise) has caused me to get that statement not only in my mind but also in my spirit.

It is unfortunate that we often confuse I'll try, with I am determined. Don't confuse the two, there is a huge difference between those two thoughts and some times with grave consequences. If you are to experience success in any area of life you must determine "Quitting is not an Option".

Every area of life will be faced with some element of adversity and at times even conflict, but we must determine "Quitting is not an Option".

Adversity may come:

• In a spiritual dynamic
• In our emotions
• In our finances
  
• In our relationships
• In our families

However, "Quitting is not an Option"...

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (NKJV)

As difficult as it may be, there are times we must establish the mark and simply press on!!!

Pastor Ray